Abstract: The technical of 3D human facial expression animation is a subject which has potential
application and fatal research significance. This paper proposes a facial expression animation solution
based on Microsoft Kinect device after the research of existing facial expression capture technology
and animation synthesis technology. First, Kinect device is used to capture the face data and relevant
expression parameters are extracted, at the same time, a three-dimensional model of face is
reconstructed with Autodesk Maya animation software. Then the model is imported to OGRE
animation engine and the expression parameters transferred to OGRE in which real time facial
expression animation is rendered at last. Experiment results show that the method can provide an
acceptable and reliable real-time facial expression animation. Compared to other existing facial
expression animation technologies, the system is easier to operate with rather inexpensive device.

Key words: Kinect, expression capture, facial animation, Maya, OGRE