A biomechanical model of the face including muscles for the prediction of deformations during speech production

TL;DR

This paper introduces a detailed 3D biomechanical face model with muscles and contact modeling to predict facial deformations during speech, emphasizing the importance of anatomical accuracy and contact representation.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel finite element face model with independent muscle insertion points and contact modeling, enabling improved simulation of facial movements during speech.

Findings

Simulated smiling and Orbicularis Oris activation demonstrate realistic deformations.

Proper contact and anatomical detail are crucial for accurate predictions.

Model flexibility allows independent mesh and muscle implementation.

Abstract

A 3D biomechanical finite element model of the face is presented. Muscles are represented by piece-wise uniaxial tension cable elements linking the insertion points. Such insertion points are specific entities differing from nodes of the finite element mesh, which makes possible to change either the mesh or the muscle implementation totally independently of each other. Lip/teeth and upper lip/lower lip contacts are also modeled. Simulations of smiling and of an Orbicularis Oris activation are presented and interpreted. The importance of a proper account of contacts and of an accurate anatomical description is shown