On-line Visualization of Student Facial Emotion in Virtual e-Learning Environment

抄録

Traditional education system continuously converts to the e-Learning method and three dimensional virtual environment becomes powerful way of delivering knowledge. Learning environment and non-verbal communication are highly influence to the performance of the student. Avatar is a graphical representation of the user in virtual world. It has only ordering connection with the student and Avatar, and virtual world seems some artificial atmosphere. In here, a system is developed to visualize the real user facial emotion through the face of the Avatar in virtual world. Extraction of the real user facial emotion, creation of emotion models in virtual world and establishment of connection between real world and virtual world are the major steps to accomplish the aim of this research. Real user facial expression identification system is constructed based on the Geometric feature-based method. Avatar changing system is implemented in virtual environment and it is included four basic facial expressions. Ultimately, the facial expressions of the real user are transferred to the virtual environment and it is appeared on the face of the Avatar. Facial emotion of the student is visualized through the Avatar in the Virtual Learning Environment. An experiment was conducted with this facial emotion system and it was carried on as a discussion. During the experiment, student discussed with their facial emotion with the live Avatar. The result of the experiment showed that, facial emotional Avatar is important to e-Learning and it is increased the reality of the learning environment. Further, it indicates that the engaging with three dimensions Virtual Learning Environment with facial emotion is very interesting thing and that is a plus point for future e-Learning.