LUCIA a New Italian Talking-Head Based on a Modified Cohen-Massaro's Labial Coarticulation Model

LUCIA, a new Italian talking head based on a modified version of the Cohen-Massaro's labial coarticulation model is described. A semi-automatic minimization technique, working on real cinematic data, acquired by the ELITE optoelectronic system, was used to train the dynamic characteristics of the model. LUCIA is an MPEG-4 standard facial animation system working on standard FAP visual parameters and speaking with the Italian version of FESTIVAL TTS.