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US6064390A
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Apparatus and method for representation of expression in a tissue-like system
Assignee: PACIFIC TITLE AND MAIRAGE Inc
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Filing: 1997-07-25
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Granted: 2000-05-16
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Expires: 2017-07-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for representing expression in a tissue-like system, that may include a human face, where the system is particularized to a specified individual. A graphical representation generator implemented in a computer determines a representation, in terms of a finite-element model, of the surface of the tissue of the system, providing a graphic output defining the surface in world coordinates. An expressive detail generator, including a wrinkle generator, modifies the surface determined by the graphical representation generator before the surface has been mapped into world coordinates in accordance with three-dimensional features of the tissue-like system of a particular subject.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark A. Sagar
- 👤 Ivan Gulas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 18:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T13/00; G06T13/20; G06T17/00; G06T17/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
Apparatus for representation of expression in a particular tissue-like system, the apparatus comprising: a. a finite-element model of a tissue-like system implemented in a computer, the model having i. a data input for parameter values defining tissue properties for the particular system; ii. a command input for identifying an expression to be represented; and iii. a finite-element output specifying field values, associated with tissue of the system, in finite-element coordinates; b. a graphical representation generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for determining a surface of tissue of the system and providing a graphic output defining the surface in world coordinates; and c. an expressive detail generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for generating expressive detail by modifying the surface determined by the graphical representation generator, wherein the expressive detail generator employs an anisotropic model of tissue, and a wrinkle generator, the wrinkle generator including: i. an arrangement for computing a field of a strain-related quantity for each of a plurality of finite elements based on the finite-element output; and ii. an arrangement for modifying the surface of tissue as computed in the graphical representation generator in finite-element coordinates before the surface has been mapped into world coordinates; so as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, and volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
Apparatus for representation of expression in a particular tissue-like system, the apparatus comprising: a. a finite-element model of a tissue-like system implemented in a computer, the model having i. a data input for parameter values defining tissue properties for the particular system; ii. a command input for identifying an expression to be represented; and iii. a finite-element output specifying field values, associated with tissue of the system, in finite-element coordinates; b. a graphical representation generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for determining a surface of tissue of the system and providing a graphic output defining the surface in world coordinates; and c. an expressive detail generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for generating expressive detail by modifying the surface determined by the graphical representation generator, wherein the expressive detail generator employs an anisotropic model of tissue, and a wrinkle generator, the wrinkle generator including: i. an arrangement for computing a field of a strain-related quantity for each of a plurality of finite elements based on the finite-element output; and ii. an arrangement for modifying the surface of tissue as computed in the graphical representation generator in finite-element coordinates before the surface has been mapped into world coordinates; so as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, and volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the finite-element model, the graphic representation generator, and the expressive detail generator are configured to provide time-varying outputs so that the graphic output represents an expression that is time-dependant.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tissue-like system has properties similar to those of collagen fibers in tissue and the anisotropic model is based principally on fiber direction associated with the tissue-like system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for representation of expression in a particular tissue-like system, the apparatus comprising: a. a finite-element model of a tissue-like system, implemented in a computer, the model having i. a data input for parameter values defining tissue properties for the particular system; ii. a command input for identifying an expression to be represented; iii. a finite-element output specifying field values, associated with tissue of the system, in finite-element coordinates; and iv. an arrangement providing a volumetric and anisotropic model of tissue based principally on collagen fiber direction that includes computation of a field of a strain-related quantity for each of a plurality of finite elements, configured so that tissue deformation may result in wrinkles; and b. a graphical representation generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for determining a surface of tissue of the system and providing a graphic output defining the surface in world coordinates; as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, or volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for representation of expression in a particular tissue-like system, the apparatus comprising: a. a finite-element model of a tissue-like system, implemented in a computer, the model having i. a data input for parameter values defining tissue properties for the particular system; ii. a command input for identifying an expression to be represented; iii. a finite-element output specifying field values, associated with tissue of the system, in finite-element coordinates; and iv. an arrangement providing a volumetric and anisotropic model of tissue based principally on collagen fiber direction that includes computation of a field of a strain-related quantity for each of a plurality of finite elements, configured so that tissue deformation may result in wrinkles; and b. a graphical representation generator, implemented in a computer and coupled to the finite-element output, for determining a surface of tissue of the system and providing a graphic output defining the surface in world coordinates; as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, or volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tissue-like system has properties similar to those of collagen fibers in tissue and wherein the anisotropic model is based principally on fiber direction associated with the tissue-like system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
154 words
Method for representing expression in a tissue-like system pertaining to a particular subject, the method comprising: a. generating a volumetric finite element mesh of the tissue-like system, the volumetric finite element mesh having elements and containing multiple fields of parameters definable across the elements including a height field; b. measuring three-dimensional features of the particular subject; c. fitting the volumetric finite element mesh to the three-dimensional features of the particular subject in terms of a fiber coordinate system; d. calculating a wrinkle map characterizing the particular subject and having wrinkles; e. isolating positions of the wrinkles into height fields of the finite element mesh; and f. converting tissue compression based on command data or stored data to the fiber coordinate system; and g. calculating displacement magnitudes of the height field; so as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, or volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
154 words
Method for representing expression in a tissue-like system pertaining to a particular subject, the method comprising: a. generating a volumetric finite element mesh of the tissue-like system, the volumetric finite element mesh having elements and containing multiple fields of parameters definable across the elements including a height field; b. measuring three-dimensional features of the particular subject; c. fitting the volumetric finite element mesh to the three-dimensional features of the particular subject in terms of a fiber coordinate system; d. calculating a wrinkle map characterizing the particular subject and having wrinkles; e. isolating positions of the wrinkles into height fields of the finite element mesh; and f. converting tissue compression based on command data or stored data to the fiber coordinate system; and g. calculating displacement magnitudes of the height field; so as to produce tissue surface modifications that are not limited to effects caused by movement of, or volume changes in, any underlying musculature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 6, further including the step of displaying the calculated displacement magnitudes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5867588A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-16 | 2003-11-15 | 2004-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-16 | 2007-11-15 | 2008-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-16 | 2011-11-15 | 2012-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |