Abstract: A mechanism effectively mimics human facial expressions for use in animated characters. On the front surface of the mechanism, four gears, meshed in pairs, provide rotational surfaces for a series of cranks and pins. As the gears rotate, the cranks and pins engage a loop of elastomeric material. As pin distance from each other, the loop stretches. As pins approach each other, the loop contracts. Other pins located on the cranks or gears cause an inflection or deflection of the loop as the gears rotate. The resulting stretch or bending of the loop more accurately and efficiently mimics facial expressions.

Abstract: A mechanism for animated characters capable of visually communicating facial expressions is provided. The mechanism (10) has two mesh gears per upper or lower lip (FIG. 1b). One gear of each pair is rotated by a single drive (20, 22). Each gear has two guidance devices (60, 62, 56, 58). Rotation of any gear to which the elastomeric material (80) is connected via a guidance device results in the stretch or ability to retract the elastomeric material. Secondary guidance devices (64, 66, 68, 70) on a gear, when in contact with the elastomeric material, cause an inflection or deflection of the elastomeric material. Resulting stretch or bending of the elastomeric material mimics facial expressions.

Abstract: A mechanism effectively mimics human facial expressions for use in animated characters. On the front surface of the mechanism, four gears, meshed in pairs, provide rotational surfaces for a series of cranks and pins. As the gears rotate, the cranks and pins engage a loop of elastomeric material. As pin distance from each other, the loop stretches. As pins approach each other, the loop contracts. Other pins located on the cranks or gears cause an inflection or deflection of the loop as the gears rotate. The resulting stretch or bending of the loop more accurately and efficiently mimics facial expressions.