Undertaken by the University of Lleida, the project has led to research into new training options based on the development of a virtual coach.
The basis of the Virtual Coach concept is the development of a photorealist virtual face with 3D animation to permit verbal and non-verbal communication with a person who, for example, may need to do rehabilitation exercises. The work undertaken has led to the development of the 3D animation system, the use of photorealist textures to create a friendly-looking face, and the development of facial expressions.
One of the concepts tested in the Virtual Coach project consisted in enabling a telephone operator or teletrainer to establish remote contact with the user by displaying the animated face on the virtual coach without having to reveal his or her own identity or facial features, instead using the system capabilities to generate and replicate the facial expressions and interactions commonly established in non-verbal communication between people.