Valery D. Adzhiev, PhD

Senior Researcher, the National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University, UK.

Background Data

Dr. Valery Adzhiev is presently a senior research fellow in the National Centre for Computer Animation, Bournemouth University, UK. He took his PhD in Computer Science in 1992 from Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI) where till September 2000 he held a position of an Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science and lectured a number of courses including Computer Graphics and Software Engineering. Before, in 1985-92, he was with the Computer Centre, Flight Research Institute (Zhukovsky, Moscow Region) working for aviation and space industry as a software engineer and a manager of mission-critical projects with main focus on flight-test data processing and visualization (in particular, he was engaged in creating innovatory software for "Buran" - Russian "shuttle" spaceship). In 1993, he was awarded with the Royal Society Postdoctoral Fellowship and spent a year at the University of Warwick (Coventry, England) working in Empirical Modelling Research Group. Another year (July 1998 - July 1999), he worked as a Visiting Researcher at the Shape Modeling Laboratory, the University of Aizu, Japan. While being in Moscow in 1990-s, he was also associated with Analyze Group - a small consulting company working in a field of business modeling and simulation. In Russia, Dr. Adzhiev is also known as a computer journalist and as an editor; he is a member of Editorial Board of "Open Systems Journal " - a leading Russian journal for computer professionals in which he has published a series of papers on problems of modern software engineering.

Research/Educational Interests

Functionally-based Shape Modeling
Geometric and Topological Representations of Heterogeneous Solid and HyperVolume Objects
Computer Animation
Languages and Interfaces for Geometric Modeling and Animation
Computer Art
"Empirical" Modeling of Intelligent Systems with Behaviour
Object-Oriented and Agent-Oriented Modeling
Software Engineering

Research Statement

Background.

The Function Representation was introduced as a uniform representation of multidimensional geometric objects. FRep can be considered as a combination and generalization of implicit surfaces, constructive solids, swept objects and volumetric objects. More general Hypervolume model has been recently introduced which allows for modeling multidimensional point sets with multiple attributes thus representing both the object’s geometry and the object’s properties (material, photometric, physical, etc.). This modeling approach is general enough to cover objects in solid modeling, heterogeneous objects modeling, volumetric graphics and CAD. To develop the original algorithms and tools, the HyperFun Project as an international Free Software Project on Functionally Based Shape Modeling, Visualization and Animation has been established. HyperFun Team is an informal and freely associated group of researchers and students from France, Japan, Russia, UK and other countries working on different aspects of HyperFun Project. Personally, I presently have the following main research and development interests:

Development of novel geometric and topological representations for solid, volume, and hypervolume modeling

In particular, devising a theoretical topology-based framework (relying upon CW-complexes) for cellular-functional modeling. This framework is based on a hybrid model of hypervolumes combining a cellular representation and a constructive representation using real-valued functions. Such a model allows for independent but unifying representation of geometry and attributes and makes it possible to represent dimensionally non-homogeneous entities and their cellular decompositions. There can be the following steps:

further development of the notion of "implicit complex" (which is a cellular complex with function-based cells initially introduced in our ACM Solid Modeling 2002 paper) and methods of defining lower (1D, 2D,...) dimensional cells;
developing cellular based modeling methods based on homotopy and with an emphasis on defining and preserving homotopy invariants to build a theoretical basis for valid models;
detailed consideration of operations and relations over cellular and cellular-functional objects along with algorithms and data structures for their implementation;
- exploring conversion from a functional model to a cellular one including manifold surface mesh generation and optimization with sharp features extraction and more general cell complex ("non-manifold mesh") generation and processing;
consideration of case studies and applications for multidimensional and dimensionally heterogeneous objects with attributes represented through complexes in physical modeling, geology, rapid prototyping, medicine and animation..

Collaborators: Dr. Elena Kartasheva (Institute for Mathematical Modeling, Russian Academy of Science), Prof. Peter Comninos (NCCA, Bournemouth University, UK), Prof. Alexander Pasko (Hosei University, Japan), Dr. Benjamin Schmitt (Digital Media Professionals, Japan).

Languages and Interfaces for Geometric Modeling and Animation

This clause is concerned with developing specific means both for end users (who need languages and interfaces to work on defining and modifying their models) and for tool developers (who need convenient APIs). HyperFun is a specialized high-level language, which allows for a parametrised description of functionally-based multidimensional geometric shapes with attributes. The language’s expressive power is greatly increased by an availability of the FRep library containing functions implementing the most common primitives and transformations of quite a broad spectrum. Application software can deal with HyperFun models through using either a built-in interpreter (implemented as a small set of functions in ANSI C constituting the API for developers) or HyperFun-to-C/HyperFun-to-Java compilers and utilities. Being a principal designer of the language and its implementor (along with some my students), I am now planning the following advances:

devising a special language and interface means for cellular-functional modeling (including interface for an interactive work on creating/modifying tree structures serving as geometry’s and attributes’ underlying representations);
introducing special animation means both on the language syntax level and through FRep library functions to deal with dynamic (time-dependent) models;
developing unifying HyperFun description for hypervolumes including devising and implementation FRep library functions dealing with specific attributes;
introducing language means and library functions allowing for shape modeling based on evolutionary principles (using genetic optimization and genetic programming);
advancing "mapping geometric/attribute coordinates to so-called multimedia coordinates" concept (introduced in our MMM'99 paper) to make it possible to establish a correspondence between an abstract hypervolume object and a "real" multimedia object (with possible synthesis of color, sound and dynamic entities) thus allowing for extended interpretation of the multidimensional model involving more human senses;
devising an interactive environment that can integrate all the present separate tools.

Collaborators: Prof. Peter Comninos (NCCA, Bournemouth University, UK), Prof. Alexander Pasko (Hosei University, Japan), Mr. Pierre-Alain Fayolle (PhD student, Aizu University, Japan).

Computer Art

Functionally based modeling of geometric shapes with attributes has a great potential for artistic applications. For instance, in 1999 our team (A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, E. Fausett) has produced animation "Homotopic Fun in 5D space" which was awarded a prize at Dream Centenary CG Grand Prix 99 held in Japan. This prestigious international contest has attracted more than 500 submissions from 25 countries (Oscar winner of 1999, animation "Bunny" has won the Grand Prix). Our animation was also shown at Eurographics'99 Audiovisual and Multimedia Show (Milano, Italy, September, 1999).

I am currently involved into Augmented Sculpture Project concerned with the creation and modification of digital models based on abstract sculptures by well-known Russian artist Igor Seleznev. The main objective is to develop some original methods and tools based on FRep which aim at aiding artistically inclined users in the creative process of sculpting and carving. Another objective is to create an actual art installation. There are following stages in the Project that is currently in progress:

creating models of pre-existing physical sculptures in Hyperfun (some of them are defined directly in HyperFun language, others - by using 3D scanner with subsequent shape reconstruction and generating HyperFun description);
rendering the shapes using HyperFun tools exploring applying different materials and textures;
animating a sculpture with an internal propensity to dynamics;
generating new shapes through a number of different metamorphosis operations applied to a few initial sculptures as basic shapes;
generating animation in multidimensional "metamorphosis space";
- creating FRep Sculpture Garden which is a time-dependent scene composed of multiple shapes represented as volumes where a user can navigate on-line. It is possible for the user to interactively edit, by using a virtual carving tool on the fly, the objects populating this environment as well as processes that metamorphose these objects over time;
- producing physical versions of the created virtual sculptures using rapid prototyping machines thus closing the loop bringing new computer artefacts into physical existence;
- creating an art installation in the form of a physical/virtual sculpture based augmented reality which embraces all the features described above and allows for an interactive participation of the observer.

Collaborators: Mr. Igor Seleznev (artist, Moscow, Russia), Prof. Peter Comninos (NCCA, Bournemouth University, UK), Dr. Maxim Kazakov (Digital Media Professionals, Japan), Prof. Alexander Pasko (Hosei University, Japan).

Integration of Functionally-based Shape Modelling and Empirical Modelling

I have been involved into the Empirical Modeling (EM) Project since my work as a Royal Society research fellow in the University of Warwick, UK. EM is founded on a set of specific principles for modeling on computer systems in such a way that models remain open to change at all times. EM also concerns the analysis of models with respect to agents who can observe them, take part in collaborative interaction with and have protocols to change the models. Key components of the model representation are observables (values) and the causal dependency relationships that exist between them. EM can provide a proper paradigm for an interactive exploring functionally-based geometric shapes, especially in the context of behavioral and Web-based modeling. There are following plans:

participation in development of EmpiricalHyperFun which is a script language (designed and implemented by R. Cartwright) integrating HyperFun and JAM2 (a script notation allowing for on-the-fly building classes of shape, compiling them and controlling their realization). The language can be in the core of shape modeling system providing users with an unusual degree of mutual interaction through the Web;
revisiting HyperJuzz language (introduced in our CSG'96 paper) which is an object-oriented notation intended to give the user a very flexible means for changing his/her geometric model on-the-fly: in particular, it allows for re-definition of any functional expression both on the level of classes and object instances with subsequent indivisible propagation of the change through all dependencies;
further development of LSD-engine (implemented by A. Rykhlinski with a participation of R. Korovyatski but frozen for the time being) - an interactive tool for Empirical Modeling with a built-in agent-oriented "LSD language" with means for coordination of concurrent agents’ actions. LSD-engine is suitable for rapid prototyping of behavioral simulation and can be especially useful at the early stages of model development. It includes a graphic subsystem, which has a potential for realization of shape modeling with behaviour (e.g., simulation of growth of a biological cells colony).

Collaborators: Dr. Meurig Beynon (University of Warwick, UK), Dr. Richard Cartwright (BBC Research and Development, UK).

Refereed Papers in International Journals

R. Cartwright, V. Adzhiev, A. Pasko, Y. Goto, T. Kunii, "Web-based Shape Modeling with HyperFun", IEEE Computer Graphics & Applications, 2005, Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 60-69.

V. Adzhiev, P. Comninos, M. Kazakov, A. Pasko, “Functionally-based Augmented Sculpting”, Computer Animation and Virtual Worlds Journal, 2005, Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 25-40.

E. Kartasheva, V.Adzhiev, A. Pasko, O. Fryazinov, V. Gasilov, “Surface and Volume Discretization of Functionally-based Heterogeneous Objects”, Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, Transactions of the ASME, Vol. 3, No. 4, 2003, pp. 285-294. Electronic version: PDF (1.17 Mb)
V. Adzhiev, P. Comninos, A. Pasko, “Augmented Sculpture: Computer Ghosts of Physical Artefacts”, Leonardo journal, MIT Press, Vol.36, No.3, 2003, pp.211-219. Electronic version: PDF (890K)
V.Adzhiev, E. Kartasheva, T. Kunii, A. Pasko, B. Schmitt, “Hybrid Cellular-functional Modeling of Heterogeneous Objects”, Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, Transactions of the ASME, Vol. 2, No. 4, 2002, pp. 312-322. Electronic version: PDF (814 K)
A. Pasko, V.Adzhiev, B. Schmitt, C. Schlick, "Constructive Hypervolume Modelling", Graphical Models, a special issue on volume modeling, Academic Press, Vol. 63, No. 6, 2001, pp. 413-442. Electronic version: PDF (1.69 Mb)
B. Schmitt, A. Pasko, V.Adzhiev, C. Schlick, "Constructive Texturing based on Hypervolume Modeling", Journal of Visualization and Computer Animation, John Wiley & Sons, Vol. 12, No. 5, 2001, pp. 297-310. Electronic version: PDF (930K)
V.Adzhiev, M. Kazakov, A. Pasko, V. Savchenko, "Hybrid System Architecture for Volume Modeling", Computers and Graphics, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2000, pp. 67-78. Electronic version: PostScript + gzip (1.56 Mb)
A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, A. Sourin, V. Savchenko, "Function Representation in Geometric Modeling: Concepts, Implementation and Applications", The Visual Computer, Vol. 11, No. 8, 1995, pp. 429-446. Electronic version: PDF (581 K)

Refereed Book Chapters

A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, “Function-based Shape Modeling: Mathematical Framework and Specialized Language”, Automated Deduction in Geometry, Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence (LNAI 2930), Ed. F. Winkler, Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg, 2004, pp. 132-160. Electronic version: PDF (847K)
V. Adzhiev, A. Ossipov, A. Pasko, "Multidimensional Shape Modeling in Multimedia Applications", in book: MultiMedia Modeling: Modeling Multimedia Information and Systems, ed. A.Karmouch, World Scientific Publishing Co., ISBN 981-02-4146-1, 1999, pp.39-60.
V.Adzhiev, A.Pasko, A.Sarkisov, 'HyperJazz' Project: Development of Geometric Modelling Systems with Inherent Symbolic Interactivity, in book: "CSG '96: Set-Theoretical Solid Modelling Techniques and Applications", Information Geometers, Winchester, UK, 1996, pp. 183-198. Electronic version: PostScript (334K) and PostScript + gzip (73K)
V.Adzhiev, M.Beynon, A.Pasko, "Interactive Geometric Modelling Based on R-functions: an Agent-oriented Approach, in book: CSG '94: Set-Theoretical Solid Modelling Techniques and Applications", Information Geometers, Winchester, UK, 1994, pp. 253-272.

Refereed Papers in International Conferences (selected)

E. Kartasheva, , V. Adzhiev, P. Comninos, A. Pasko, B. Schmitt, “Construction of Implicit Complexes: A Case Study”, Proc. 13th International Conference in Central Europe on computer Graphics, Visualization and Computer Vision WSCG’2005, Ed. by V. Skala, ISBN 80-903100-7-9, University of West Bohemia, Plzen, Czech Republic, 2005, pp. 219-226.

E. Kartasheva, V. Adzhiev, A. Pasko, O. Fryazinov, V. Gasilov, "Discretization of Functionally-based Heterogeneous Objects", Proc. 8th ACM Symposium on Solid Modeling and Applications, Seattle, USA, G. Elber and V. Shapiro (Eds.), ACM Press, 2003, pp. 145-156. Electronic version: PDF (1.16 Mb)
M. Kazakov, A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, "Interactive Metamorphosis and Carving in a Multi-volume Scene", Proc. Int. Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques GRAPHITE'03, Melbourne, Publication of ACM SIGGRAPH, 2003, pp.103-110. Electronic version: PDF (2.1 Mb)
V.Adzhiev, E. Kartasheva, T. Kunii, A. Pasko, B. Schmitt, "Cellular-functional Modeling of Heterogeneous Objects", Proc. 7th ACM Symposium on Solid Modeling And Application 2002, Saarbrucken, Germany, K. Lee and N. Patrikalakis (Eds.), ACM Press, 2002, pp.192-203. Electronic version: PDF (726K)
M. Kazakov, V. Adzhiev, A. Pasko, "Fast navigation through an FRep sculpture garden", Proc. Shape Modeling International 2001, Genova, Italy, IEEE Computer Society Press, 2001, pp.104-113. Electronic version: PDF (544K)
E. Fausett, A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, "Space-time and higher dimensional modeling for animation", Proc. Computer Animation 2000, Philadelphia, USA, IEEE Computer Society Press, 2000, pp.140-145. Electronic version: PostScript + zip (929K) and PDF (675K)
V. Adzhiev, M. Beynon, "Empirical Modelling of Multi-agent Concurrent Systems with LSD-engine", Proc. International Workshop "Empirical and Geometric Modelling", Technical Report 99-1-007, University of Aizu, Japan, 1999, pp.13-35 Electronic version: MS Word 97 (178K)
V. Adzhiev, R. Cartwright, E. Fausett, A. Ossipov, A. Pasko, V. Savchenko, "HyperFun project: a framework for collaborative multidimensional F-rep modeling", Proc. Implicit Surfaces '99, Eurographics/ACM SIGGRAPH Workshop, Bordeaux, France, J. Hughes and C. Schlick (Eds.), 1999, pp. 59-69.
V. V.Adzhiev, A.Pasko, "Interactive Definitive Environment for Geometric Modelling on a Basis of the Function Representation, Proc. 6th International Conference of Computer Graphics and Visualisation, GraphiCon'96, St.Peterburg, Russia, 1996, Vol.2, pp.84-92.
V. Adzhiev, M.Beynon, A.Cartwright, Y.P.Yung, "An Agent-oriented Framework for Concurrent Engineering", Proc. IEE Colloquium "Issues of Cooperative Working in Concurrent Engineering", London, IEE Digest 1994/177, pp. 9/1-9/4.
V. Adzhiev, M.Beynon, A.Cartwright, Y.P.Yung, "A New Computer-Based Tool for Conceptual Design", Proc. International Workshop on Computer-Aided Tools for Conceptual Design CACD'94, Lancaster, UK, 1994, pp. 171-188.
V. Adzhiev, M.Beynon, A.Cartwright, Y.P.Yung, "A Computational Model for Multi-agent Interaction in Concurrent Engineering", Proc. International Conference on Concurrent Engineering and Electronic Design Automation CEEDA'94, Brighton, UK, 1994, pp. 227-232.
A. Pasko, V. Adzhiev, I. Prostakov, "Multivariate Functions Visualization: the Inductive Approach", Proc. 3rd Eurographics Workshop on Scientific Visualization, Viareggio, Italy, 1992, pp.303-316.

Selected Publications in Russian

" GraphiCon on the Verge of a New Decade ", - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.9(53), 2000, pp. 8-9.
" Safeware Myths: Lessons of Famous Catastrophes ", - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.6(32), 1998, pp. 21-30.
"MS: Corporate Culture of Software Development", - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.1(27), 1998, pp. 45-51.
" Publish or Lose. How to Write papers on Computer Science and Get Them Published ", - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.2(22), 1997, pp. 55-60.
" Object Orientation: Philosophy and Futurology ", - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.6(20), 1996, pp. 40-45.
" Shape Modeling Using Real Functions " (with A. Pasko, A. Sourin, V. Savchenko), - Open Systems Journal, Moscow, No.5(19), 1996, pp. 14-18.

Selected Invited Talks

“Reverse Construction of Cultural Heritage” (with C. Vilbrandt et al), STAR report, 13th International Conference of Computer Graphics and Visualisation, GraphiCon'2003, Moscow, Russia, September 2003.
"Constructive Hypervolume Modelling" (with A. Pasko and B. Schmitt), Scientific Seminar, Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, September, 2001
"HyperFun and its Artistic Applications", the 1st International Workshop on Digital and Academic Liberty of Information DALI 2001, University of Aizu, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan, March 2001.
"Volumetric and Multidimensional Modeling Using HyperFun" (with A. Pasko and V. Savchenko), 10th International Conference of Computer Graphics and Visualisation "GraphiCon'2000", Moscow, Russia, August 2000.
"Empirical and Functionally-Based Geometric Modeling", ATR Media Integration & Communications Research Labs, Kyoto, Japan, June 1999
"LSD-engine: an Environment for Empirical Modelling" (with A.Rykhlinski), Scientific Seminar, Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK, May 1998

Contact:

e-mail_1: vadzhiev@bournemouth.ac.uk
(official)
e-mail_2: hf_em@europe.com (preferable for messages in Russian)
LiveJournal
(in Russian)