A communication network and devices for text to speech and text to facial animation conversion

摘要

A communication system comprises a sending device, a receiving device and a network which connects the sending device to the receiving device. The sending device comprises at least one user operable input for entering a sequence of textual characters, as a message and transmission means for sending the message across the network. The receiving device comprises a memory which stores a plurality of head images, each one being associated with a different sending device and comprising an image of a head viewed from the front, receiver means for receiving the message comprising the sequence of textual characters, text to speech converting means for converting the text characters of the message into an audio message corresponding to the sequence of text characters and animating means for generating an animated partial 3D image of a head from the head image stored in the memory which is associated with the sender of the message. The animating means animates at least one facial feature of the head, the animation corresponding the movements made by the head when reading the message. A display displays the animated partial 3D head; and a loudspeaker outputs the audio message in synchronisation with the displayed head.