Point distributions with different characteristics have a crucial influence on graphics applications. Various analysis tools have been developed in recent years, mainly for blue noise sampling in Euclidean domains. In this paper, we present a new method to analyze the properties of general sampling patterns that are distributed on mesh surfaces. The core idea is to generalize to surfaces the pair correlation function(PCF) which has successfully been employed in sampling pattern analysis and synthesis in 2D and 3D. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach can reveal correlations of point sets generated by a wide range of sampling algorithms. An acceleration technique is also suggested to improve the performance of the PCF.
To synthesize real-time and realistic facial animation, we present an effective algorithm which combines image- and geometry-based methods for facial animation simulation. Considering the numerous motion units in the expression coding system, we present a novel simplified motion unit based on the basic facial expression, and construct the corresponding basic action for a head model. As image features are difficult to obtain using the performance driven method, we develop an automatic image feature recognition method based on statistical learning, and an expression image semi-automatic labeling method with rotation invariant face detection, which can improve the accuracy and efficiency of expression feature identification and training. After facial animation redirection, each basic action weight needs to be computed and mapped automatically. We apply the blend shape method to construct and train the corresponding expression database according to each basic action, and adopt the least squares method to compute the corresponding control parameters for facial animation. Moreover, there is a pre-integration of diffuse light distribution and specular light distribution based on the physical method, to improve the plausibility and efficiency of facial rendering. Our work provides a simplification of the facial motion unit, an optimization of the statistical training process and recognition process for facial animation, solves the expression parameters, and simulates the subsurface scattering effect in real time. Experimental results indicate that our method is effective and efficient, and suitable for computer animation and interactive applications.
