One project involves developing ways for computer-generated models to interact with each other, using speech with appropriate intonations, hand gestures, and facial movements. In another, scientists use algorithms to generate facial animations from speech and are studying how the face, hands, and speech complement each other in our communication. The focus of another project looks at how people might communicate with computers using speech, gesture, and gaze-the same things humans use to communicate with each other. So next time you meet someone, take a few seconds to think about what that person's face is communicating before either of you says a word. Chances are you'll be able to tell what the person is feeling.
Student Activity Find out how the parts of the face work together to express emotions.
Create a face book to find out. By combining different faces, you can identify what emotions other people see on each face you create. You'll learn which parts or combination of parts of the face communicate most accurately. Glue each face to a page of paper. You should have at least 10 pages of faces.