Teaching Virtual Characters How to Use Body Language

Abstract. Non-verbal communication, or “body language”, is a critical component in constructing believable virtual characters. Most often, body language is implemented by a set of ad-hoc rules. We propose a new method for authors to specify and refine their character’s body-language responses. Using our method, the author watches the character acting in a situation, and provides simple feedback on-line. The character then learns to use its body language to maximize the rewards, based on a reinforcement learning algorithm.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: IVA
• Authors: Doron A. Friedman, Marco Gillies
• Keywords: Believable Virtual Characters, Body Language, Character’s Body-language Responses, IVA 2005