Text2Video: A SMS to MMS Conversion

Abstract:
With the fast growing high data rate networks, such as UMTS, new communication types are provided by mobile communication providers. Video communication as well as broadcast over DVB-H are only two examples of these new services. Video messages created from enhanced text messages also belongs to these new services. In this context, we have developed a complete system for the automatic creation of talking head video sequences from text messages like SMS. Our system converts the text into MPEG-4 Facial Animation Parameters and synthetic voice. A user selected 3D character will perform lip movements synchronized to the speech. The 3D models created from a single image vary from realistic people to cartoon characters. A voice selection for different languages and gender as well as a pitch shift component enables a personalization of the animation. The animation is shown using the 3GPP player of mobile devices. Therefore, our system can be used in mobile communication for the conversion of regular SMS messages to MMS animations.