Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC)

Researchers Develop New "Eye-nimation" Method

Researchers at the University of Southern California's Integrated Media Systems Center (IMSC) have developed a more practical method to synthesize life-like and lively eye motions for computer-generated human representations—a key element in creating a convincing "virtual human."

"Very often, the way the eyes are perceived is what destroys the illusion in attempts to animate computer-generated humans," according to Zhigang Deng, a Ph.D. student in computer science and member of the project team. His presentation was the first spring semester event sponsored by the IMSC Student Council. The new method simulates the motion of human eye gazing and blinking, producing animations that researchers believe are as good or better than those produced by more complex methods, such as a custom statistical model developed specifically for eye movement.

The IMSC method is based on texture synthesis, which uses measured patterns of eye movement and blinking to create similar patterns. IMSC researchers are working to develop animated "virtual humans" for use in such areas as movies, computer gaming, advertising, education and psychological therapy.

To learn more about this topic:
Visit the Integrated Media Systems Center at http://imsc.usc.edu/research/project/facemodeling/index.html.

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Last modified: February 22, 2005