MPhil Thesis Defence


"Expressive Facial Animation Transfer for Virtual Actors"

By

Mr. Hui Zhao


Abstract

One of the most difficult computer graphic challenges is creating digital
characters that are indistinguishable from real human beings. Since people
are very sensitive to subtleties in human faces, the biggest difficulty in
producing a successful computer graphic character depends on how to create
a realistic 3D face model. Current technologies used in the film industry
can produce plausible facial animation of virtual actors, but these
systems are too complex and expensive to be deployed by non-specialists
for daily use.

Driven by the popularity of online chats and 3D games, there is a high
demand for realistic virtual characters who can reflect the facial
expressions of the user.  In this thesis, we first give a brief
introduction to the current research and technology of digital virtual
characters, and then present an effective method that transfers facial
animation from 2D videos onto 3D faces in a visually pleasing manner. Our
method is based on a Laplacian deformation framework. We propose to
represent the facial animation with the displacements of a set of the
feature points. With the assumption that the feature points move only
parallel to the image plane, i.e. X-Y directions, we can map the
displacements of the feature points from a 2D video to a 3D face. The
positions of the non-feature points are then calculated from the Laplacian
system. Our method can transfer both facial expression and speech
animation. Furthermore, it is efficient and practical, with an intuitive
interface. This proposed technique outperforms previous methods which are
based on machine learning techniques or anatomical models in terms of
speed and applicability, and is useful for a wide range of applications,
such as, avatars, character animation for 3D films, computer games, and
online chatting. We demonstrate the versatility of our approach by some
special effects, such as expression exaggeration and expression imitation.


Date:				Wednesday, 27 June 2007

Time:				1:30p.m.-3:30p.m.

Venue:				Room 3501
				Lifts 25-26

Committee Members:		Dr. Chiew-Lan Tai (Supervisor)
				Prof. Long Quan (Chairperson)
				Dr. Huamin Qu


**** ALL are Welcome ****