Production interface for web-deliverable realistic interactive 3D facial animation

Abstract

We present a new interface for producing high quality web deliverable interactive 3D facial animation. We aim at providing visual artists with established 3D character animation tools and techniques not currently supported by web 3D technology. Such techniques are crucial to the creation of visually appealing web 3D content. We have developed a production tool (the Web Facial Expression Editor-WFEE) which allows: (1) animation of web deliverable facial deformations using optimal animation methodologies such as single and multiple target morphing, reactive animation and custom defined attributes; (2) applicability to most face models developed in most commercial 3D software packages; (3) support of any facial skeletal structure; (4) extensibility to full-body animation. As the platform of choice we have focused on Maya 5.0 and Macromedia Director MX Shockwave Studio. However, due to its simplicity, the interface is easy to implement on different platforms using other programming languages.