An interactive 3D video system for human facial reconstruction and expression modeling

A 3D facial reconstruction and expression modeling system which creates 3D video sequences of test subjects and facilitates interactive generation of novel facial expressions is described. Dynamic 3D video sequences are generated using computational binocular stereo matching with active illumination and are used for interactive expression modeling. An individual’s 3D video set is annotated with control points associated with face subregions. Dragging a control point updates texture and depth in only the associated subregion so that the user generates new composite expressions unseen in the original source video sequences. Such an interactive manipulation of dynamic 3D face reconstructions requires as little preparation on the test subject as possible. Dense depth data combined with video-based texture results in realistic and convincing facial animations, a feature lacking in conventional marker-based motion capture systems.

► A system for 3D video based facial expression reconstruction and interactive creation. ► The system uses affordable, standard equipment: a PC, cameras, and LCD projector. ► No face markers or special makeup are required for subjects using the system. ► Users can interactively generate new artificial yet realistic facial expressions. ► The system is discussed in detail so that a reader could easily replicate it.