Real-time Lip Synchronization Animation via Phoneme Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lip synchronization techniques are not suitable for real-time processing, leading to delays and network congestion in client-server environments, particularly when animating virtual assistants that require interactive speech synchronization with users.
Innovation Solution
A method for real-time lip synchronization that involves generating and transmitting phonemes from a server to a client device, where the client device uses animation models and transition models based on phonemes to animate the virtual assistant's mouth, utilizing width and openness factors to simplify the animation process and reduce computational and network load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional lip synchronization techniques are used, then animation quality is improved, but processing time and network load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lip animation process into distinct phoneme-based animation models. Instead of processing entire speech sequences as single complex animations, the system divides speech into individual phonemes (e.g., /a/, /e/, /i/) and creates separate animation models for each phoneme type. This segmentation allows for efficient real-time processing while maintaining animation quality, as each phoneme model can be independently generated and applied without requiring complex full-sequence processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed animation models are transmitted from server to client, then animation precision is improved, but network congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential phoneme information from the speech signal and transmits this condensed data from server to client. Instead of transmitting complete detailed animation models or raw speech signals, the system extracts phoneme identifiers (e.g., phoneme type, timing information) that contain the critical information needed for animation. This extraction approach maintains animation precision while dramatically reducing network data transmission volume.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex animation processing is performed on client device, then animation quality is improved, but computational load and processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of speech into phoneme sequences on the server side before transmission to the client. The server extracts phoneme information, determines timing and duration for each phoneme, and prepares the animation data in advance. This preliminary action shifts complex computational tasks from the client device to the server, reducing the computational load on client devices while maintaining animation quality through pre-processed phoneme-based animation models.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a processor and a memory that stores predetermined data including a progressive transition rule and animation models. Each of the animation models corresponds to a respective phoneme. The memory stores instructions including receiving a request from a user and obtaining an answer to the request. The answer includes first and second indicators that correspond to first and second phonemes. The instructions include, according to the first indicator, identifying a first animation model that corresponds to the first phoneme. The instructions include, according to the second indicator, identifying a second animation model that corresponds to the second phoneme. The instructions include generating a transition animation model according to the progressive transition rule using the first and second animation models. The instructions include generating images according to the first, second, and transition animation models. The instructions include outputting the images to the user via a display.