MPEG4 face modeling using fiducial points

Abstract

We present an approach for modeling a person's face for model-based coding (MPEG4) which will cater to very low bit-rate video-conferencing applications. This approach is performed entirely automatically. We utilize two views of a person's face, and the fiducial points defined on a generic facial model, to modify the generic model into a 3D individual model of a face. To deform the generated individual facial model for tracking the expression of a face over time, a new method named the layered force spreading method (LFSM) is proposed which makes the animation of facial expressions looks more natural. The feasibility of our approach is demonstrated using a real facial image.