Standards Development

Scope

This document specifically focuses on Avatar Face Representation for XR Communication, outlining a comprehensive framework for standardizing the representation and animation of avatar faces in XR communication scenarios. It aims to standardize the human-to-3D avatar face modeling process, tailored for users of XR glasses. This process involves accurately mapping an individual's facial features onto their avatars to ensure that the 3D avatars closely resemble the real human faces they represent, even when XR devices obscure certain facial regions. Additionally, the document emphasizes the critical need for real-time facial animation during communication. This involves synchronizing facial expressions with the glasses wearer's movements and gestures. Achieving this level of synchronization requires advanced tracking technologies capable of capturing and processing facial data instantaneously, generating accurate digital representations in real-time.

(a) Human Face Capturing: This initial step involves capturing the user's facial features using XR device sensors. The standard specifies the types and configurations of sensors (e.g., external cameras, infrared sensors, depth sensors) integrated into XR glasses to effectively capture facial data.

(b) Facial Data Mapping and Rendering: The captured facial data is then processed using algorithms that map the user's facial geometry and expressions onto the avatar. Finally, the processed data is used to render the avatar's face in the virtual environment. This rendering is done in real-time to synchronize with the user's facial movements and expressions, providing a seamless and realistic avatar representation. 

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to establish a standardized framework for avatar face representation specifically tailored for XR communication scenarios involving users wearing XR glasses, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs). This framework addresses the unique challenges posed by these XR devices, which can obscure parts of the face and complicate the accurate tracking of facial expressions. By providing a comprehensive approach to human-to-3D avatar face modeling and realtime facial animation, the framework aims to enhance the fidelity, realism, and effectiveness of avatarmediated communication in XR environments, particularly for XR glass wearers. As XR technologies continue to be adopted for communication, traditional methods of conveying nonverbal cues and emotions—crucial components of effective communication—often fall short. XR technologies offer a promising solution by enabling users to engage in virtual environments as realistic avatars. However, the lack of standardized practices in avatar face representation and animation, especially for users wearing XR glasses, has limited the potential of these technologies. This framework seeks to address this gap by providing clear guidelines and methodologies for accurately capturing, processing, and rendering facial expressions in real time, ensuring that avatars of XR glass wearers can fully convey their users' emotions and expressions. Key benefits for the framework include: - Enhanced Communication Efficiency: By accurately and realistically representing the faces of XR glass wearers, the framework improves the conveyance of nonverbal cues and emotions, leading to more effective and meaningful interactions in XR environments. - Improved User Engagement: Realistic facial representations increase user immersion and engagement, making virtual meetings, educational sessions, telehealth consultations, and social VR applications more impactful, particularly for those using XR glasses. - Cross-Platform Consistency: Standardized practices ensure consistency in avatar facial representation across different XR devices and platforms, providing a uniform and seamless user experience regardless of the specific XR glasses being used.