How do I use FaceReader?
FaceReader helps to automate your research - quickly and easily. The user-friendly software allows you to use different input sources and system preferences, giving you the setup you need.
Discover options, practical tips, and how to's that will help you get the most out of your research.
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What does the software offer me?
FaceReaderTM can be used with different input sources. You can upload still images for analysis or analyze facial expressions from a pre-recorded video file.
When analyzing from video, you can choose an accurate frame-by-frame mode or skip frames for high-speed analysis.
Save valuable time
FaceReader also enables you to analyze live and to record video and audio simultaneously. If you plan to analyze multiple videos, you can analyze them all at the same time.
The software can also quickly detect interesting episodes, even in long series of events. This way, FaceReader saves you a lot of valuable time.
Which hardware do I need?
FaceReader performs best with high-quality input. Optimize your setup by placing the camera the right way and using diffuse frontal lighting for your subject's face. This helps you obtain the most reliable classification results.
Accurate in different conditions
With the right conditions, you can still measure the emotions of your test participants when they move. Keep in mind that head orientation, movement, and rotation need to stay within certain limits.
We strongly recommend that you use a high-quality webcam or an IP camera. When using FaceReader in areas with low light conditions, it is also possible to use infrared (IR) cameras.
What setup do I need?
The latest version of FaceReader has been tested on computers with the following technical specifications:
- Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Intel Core i7-10700 (8 Core, 16MB Cache, 2.09GHz)
- 8 GB of internal memory (2X4GB) DDR4 2666 MHz
- NVIDIA Quadro P2200 graphics card, 5G
How does FaceReader work?
How does FaceReader accurately classify facial expressions? For your facial expression analysis, FaceReader uses these steps:
- Face finding – Uses a face-finding algorithm that is based on Deep Learning
- Face modeling – Makes an accurate artificial face model using almost 500 key points
- Face classification – Classifies facial expressions with trained artificial neural networks
Learn more about FaceReader's methodology
Free white paper
Download this free white paper to learn more about:
- How FaceReader classifies facial expressions
- What types of data you can collect for your research
- How the software is validated
Since we started to use FaceReader in our work on situation-aware adaptive user interfaces, our research has taken a great leap forward.
Prof. Dr. Christian Märtin
AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES, GERMANY
How do I collect my data?
Accurate analysis for each participant
Tailor your facial expression analysis to a specific person using automatic calibration. You can either run the calibration before analysis or choose to calibrate continuously during the observation.
By doing so, you can correct person-specific biases towards a certain emotional expression, for example, when someone shows a lot of anger in their neutral facial state.
Create custom expressions
Custom expressions are facial expressions or mental states that you can define yourself, such as workload, pain, or embarrassment.
To create custom expressions, you can combine variables such as facial expressions, Action Units, heart rate, and heart rate variability. You can also use valence, arousal, and head orientation in your definition of a custom expression.
Privacy & ethics in FaceReader
FaceReader is installed on-site and adheres to strict privacy-by-design protocols. For example, the software offers you the option not to record the participant's face during analysis.
FaceReader is a software tool for scientific research. It is not capable of recognizing or identifying faces or people, and is therefore unsuitable for surveillance purposes.
Choose the license that works for you
You can use FaceReader with a hardware key (USB dongle) or a digital software license key. A fixed license is connected to a single designated computer, allowing you to use the software without an internet connection.
With a floating license, you can install the software on any computer and use it in any location with an internet connection - at the office, in the lab, or at home.
FaceReader versions
| Feature | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easy import from FaceReader Online | X | ||||
| Numerical analysis of AUs, custom expression, and RPPG (module) | X | ||||
| Global gaze direction analysis in 9 directions | X | ||||
| Analysis of head orientation and position | X | X | |||
| Flexible dashboard for personalized overview | X | X | |||
| Record audio together with video | X | X | |||
| Analysis of Infrared images and videos | X | X | |||
| Analysis of consumption behavior (module) | X | X | |||
| Baby FaceReader | X | X | |||
| Measurement of heart rate variability through remote PPG (module) | X | X | |||
| Build your own custom expressions (module) | X | X | |||
| Analysis of left and right Action Units (module) | X | X | X | ||
| Connect seamlessly with The Observer XT via N-Linx | X | X | X | ||
| Deep Face model (AI) | X | X | X | X | |
| Stimulus Presentation Tool | X | X | X | X | |
| Analysis of heart rate through remote PPG (module) | X | X | X | X | |
| Project wizard | X | X | X | X | |
| Comparison of responses to different stimuli (module) | X | X | X | X | |
| Numerical analysis of expressions, valence, and arousal | X | X | X | X | |
| Numerical group analysis | X | X | X | X | |
| Independent variables for data selection (module) | X | X | X | X | |
| Circumplex model of affect | X | X | X | X | |
| Analysis of contempt | X | X | X | X | X |
| Analysis of Action Units (module) | X | X | X | X | X |
| Scoring of event markers and stimulus markers | X | X | X | X | X |
| Analysis and visualization of responses from multiple participants (module) | X | X | X | X | X |
Why should I use FaceReader?
FaceReader is fast, flexible, objective, accurate, and easy to use. Want to learn more about the benefits for your research project? Discover why professionals from over 1,000 universities, research, and companies choose FaceReader.
What can I use FaceReader for?
From consumer and psychology research to usability studies and neuroscience - FaceReader will help you gain accurate facial expression data for your project. Learn more about how to apply FaceReader in your research.
Learn more about FaceReader
Discover in-depth information about how to use FaceReader and learn how others benefit from the software. You'll also find relevant publications, as well as product overviews for specific research areas and markets.
How do I expand my FaceReader setup?
Set up your FaceReader system to include everything you need for your research project - from advanced analysis options to physiological measurments or custom expressions. Baby FaceReader and FaceReader Online are also available as stand-alone products.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re passionate about helping you achieve your research goals. Let’s discuss your project and find the tools that fit.
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