iFace: A facial expression training system

Nonverbal information, such as that contained in facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice, plays an important role in human communications (Kurokawa, 1994). Facial expressions, especially, are a very important media for visually transmitting feelings and intentions (Yoshikawa, 2001; Uchida, 2006). At least one study has shown that more than half of all communication perceptions are transmitted through visual information (Mehrabian, 1981). However, the person transmitting a facial expression cannot directly see his or her own expression. Therefore, it is important to understand the expression being transmitted and identifying the target facial expression in order to ideally express it. Facial muscles play a critical role in human facial expressions. Facial expression training has recently garnered attention as a method of improving facial expressions (Inudou, 2007; Inudou, 1997; COBS ONLINE, 2007; Practice of Facial Expression, 2007). In facial expression training, exercises are performed that target a specific part of the face and those facial muscles. The muscles used in facial expressions are strengthened by training and when the facial expression is softened, the ideal facial expression can be expressed. Facial expression training has effective applications not only in daily communications, but also within the realm of business skills and rehabilitation. Facial expression training can take multiple forms, one of which is a seminar style experience with a trainer. Another method uses self training books or information on the Internet to serve as a guide. Some seminars are very expensive, and time and space are restricted. Alternatively, in a self training venue, it is difficult to clearly see your target facial expression when alone, and to compare your ideal facial expression with the present one. The aim of this study is the proposal of an effective expression training system using the computer to achieve the target facial expression. As an initial step, an interface to select the target facial expression is proposed. Next, the expression training system, including the target expression selection interface, is developed. A previous study (Miwa et al., 1999), one that used a virtual mirror, developed a facial expression training system that created a support system for facial expression training by utilizing a computer. The virtual mirror study was a facial expression training system displaying a facial expression by emphasizing the person’s features with a virtual mirror. This study, however, is different from the virtual mirror study because this study instead selects the target facial expression of an actual face.