Proposition de stage - 2024
Event-based approaches for facial micro-expression detection
Niveau : Master 2
A facial micro-expression is a brief, involuntary, and often subtle facial expression that lasts for a fraction of a second, reflecting a reaction to a stimulus that individuals may consciously or unconsciously attempt to conceal. In the domain of affective computing, an important research question is the recognition of these fleeting facial micro-expressions. This challenge involves developing robust models for cross-cultural understanding, considering contextual influences, and creating real-time, non-intrusive applications for areas like security and human-computer interfaces.
Event-based cameras, a relatively new technology dedicated to capturing visual information selectively based on changes in the scene, hold promise for tracking micro-expressions. Their ability to capture subtle changes with high temporal resolution provides an interesting new avenue for advancing the accuracy and efficiency of micro-expression recognition systems, opening new possibilities for human-aware computing applications. For instance, in virtual environments, micro-expressions can enhance the realism of avatars by enabling them to display authentic facial responses, creating a more immersive experience for users. In the field of Quality of Experience research (QoE), micro-expressions could also act as implicit indicators of users’ experiences and engagement, complementing explicit feedback methods.
This internship aligns with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie staff exchange program “AC4Mod”. The aim of this project is to construct 4D facial macro- and micro-expression in line with the internal emotional states, and investigate difference of facial expressions under different cultures (i.e., Eastern and Western cultures). This research will underpin the next generation of human-computer interaction and inspire the next round of technology competition in metaverse and new media fields. To this end, the project consortium includes researchers from multiple disciplines and regions, thus opening the way to scientific exchanges opportunities, as well as serving as an introduction to interdisciplinary research for the candidate.
This internship can also lead to a potential continuation in a PhD.
