FACIAL MUSCLE SCHEME.
The eyebrows and top half of the cheeks were implemented in the following fashion:
To demonstrate the different poses moving I have rendered some hardware previews. The animations are no indication of the final output.
1. THE 'NEUTRAL' POSE. - For the blendshapes within Maya to work they have to reference some base geometry. The modelling techniques used to create the face are beyond the scope of this report. The neutral pose consists of the initial geometry that the face was modelled. All morph-targets were created by manipulating this base geometry. ( see image 1.)
2. THE CORRUGATORS. - As can be seen in this hardware rendered test. The eyebrows move down and inward subtly. I have also included the characteristic knotting of muscle just above the nose and between the brows. Perfect for an angered facial expression. ( see image 2.)
3. THE FRONTALIS. - View this hardware rendered test for an animated example. The eyebrows lift upwards pushing the centre of the forehead with it. Wrinkles appear in the forehead as the skin folds. Ideal for a facial 'shrug', fear and surprise. ( see images 3 and 4 )
4. THE ORBICULARIS OCULI. - View the hardware rendered test for an animated example. The most notable feature here is the inclusion of the bulging cheeks, as well as the slight crease in each one. Highly apparent also, is the tapering of the eyebrows as they attempt to meet in the middle. ( see images 5 and 6 )
5. THE 'ORBITALS' - View the hardware rendered test for an animated example. My research into facial muscles didn't extend to this set of muscles, which only became apparent to me when I studied my face in a mirror. At this point I already had an idea of how I wanted the various dialogue to be expressed. It was clear that with the muscles available to me I was going to have trouble reaching a suitable level of expression. I created these two morph-targets to aid in achieving the quizzical look. I have provisionally named them the Orbitals due to the bony regions surrounding the eyes to which they are situated. ( see images 7 and 8 )