Avatar Animation Using Predetermined Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avatar animation technologies in software applications consume high power, leading to reduced battery life in mobile devices, as they often rely on complex 3D model generation and rendering, which is computationally intensive.
Innovation Solution
The use of predetermined avatar images that are mapped to facial feature parameters from live video, allowing for real-time animation without the need for continuous 3D model generation, using a series of pre-defined images to create the illusion of facial movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex 3D model generation and rendering is used for avatar animation, then animation quality and realism are improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses predetermined 2D avatar images as simplified copies that represent different facial states, replacing the need for complex 3D model generation and rendering. These pre-defined images are selected and combined based on detected facial features, achieving acceptable animation quality with significantly reduced computational requirements and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The avatar animation is segmented into independent facial feature components (eyes, eyebrows, mouth, etc.), each with its own set of predetermined images. This segmentation allows the system to process and animate individual features separately, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining animation quality.
2Reliability
If complex 3D model generation is used for avatar animation, then animation realism is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex 3D model generation with predetermined 2D avatar images that capture essential facial expressions and features. These images serve as simplified representations that maintain visual realism while dramatically reducing the computational algorithms and processing power required for animation.
Solution Approach 2:
Avatar images are predetermined and pre-processed offline, with various facial expressions and states already captured in static images. During runtime, the system only needs to select and combine these pre-prepared images based on detected facial features, eliminating the need for complex real-time 3D model generation and rendering computations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If predetermined avatar images are used for animation, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but animation smoothness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The facial animation is divided into separate segmentable features (eyes, eyebrows, mouth, cheeks, etc.), each with its own set of predetermined images. This segmentation allows the system to independently animate each feature by selecting appropriate images from corresponding sets, creating the illusion of smooth facial movements through coordinated changes across multiple features while maintaining low power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Avatars are animated using predetermined avatar images that are selected based on facial features of a user extracted from video of the user. A user's facial features are tracked in a live video, facial feature parameters are determined from the tracked features, and avatar images are selected based on the facial feature parameters. The selected images are then displayed are sent to another device for display. Selecting and displaying different avatar images as a user's facial movements change animates the avatar. An avatar image can be selected from a series of avatar images representing a particular facial movement, such as blinking. An avatar image can also be generated from multiple avatar feature images selected from multiple avatar feature image series associated with different regions of a user's face (eyes, mouth, nose, eyebrows), which allows different regions of the avatar to be animated independently.