ZeroEGGS: Zero-shot Example-based Gesture Generation from Speech

Abstract: We present ZeroEGGS, a neural network framework for speech-driven gesture generation with zero-shot style control by example. This means style can be controlled via only a short example motion clip, even for motion styles unseen during training. Our model uses a Variational framework to learn a style embedding, making it easy to modify style through latent space manipulation or blending and scaling of style embeddings. The probabilistic nature of our framework further enables the generation of a variety of outputs given the same input, addressing the stochastic nature of gesture motion. In a series of experiments, we first demonstrate the flexibility and generalizability of our model to new speakers and styles. In a user study, we then show that our model outperforms previous state-of-the-art techniques in naturalness of motion, appropriateness for speech, and style portrayal. Finally, we release a high-quality dataset of full-body gesture motion including fingers, with speech, spanning across 19 different styles.

• The paper introduces ZeroEGGS, a novel zero-shot learning method that generates natural gestures from speech without subject-specific training.
• It leverages example-based techniques to capture nuanced gesture dynamics, improving gesture-speech synchronization in digital communication.
• Experimental results demonstrate enhanced gesture diversity and naturalness, offering actionable insights for interactive virtual agents and human-computer interaction.

Overview of the Document Class \texttt{egpubl} for Academic Publications

The provided document appears to contain an excerpt from a LaTeX file set up, specifically section headers and package usages typical for an academic publication. The header includes commands and parameters that set the style and formatting requirements using the egpubl document class, which is intended for use by researchers producing formal academic papers.

Document Class and Formatting

The egpubl document class is evidently designed for the creation of structured and visually cohesive academic papers, primarily in electronic formats. The various commands within this preamble indicate an emphasis on flexibility across digital and print mediums. The inclusion of the \ifpdf conditional statement is particularly noteworthy, as it suggests that the document is optimized for PDF output while being versatile enough to accommodate other formats such as DVIPS.

Key points of interest in this setup include:

• Bibliographic Support: The paper makes use of either BibTeX or BibLaTeX for managing references. This is crucial for researchers who require efficient handling of citations and bibliographic entries, ensuring consistency across various formats.
• Electronic Version: The command \electronicVersion suggests a tailoring of document specifications for digital consumption. In contemporary research dissemination, the electronic readability and accessibility of papers are paramount.
• Compression and Graphics Handling: With the \pdfcompresslevel=9 setting, maximum compression is applied, effectively reducing file sizes without significant loss of quality. The inclusion of graphic packages caters to the necessity of embedding visual elements in research papers, which are integral for illustrating complex ideas and enhancing cognitive understanding.

Implications and Future Developments

The document class under review supports the ongoing trend in academic publishing towards adaptable and sophisticated dissemination tools. By accommodating multiple formats and improving readability through optimized compression and graphics handling, the egpubl class contributes to a wider, more effective distribution of research materials.

Looking forward, the usability of such document classes could be enhanced with the integration of more advanced typographic options or support for interactive digital content, which can provide a richer engagement experience for readers. Moreover, incorporating automatic accessibility checks would further expand the inclusivity of research outputs.

While this document provides a technical infrastructure rather than a research study with novel findings, the implications on a practical level are significant for volunteers who prioritize efficient document creation and distribution in academia. The advancement of such tools is indispensable for supporting the evolving landscape of scholarly communication.