3D Face Deformation for User-Controlled Caricature Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer-based methods for generating 3D caricatures lack user interaction and control, failing to reproduce artistic styles and maintain human likeness effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that combines curvature and proportion exaggeration deformations, allowing user control through weighting factors, using a dataset of 3D faces and caricatures to generate a deformed 3D face by projecting gradients onto a PCA representation space and applying EDFM techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If existing computer-based methods are used for generating 3D caricatures, then the generation process is automated, but user interaction and control are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of caricature generationVSAvoiduser interaction and control

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the balance between automation and user control by allowing users to select specific facial features for exaggeration while the system automatically processes the geometric transformations. Users can interactively choose which facial attributes to emphasize, creating a dynamic workflow that combines both automated processing and human decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If curvature exaggeration is applied to generate caricatures, then artistic style is reproduced, but human likeness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartistic style reproductionVSAvoidhuman likeness accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies different levels of curvature exaggeration to different facial regions based on user selection and artistic requirements. By locally adjusting the exaggeration intensity for specific features (eyes, nose, mouth, etc.), the system maintains human likeness in critical areas while achieving artistic style reproduction in others, resolving the contradiction between artistic expression and realism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If proportion exaggeration deformation is applied, then distinctive features are emphasized, but overall face proportions may become distorted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemphasis of distinctive featuresVSAvoidoverall face proportions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies proportion exaggeration selectively to specific facial features rather than uniformly across the entire face. By partially applying the deformation only to chosen distinctive features while maintaining normal proportions in other areas, the method emphasizes unique characteristics without causing overall facial distortion, thus resolving the contradiction between feature emphasis and proportionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12412352B2Method and an apparatus for generating a 3D face comprising at least one deformed region

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for generating a 3D face comprising at least one deformed region are disclosed. A curvature exaggeration face is obtained from at least one region of a first 3D face, and a proportion exaggeration deformation is obtained for said least one region of said first 3D face. The curvature exaggeration face and the proportion exaggeration deformation for obtaining said at least one deformed region of said 3D face are combined.