Research

Interests and activities

My main research interests are in the field of audio processing, modeling, and rendering. My research activities can be organized along two main directions:

1. Computational/algorithmic aspects in the representation of audio information, and related technologies, including
   • Computational issues in the development of sound synthesis and processing algorithms. The main related results concern the development of numerical techniques for efficient and accurate realization of non-linear synthesis algorithms.
   • Audio rendering, particularly 3D sound rendering. The main results concern binaural rendering through models and algorithms with low computational requirements, which integrate techniques for personalization and adaptation to users' anthropometry.
   • Voice processing, particularly voice synthesis based on physical and physiological descriptions of the vocal apparatus, suitable for articulatory synthesis or non-linear model identification and model-based coding.
2. Integration of such technologies in several application domains, including
   • Multimodal Human-Computer Interaction. The main results are related to the use of audio in information display, particularly in interactive context and in combination with other sensory modalities, with a focus on user-centered and perceptual evaluation.
   • Accessible interfaces and assistive technologies, specifically (i) systems for technology-assisted motor rehabilitation (virtual rehabilitation), where interactive audio is used for enhancing motor learning in motor tasks; and (ii) systems for orientation \& mobility learning for visually-impaired subjects, incorporating technologies for 3D audio rendering, (iii) accessible digital musical instruments for performers with motor disabilities.
   • Virtual instruments: application of physically-based non-linear synthesis algorithms to the simulation of musical instruments, also in the context of industrial collaborations.
   • Digital cultural heritage and digital learning: applications of interactive technologies for the valorization and fruition of the cultural heritage, particularly multimodal interactive installations for museum exhibits; interactive technologies for digital learning, with specific reference to music pedagogy.

Projects

I have been Principal Investigator and Coordinator of several national, european, and industry funded projects

• SONICOM -- Transforming auditory-based social interaction and communication in AR/VR. EU Project H2020 FET Proactive. Jan. 2021-Dec. 2026 (Local Principal Investigator).
• Consulting for the development of the video-score platform. Industrial project funded by M-Live S.R.L. Feb. 2017-Sept. 2017.
• HAPTIFEEL -- Playing by feeling: an investigation of the role of haptic cues in the perceived quality of a musical instrument. EU project (H2020 Marie Curie IF; Researcher: Dr. Marcello Giordano). Feb. 2016-May. 2016.
• PADVA - Personal Auditory Displays for Virtual Acoustics. Research project funded by the University of Padova. Mar. 2014-Feb. 2016.
• Design of a HW-SW system for technology-aided sport activity of deaf fencers. Industrial project funded by A.S. Comini. Apr. 2013-Mar. 2014.
• Models and interfaces for customized binaural audio rendering. Research project funded by the University of Padova. Feb 2013-Jan. 2015.
• Design of an interactive environment for technology-augmented learning. PhD project funded by Cariparo Foundation. Jan. 2011-Dec. 2013.
• DREAM - Digital Reworking/reappropriation of ElectroAcoustic Music. EU project (EACEA Culture 2010-1174/001-001). Sep. 2010-July 2012.
• Voice enhancement for a teleconference system. Industrial project funded by HiT Internet Technologies S.p.A. June 2009-Dec. 2009.
• Sound synthesis of percussion instruments using physically-based algorithms. Industrial project financed by IK Multimedia Production S.R.L. Apr. 2008-May 2010.
• Audio analysis techniques for surveillance and monitoring systems. Research project (post-doc grants) funded by the University of Padova. March 2008-Feb. 2010.
• Automatic speaker recognition for surveillance and intelligence applications. PhD project funded by Radio Trevisan Elettronica Industriale S.p.A. Jan. 2008-Dec. 2010.
• Development of a HW/FW DSP platform for the filtering and classification of audio signals in environmental acquisitions. Industrial project financed by Radio Trevisan Elettronica Industriale S.p.A. Jan. 2008-May 2008.
• Systems for audio in multimodal interaction. Research project (post-doc grants) funded by the University of Padova. March 2006-Feb. 2008.