US20080050999A1 - Device for animating facial expression - Google Patents
Device for animating facial expression Download PDFInfo
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- US20080050999A1 US20080050999A1 US11/844,413 US84441307A US2008050999A1 US 20080050999 A1 US20080050999 A1 US 20080050999A1 US 84441307 A US84441307 A US 84441307A US 2008050999 A1 US2008050999 A1 US 2008050999A1
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- Prior art keywords
- resilient member
- actuator
- face
- resilient
- facial feature
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H13/00—Toy figures with self-moving parts, with or without movement of the toy as a whole
- A63H13/005—Toy figures with self-moving parts, with or without movement of the toy as a whole with self-moving head or facial features
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/365—Details; Accessories allowing a choice of facial features, e.g. to change the facial expression
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
- B25J11/00—Manipulators not otherwise provided for
- B25J11/0005—Manipulators having means for high-level communication with users, e.g. speech generator, face recognition means
- B25J11/0015—Face robots, animated artificial faces for imitating human expressions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/38—Dolls' eyes
- A63H3/40—Dolls' eyes movable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/44—Dolls' hair or wigs; Eyelashes; Eyebrows
- A63H3/445—Eyelashes; Eyebrows
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for animating facial expression and, more particularly, to a device capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on a face.
- the scope of the invention is to provide a device for animating facial expression to solve the aforesaid problems.
- a scope of the invention is to provide a device for animating facial expression.
- the device utilizes at least one resilient member and at least one actuator to exhibit various facial expressions on a face.
- the mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
- the device for animating facial expression comprises at least one resilient member and at least one actuator.
- the resilient member is regarded as a facial feature on a face, and the resilient member has a first end and a second end.
- the first end of the resilient member is rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face.
- the actuator is used for actuating the first end of the resilient member to rotate and/or move, so that the facial feature is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the face.
- the facial feature can be eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip or lower lip.
- the resilient member deforms while the actuator actuates the first end of the resilient member to rotate. Consequently, various facial expressions can be exhibited on the face.
- the mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a human-like face.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the device shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyebrows shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyes shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the seventh embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth shown in FIG. 10 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a human-like face 1 .
- the human-like face 1 thereon has two eyebrows 10 a, 10 b, two eyes 20 a, 20 b, a mouth 30 , and a skin 40 .
- a facial feature e.g. eyebrow, eye, or mouth
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a human-like face 1 .
- the human-like face 1 thereon has two eyebrows 10 a, 10 b, two eyes 20 a, 20 b, a mouth 30 , and a skin 40 .
- the device of the invention is used for actuating the eyebrows 10 a, 10 b on the human-like face 1 . Since the eyebrows 10 a, 10 b are actuated in the same manner, only the principle of actuating the eyebrow 10 a is depicted in the following.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 12 a for animating facial expression according to the first embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the device 12 a shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyebrows 10 a, 10 b shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1 .
- the device 12 a comprises a first resilient member 120 , a first actuator 122 , and a first resilient enclosure 124 .
- the first resilient enclosure 124 covers the first resilient member 120 to exhibit a first facial feature (i.e. the eyebrow 10 a ) on the human-like face 1 .
- the first resilient member 120 has a first end 120 a and a second end 120 b. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first end 120 a of the first resilient member 120 is pivotally connected to the first actuator 122 .
- the second end 120 b of the first resilient member 120 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of the skin 40 of the human-like face 1 .
- the first actuator 122 is used for actuating the first end 120 a of the first resilient member 120 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. the eyebrow 10 a ) is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1 .
- the first actuator 122 actuates the first end 120 a of the first resilient member 120 to rotate toward the direction of the arrow a 1
- the eyebrow 10 a will exhibit the facial expression (arch-shaped) on the human-like face 1 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the eyebrow 10 b can also exhibit the facial expression (arch-shaped) on the human-like face 1 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the first resilient member 120 can be a spring or the like, and the first actuator 122 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the first end 120 a of the first resilient member 120 .
- the skin 40 of the human-like face 1 can be a resilient skin, and the first resilient member 120 is connected to the resilient skin 40 . Accordingly, the resilient skin 40 will be actuated by the first actuator 122 together with the first resilient member 120 , so as to exhibit more vivid facial expressions.
- the facial expression shown in FIG. 4 also can be exhibited by connecting the first resilient member 120 to the back of the skin 40 without the first resilient enclosure 124 .
- FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 12 a ′ for animating facial expression according to the second embodiment of the invention.
- the device 12 a ′ further comprises a second actuator 126 .
- the second end 120 b of the first resilient member 120 is pivotally connected to the second actuator 126 .
- the second actuator 126 cooperates with the first actuator 122 to actuate the second end 120 b of the first resilient member 120 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. the eyebrow 10 a ) is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1 .
- the principle of the device 12 a ′ shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the device 12 a shown in FIG. 3 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again.
- the second actuator 126 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the second end 120 b of the first resilient member 120 .
- the device of the invention is used for actuating the eyes 20 a, 20 b on the human-like face 1 . Since the eyes 20 a, 20 b are actuated in the same manner, only the principle of actuating the eye 20 a is depicted in the following. As shown in FIG. 1 , the eye 20 a comprises an upper eyelid 200 and a lower eyelid 202 .
- FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 22 a for animating facial expression according to the third embodiment.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyes 20 a, 20 b shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1 .
- the device 22 a comprises a first resilient member 220 , a first actuator 222 , a first resilient enclosure 224 , a second resilient member 226 , a third actuator 228 , and a second resilient enclosure 230 .
- the first resilient enclosure 224 covers the first resilient member 220 to exhibit a first facial feature (i.e. the upper eyelid 200 of the eye 20 a ) on the human-like face 1 .
- the second resilient enclosure 230 covers the second resilient member 226 to exhibit a second facial feature (i.e. the lower eyelid 202 of the eye 20 a ) on the human-like face 1 .
- the first resilient member 220 has a first end 220 a and a second end 220 b.
- the second resilient member 226 has a third end 226 a and a fourth end 226 b.
- the first end 220 a of the first resilient member 220 is pivotally connected to the first actuator 222 .
- the second end 220 b of the first resilient member 220 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of the skin 40 of the human-like face 1 .
- the third end 226 a of the second resilient member 226 is pivotally connected to the third actuator 228 .
- the fourth end 226 b of the second resilient member 226 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of the skin 40 of the human-like face 1 .
- the first actuator 222 is used for actuating the first end 220 a of the first resilient member 220 to rotate
- the third actuator 228 is used for actuating the third end 226 a of the second resilient member 226 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. the eyelid 200 of the eye 20 a ) and the second facial feature (i.e. the eyelid 202 of the eye 20 a ) are capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1 .
- the first facial feature i.e. the eyelid 200 of the eye 20 a
- the second facial feature i.e. the eyelid 202 of the eye 20 a
- the upper eyelid 200 and the lower eyelid 202 of the eye 20 a will exhibit the facial expression (opened eye 20 a ) on the human-like face 1 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the eye 20 b can also exhibit the facial expression (opened eye 20 b ) on the human-like face 1 as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the first resilient member 220 or the second resilient member 226 can be a spring or the like.
- the first actuator 222 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the first end 220 a of the first resilient member 220
- the third actuator 228 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the third end 226 a of the second resilient member 226 .
- the skin 40 of the human-like face 1 can be a resilient skin, and the first and second resilient members 220 , 226 are respectively connected to the resilient skin 40 . Accordingly, the resilient skin 40 will be actuated by the first and third actuators 222 , 228 together with the first and second resilient members 220 , 226 , so as to exhibit more vivid facial expressions.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 22 a ′ for animating facial expression according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.
- the main difference between the device 22 a ′ and the device 22 a is that the device 22 a ′ replaces the first and third actuators 222 , 228 by one actuator 232 , so as to actuate the first and second resilient members 220 , 226 at the same time.
- the principle of the device 22 a ′ shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the device 22 a shown in FIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 22 a ′′ for animating facial expression according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.
- the main difference between the device 22 a ′′ and the device 22 a is that the device 22 a ′′ further comprises a second actuator 234 and a fourth actuator 236 .
- the second end 220 b of the first resilient member 220 is pivotally connected to the second actuator 234
- the fourth end 226 b of the second resilient member 226 is pivotally connected to the fourth actuator 236 .
- the second actuator 234 cooperates with the first actuator 222 to actuate the second end 220 b of the first resilient member 220 to rotate
- the fourth actuator 236 cooperates with the third actuator 228 to actuate the fourth end 226 b of the second resilient member 226 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. the upper eyelid 200 of the eye 20 a ) and the second facial feature (i.e. the lower eyelid 202 of the eye 20 a ) are capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1 .
- the principle of the device 22 a ′′ shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the device 22 a shown in FIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again.
- the second actuator 234 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the second end 220 b of the first resilient member 220
- the fourth actuator 236 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the fourth end 226 b of the second resilient member 226 .
- the second and fourth actuators 234 , 236 also can be replaced by a single actuator, and it depends on practical applications.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth 30 shown in FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1 .
- the mouth 30 includes an upper lip 300 and a lower lip 302 .
- the device of the invention for actuating the mouth 30 on the human-like face 1 is the same as the foresaid third embodiment, and the related description does not be mentioned here again.
- the device of the invention actuates the upper lip 300 and the lower lip 302 to rotate respectively, the mouth 30 will be opened to exhibit various facial expressions.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 32 for animating facial expression according to the seventh embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth 30 shown in FIG. 10 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1 .
- the main difference between the device 32 and the device 22 a is that the device 32 further comprises a fifth actuator 320 , a first linkage set 322 , and a second linkage set 324 .
- the first linkage set 322 comprises a first long rod 322 a and a first short rod 322 b
- the second linkage set 324 comprises a second long rod 324 a and a second short rod 324 b.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device 32 for animating facial expression according to the seventh embodiment.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth 30 shown in FIG. 10 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1 .
- the main difference between the device 32 and the device 22 a is that the device 32 further comprises a fifth actuator
- the first long rod 322 a is pivotally connected to the second long rod 324 a by a hinge 340 a
- the first long rod 322 a is pivotally connected to the first short rod 322 b by a hinge 340 b
- the second long rod 324 a is pivotally connected to the second short rod 324 b by a hinge 340 c.
- the first and second short rods 322 b, 324 b are respectively connected to a turntable 3200 attached on the fifth actuator 320 .
- the fifth actuator 320 is connected to the first and third actuators 222 , 228 via the first linkage set 322 and is connected to the second and fourth actuators 234 , 236 via the second linkage set 324 .
- the fifth actuator 320 actuates the turntable 3200 to rotate
- the first and second short rods 322 b, 324 b respectively drive the first and second long rods 322 a, 324 a to open or close, so as to adjust the lengths of the first and second resilient members 220 , 226 .
- the second facial feature i.e. the lower lip 302
- the first facial feature i.e.
- the principle of the device 32 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the device 22 a shown in FIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again.
- the fifth actuator 320 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the first linkage set 322 and the second linkage set 324 .
- first and third actuators 222 , 228 can be replaced by a single actuator, and/or the second and fourth actuators 234 , 236 also can be replaced by a single actuator. It depends on practical applications.
- the resilient member of the invention when the actuator actuates the first end of the resilient member to rotate, the resilient member will deform correspondingly. Consequently, various facial expressions can be exhibited on the face.
- the resilient member of the invention can be decorated as eyebrow, eye, mouth, and so on. Furthermore, the resilient member can cooperate with the resilient skin to exhibit more vivid facial expression.
- the mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Robotics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
The invention discloses a device for animating facial expression. The device includes at least one resilient member and at least one actuator. The resilient member is regarded as a facial feature on a face, and the resilient member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the resilient member is rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face. The actuator is used for actuating the first end of the resilient member to rotate, so that the facial feature is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the face, wherein the facial feature can be eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip or lower lip.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a device for animating facial expression and, more particularly, to a device capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on a face.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- As technology advanced, human-like electronic device is getting more and more popular. How to vividly exhibit various expressions, such as smile, bend one's brows, and so on, is a significant study of the subject. As apparent from a review of prior art, there were several mechanisms for animating facial expression proposed, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,464, U.S. Publication No. 20040249510, JP Publication No. 2003230770, and so on. Since all of the aforesaid prior arts utilize complex mechanism to achieve the goal of animating facial expression, it will spend much time on assembly and the cost also gets higher correspondingly. Furthermore, regarding U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,464 and U.S. Publication No. 20040249510, not only the mechanism is complex, but also the facial expression is expressionless.
- Therefore, the scope of the invention is to provide a device for animating facial expression to solve the aforesaid problems.
- A scope of the invention is to provide a device for animating facial expression. The device utilizes at least one resilient member and at least one actuator to exhibit various facial expressions on a face. The mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for animating facial expression comprises at least one resilient member and at least one actuator. The resilient member is regarded as a facial feature on a face, and the resilient member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the resilient member is rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face. The actuator is used for actuating the first end of the resilient member to rotate and/or move, so that the facial feature is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the face. In this embodiment, the facial feature can be eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip or lower lip.
- Therefore, according to the device of the invention, the resilient member deforms while the actuator actuates the first end of the resilient member to rotate. Consequently, various facial expressions can be exhibited on the face. The mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
- The advantage and spirit of the invention may be understood by the following recitations together with the appended drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a human-like face. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the first embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the device shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyebrows shown inFIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the third embodiment. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the eyes shown inFIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth shown inFIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face. -
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device for animating facial expression according to the seventh embodiment. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mouth shown inFIG. 10 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face. - The device of the invention is used for actuating a facial feature (e.g. eyebrow, eye, or mouth) on a face to exhibit various facial expressions. Please refer to
FIG. 1 .FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a human-like face 1. As shown inFIG. 1 , the human-like face 1 thereon has twoeyebrows eyes mouth 30, and askin 40. To achieve the aforesaid scopes of the invention, there are several embodiments depicted in the following. - In this embodiment, the device of the invention is used for actuating the
eyebrows like face 1. Since theeyebrows eyebrow 10 a is depicted in the following. - Please refer to
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 4 .FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 12 a for animating facial expression according to the first embodiment of the invention.FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating thedevice 12 a shown inFIG. 2 .FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating theeyebrows FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1. - In this embodiment, the
device 12 a comprises a firstresilient member 120, afirst actuator 122, and a firstresilient enclosure 124. The firstresilient enclosure 124 covers the firstresilient member 120 to exhibit a first facial feature (i.e. theeyebrow 10 a) on the human-like face 1. The firstresilient member 120 has afirst end 120 a and asecond end 120 b. As shown inFIG. 3 , thefirst end 120 a of the firstresilient member 120 is pivotally connected to thefirst actuator 122. Thesecond end 120 b of the firstresilient member 120 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of theskin 40 of the human-like face 1. Thefirst actuator 122 is used for actuating thefirst end 120 a of the firstresilient member 120 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. theeyebrow 10 a) is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1. For example, as shown inFIG. 2 , if thefirst actuator 122 actuates thefirst end 120 a of the firstresilient member 120 to rotate toward the direction of the arrow a1, theeyebrow 10 a will exhibit the facial expression (arch-shaped) on the human-like face 1 as shown inFIG. 4 . Similarly, theeyebrow 10 b can also exhibit the facial expression (arch-shaped) on the human-like face 1 as shown inFIG. 4 . - In this embodiment, the first
resilient member 120 can be a spring or the like, and thefirst actuator 122 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thefirst end 120 a of the firstresilient member 120. - In this embodiment, the
skin 40 of the human-like face 1 can be a resilient skin, and the firstresilient member 120 is connected to theresilient skin 40. Accordingly, theresilient skin 40 will be actuated by thefirst actuator 122 together with the firstresilient member 120, so as to exhibit more vivid facial expressions. - In another embodiment, the facial expression shown in
FIG. 4 also can be exhibited by connecting the firstresilient member 120 to the back of theskin 40 without the firstresilient enclosure 124. - Please refer to
FIG. 5 .FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 12 a′ for animating facial expression according to the second embodiment of the invention. The main difference between thedevice 12 a′ and thedevice 12 a is that thedevice 12 a′ further comprises asecond actuator 126. Thesecond end 120 b of the firstresilient member 120 is pivotally connected to thesecond actuator 126. Thesecond actuator 126 cooperates with thefirst actuator 122 to actuate thesecond end 120 b of the firstresilient member 120 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. theeyebrow 10 a) is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1. The principle of thedevice 12 a′ shown inFIG. 5 is the same as thedevice 12 a shown inFIG. 3 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again. - In this embodiment, the
second actuator 126 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thesecond end 120 b of the firstresilient member 120. - In this embodiment, the device of the invention is used for actuating the
eyes like face 1. Since theeyes eye 20 a is depicted in the following. As shown inFIG. 1 , theeye 20 a comprises anupper eyelid 200 and alower eyelid 202. - Please refer to
FIGS. 1 , 6, and 7.FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 22 a for animating facial expression according to the third embodiment.FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating theeyes FIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1. In this embodiment, thedevice 22 a comprises a firstresilient member 220, afirst actuator 222, a firstresilient enclosure 224, a secondresilient member 226, athird actuator 228, and a secondresilient enclosure 230. The firstresilient enclosure 224 covers the firstresilient member 220 to exhibit a first facial feature (i.e. theupper eyelid 200 of theeye 20 a) on the human-like face 1. The secondresilient enclosure 230 covers the secondresilient member 226 to exhibit a second facial feature (i.e. thelower eyelid 202 of theeye 20 a) on the human-like face 1. The firstresilient member 220 has afirst end 220 a and asecond end 220 b. The secondresilient member 226 has athird end 226 a and afourth end 226 b. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thefirst end 220 a of the firstresilient member 220 is pivotally connected to thefirst actuator 222. Thesecond end 220 b of the firstresilient member 220 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of theskin 40 of the human-like face 1. Thethird end 226 a of the secondresilient member 226 is pivotally connected to thethird actuator 228. Thefourth end 226 b of the secondresilient member 226 is rotatably fixed to the inner surface of theskin 40 of the human-like face 1. Thefirst actuator 222 is used for actuating thefirst end 220 a of the firstresilient member 220 to rotate, and thethird actuator 228 is used for actuating thethird end 226 a of the secondresilient member 226 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. theeyelid 200 of theeye 20 a) and the second facial feature (i.e. theeyelid 202 of theeye 20 a) are capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , if thefirst actuator 222 actuates thefirst end 220 a of the firstresilient member 220 to rotate toward the direction of the arrow a2, and thethird actuator 228 actuates thethird end 226 a of the secondresilient member 226 to rotate toward the direction of the arrow a3, theupper eyelid 200 and thelower eyelid 202 of theeye 20 a will exhibit the facial expression (openedeye 20 a) on the human-like face 1 as shown inFIG. 7 . Similarly, theeye 20 b can also exhibit the facial expression (openedeye 20 b) on the human-like face 1 as shown inFIG. 7 . - In this embodiment, the first
resilient member 220 or the secondresilient member 226 can be a spring or the like. Thefirst actuator 222 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thefirst end 220 a of the firstresilient member 220, and thethird actuator 228 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thethird end 226 a of the secondresilient member 226. - In this embodiment, the
skin 40 of the human-like face 1 can be a resilient skin, and the first and secondresilient members resilient skin 40. Accordingly, theresilient skin 40 will be actuated by the first andthird actuators resilient members - Please refer to
FIG. 8 .FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 22 a′ for animating facial expression according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. The main difference between thedevice 22 a′ and thedevice 22 a is that thedevice 22 a′ replaces the first andthird actuators actuator 232, so as to actuate the first and secondresilient members device 22 a′ shown inFIG. 8 is the same as thedevice 22 a shown inFIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again. - Please refer to
FIG. 9 .FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 22 a″ for animating facial expression according to the fifth embodiment of the invention. The main difference between thedevice 22 a″ and thedevice 22 a is that thedevice 22 a″ further comprises asecond actuator 234 and afourth actuator 236. Thesecond end 220 b of the firstresilient member 220 is pivotally connected to thesecond actuator 234, and thefourth end 226 b of the secondresilient member 226 is pivotally connected to thefourth actuator 236. Thesecond actuator 234 cooperates with thefirst actuator 222 to actuate thesecond end 220 b of the firstresilient member 220 to rotate, and thefourth actuator 236 cooperates with thethird actuator 228 to actuate thefourth end 226 b of the secondresilient member 226 to rotate, so that the first facial feature (i.e. theupper eyelid 200 of theeye 20 a) and the second facial feature (i.e. thelower eyelid 202 of theeye 20 a) are capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the human-like face 1. The principle of thedevice 22 a″ shown inFIG. 9 is the same as thedevice 22 a shown inFIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again. - In this embodiment, the
second actuator 234 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thesecond end 220 b of the firstresilient member 220, and thefourth actuator 236 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating thefourth end 226 b of the secondresilient member 226. - In this embodiment, the second and
fourth actuators - Please refer to
FIG. 10 .FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating themouth 30 shown inFIG. 1 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1. As shown inFIG. 1 , themouth 30 includes anupper lip 300 and alower lip 302. In this embodiment, the device of the invention for actuating themouth 30 on the human-like face 1 is the same as the foresaid third embodiment, and the related description does not be mentioned here again. As shown inFIG. 10 , when the device of the invention actuates theupper lip 300 and thelower lip 302 to rotate respectively, themouth 30 will be opened to exhibit various facial expressions. - Please refer to FIGS. 6 and 10-12.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating adevice 32 for animating facial expression according to the seventh embodiment.FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating themouth 30 shown inFIG. 10 exhibits facial expression on the human-like face 1. The main difference between thedevice 32 and thedevice 22 a is that thedevice 32 further comprises afifth actuator 320, a first linkage set 322, and a second linkage set 324. The first linkage set 322 comprises a firstlong rod 322 a and a first short rod 322 b, and the second linkage set 324 comprises a secondlong rod 324 a and a second short rod 324 b. As shown inFIG. 11 , the firstlong rod 322 a is pivotally connected to the secondlong rod 324 a by ahinge 340 a, the firstlong rod 322 a is pivotally connected to the first short rod 322 b by ahinge 340 b, and the secondlong rod 324 a is pivotally connected to the second short rod 324 b by ahinge 340 c. The first and second short rods 322 b, 324 b are respectively connected to aturntable 3200 attached on thefifth actuator 320. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , thefifth actuator 320 is connected to the first andthird actuators fourth actuators fifth actuator 320 actuates theturntable 3200 to rotate, the first and second short rods 322 b, 324 b respectively drive the first and secondlong rods resilient members like face 1 as shown inFIG. 12 . The principle of thedevice 32 shown inFIG. 11 is the same as thedevice 22 a shown inFIG. 6 , and the related description does not be mentioned here again. - In this embodiment, the
fifth actuator 320 comprises a motor (not shown) for actuating the first linkage set 322 and the second linkage set 324. - In this embodiment, the first and
third actuators fourth actuators - Compared to the prior art, according to the device of the invention, when the actuator actuates the first end of the resilient member to rotate, the resilient member will deform correspondingly. Consequently, various facial expressions can be exhibited on the face. Under different applications, the resilient member of the invention can be decorated as eyebrow, eye, mouth, and so on. Furthermore, the resilient member can cooperate with the resilient skin to exhibit more vivid facial expression. The mechanism of the invention can be easily implemented, and the cost can be reduced correspondingly.
- With the example and explanations above, the features and spirits of the invention will be hopefully well described. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device may be made while retaining the teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A device for animating facial expression, comprising:
a first resilient member for driving a first facial feature on a face, the first resilient member having a first end, the first end being rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face; and
a first actuator for actuating the first end of the first resilient member to rotate and/or move, so that the first facial feature on the face is driven to deform by the first resilient member.
2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a first resilient enclosure for covering the first resilient member to exhibit the first facial feature.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first resilient member is a spring.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first facial feature is one selected from a group consisting of: eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip, and lower lip.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein there is a resilient skin on the face, and the first resilient member is connected to a position of the resilient skin corresponding to the first facial feature.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first resilient member has a second end rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face and the device further comprises a second actuator for actuating the second end of the first resilient member to rotate and/or move.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the first actuator further comprises a first linkage set, and the second actuator further comprises a second linkage set, the first linkage set comprises a first long rod and a first short rod, the second linkage set comprises a second long rod and a second short rod, the first long rod is pivotally connected to the second long rod, the first long rod is pivotally connected to the first short rod, and the second long rod is pivotally connected to the second short rod.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein the first and second short rods are respectively connected to a turntable, when the turntable rotates, the first and second short rods respectively drives the first and second long rods to open or close, so as to adjust a length of the first resilient member.
9. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second resilient member, regarded as a second facial feature on the face, having a third end, the third end being rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face; and
a third actuator for actuating the third end of the second resilient member to rotate and/or move.
10. The device of claim 9 , further comprising a second resilient enclosure for covering the second resilient member to exhibit the second facial feature.
11. The device of claim 9 , wherein the second resilient member is a spring.
12. The device of claim 9 , wherein the first facial feature is an upper eyelid, and the second facial feature is a lower eyelid.
13. The device of claim 9 , wherein the first facial feature is an upper lip, and the second facial feature is a lower lip.
14. The device of claim 9 , wherein the third actuator and the first actuator are integrated into one actuator.
15. The device of claim 9 , wherein there is a resilient skin on the face, and the first and second resilient members are respectively connected to positions of the resilient skin corresponding to the first and second facial features, such that the resilient skin is actuated by the first and third actuators, together with the first and second resilient members.
16. The device of claim 9 , wherein the first resilient member has a second end rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face and the device further comprises a second actuator for actuating the second end of the first resilient member to rotate and/or move.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the second resilient member has a fourth end rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face and the device further comprises a fourth actuator for actuating the fourth end of the second resilient member to rotate and/or move.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the fourth actuator and the second actuator are integrated into one actuator.
19. The device of claim 17 , wherein the first actuator further comprises a first linkage set, and the second actuator further comprises a second linkage set, the first linkage set comprises a first long rod and a first short rod, the second linkage set comprises a second long rod and a second short rod, the first long rod is pivotally connected to the second long rod, the first long rod is pivotally connected to the first short rod, and the second long rod is pivotally connected to the second short rod.
20. The device of claim 19 , wherein the first and second short rods are respectively connected to a turntable, when the turntable rotates, the first and second short rods respectively drives the first and second long rods to open or close, so as to adjust lengths of the first and second resilient members.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW095131474A TWI293571B (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2006-08-25 | Device for animating facial expression |
TW095131474 | 2006-08-25 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080050999A1 true US20080050999A1 (en) | 2008-02-28 |
Family
ID=39197244
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/844,413 Abandoned US20080050999A1 (en) | 2006-08-25 | 2007-08-24 | Device for animating facial expression |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20080050999A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI293571B (en) |
Cited By (12)
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US20110144804A1 (en) * | 2009-12-16 | 2011-06-16 | NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY of Taiwan, Republic of China | Device and method for expressing robot autonomous emotions |
US20120239196A1 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-20 | Microsoft Corporation | Natural Human to Robot Remote Control |
US8493286B1 (en) | 2009-04-21 | 2013-07-23 | Mark T. Agrama | Facial movement measurement and stimulation apparatus and method |
US8662955B1 (en) | 2009-10-09 | 2014-03-04 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy figures having multiple cam-actuated moving parts |
CN103770121A (en) * | 2014-02-20 | 2014-05-07 | 西北工业大学 | Combined facial expression simulation device |
US8764511B2 (en) | 2011-04-29 | 2014-07-01 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy vehicle |
US20150206465A1 (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2015-07-23 | Sumitomo Riko Company Limited | Flexible expression display device |
US10360859B1 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2019-07-23 | Valerie J. Heilbron | Eye animation device and method to show eye expression in 2D and 3D lighted displays |
US10452982B2 (en) * | 2016-10-24 | 2019-10-22 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Emotion estimating system |
US20190371039A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | UBTECH Robotics Corp. | Method and smart terminal for switching expression of smart terminal |
US10864453B2 (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2020-12-15 | King Mongkut's University Of Technology Thonburi | Automatic mobile robot for facilitating activities to improve child development |
US20210093980A1 (en) * | 2018-04-26 | 2021-04-01 | Takayuki TODO | Expression-variable robot |
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US20190371039A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | UBTECH Robotics Corp. | Method and smart terminal for switching expression of smart terminal |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWI293571B (en) | 2008-02-21 |
TW200810818A (en) | 2008-03-01 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BENQ CORPORATION, TAIWAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:JANG, BOW-YI;WANG, WILLIAM;CHOU, CHUNG-CHENG;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019741/0454;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070808 TO 20070814 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |