Production of a range image for facial motion analysis: a method for analyzing lip motion

To analyze the lip movement of patients with cleft lip and palate in detail, we developed a novel technique to produce a range image from a video-based motion capture system, and a unique technique to analyze lip movements in detail three-dimensionally. The accuracy of the range image obtained from the present system was investigated using a positioning actuator with a high accuracy and a known object, and by comparisons with the range images produced from a laser scanner with a cast model of a face. The lip motions of six healthy adults during phonation was analyzed.