Langwidere: a new facial animation system

This paper presents Langwidere, a facial animation system that integrates hierarchical spline modeling with simulated muscles based upon local area surface deformations. The multi-level shape representation of a hierarchical spline provides control over the extent of deformations, while at the same time reducing the amount of data needed to define the surface. The facial model is constructed from a single closed surface defining the entire head and internal structures of the mouth cavity. Simulated muscles are attached to various levels of the surface with more rudimentary levels substituting for bone such as the skull and jaw. The combination of a hierarchical model and simulated muscles provides a smooth surface with precise and flexible control over surface shape. >