Abstract

In this paper we propose a system for designing and generating person specific facial animation. In order to make the process of facial animation design easier, we want to provide a user with a facial expressions script language. With use of this script language, user can design facial animations without any knowledge about psychology, physiology of the face or computer graphics. Our definition of the facial expressions script language is based on Facial Action Coding System (FACS) developed by P. Ekman and F.W. Friesen and based on Action Units (AUs), which correspond to visual changes on the human face. We also present a generic parametric model for facial animation, which is used in our system. This model of the face is directly based on AUs and can be easily adapted to a specific person. It combines the advantages of parametric animation models such as wireframe model independency with the accuracy of face movements reproduction (cloning) obtained in performance driven models. This model can also be used separately from the whole system.