Knowledge Base

What Is New In FaceReader 10

Customers that upgrade FaceReader from a previous version should read this section carefully to get an impression of the new features in FaceReader 10.

If You Upgraded From FaceReader 9.1

Voice Analysis Module

FaceReader 10 comes with the Voice Analysis Module which allows you to detect emotions in the voice (Neutral, Happy, Sad and Angry), Valence and Arousal in the voice, Loudness and Speech rate.

New Vital Sign: Breathing Rate

FaceReader 10 allows you to measure three vital signs. The RPPG Module in previous FaceReader versions made it possible to measure heart rate and heart rate variability. In FaceReader 10 it is possible to measure respiratory (breathing) rate as well. The RPPG Module has, therefore, been renamed and is now called the Vital Signs Module.

Advanced Research Module

This module allows you to analyze multiple faces in a video. With this module and the Stimulus Presentation Tool you can also track the gaze of the test participant to assess what he/she is looking at when you present stimuli.

See The Advanced Research Module and Stimulus Presentation Tool

Project Analysis Module

The Project Analysis Module is now part of the basic FaceReader functionality.

Improved Accuracy

The accuracy of basic facial expression analysis, analysis of Action Units, baby Action Units and the subject characteristics estimation has improved, including a relatively better estimation of contempt. In addition, there are significant improvements in facial state estimations (mouth and eyes open/close) and in left/right unilateral Action Unit activations.

If You Upgraded From FaceReader 9.0

Improved Action Unit Classification

In FaceReader 9.1.8 and higher the classification of Action Units gives slightly lower intensities than in older versions of the software. In older versions non-active Action Units could be classified with intensity level A, A-level Action Unit activations with level B, etc. The values of Contempt, Arousal, facial states (except Gaze direction), most custom expressions and Valence in Baby FaceReader are also affected as these parameters are based on Action Units. For the most accurate Action Unit estimation it is important to use the latest version of the software. See Introduction To Action Unit Classification for more information.

Improved Face Modeling

In FaceReader 10 the face modeling has been improved. The new model is just as fast as the model in FaceReader 9.0 but the modeling of the mouth, the eyes and the eyebrows is much better. This is important in situations in which the test participant talks (for instance, when using a think aloud protocol in a usability test) or eats.

Improved Project Analysis Functionality

The Project Analysis now shows a default layout upon opening. The data selection window has been re-arranged to make it easier to use. Charts and tables have more extensive headers which can be adjusted.

New Custom Expressions

New custom expressions have been added to FaceReader 10, including 'Spontaneous laughter', 'Talking', Frowning and 'Raising Eyebrows'. FaceReader 10 also has extra processors to define custom expressions.

If You Upgraded From FaceReader 8.1

New Face Finding And Modeling Technique

FaceReader 10 uses a new and improved face finding and face modeling technique. It is more accurate and much faster and can better deal with rotations. See How Does FaceReader Work? for more information. As a result there are only three face models available now (the 'General' model, 'East-Asian' model and if you have Baby FaceReader, the 'Baby' model). The 'Children' model and the 'Elderly' model have become obsolete.

Renewed Project Analysis Design

The Project Analysis section has been re-designed. In addition to the basic facial expressions you can now also analyze Action Units, Custom Expressions, Heart rate, Heart rate variability, Respiration rate, and Expressions in the voice. See Project Analysis for more information. Please note that you need the Action Unit Module to measure Action Units and Custom Expressions, the Vital Signs Module to measure heart rate, heart rate variability, Respiration rate, and the Voice Analysis Module to measure expressions in the voice.

Project Analysis is now also available for Baby FaceReader.

Improved East Asian Model

The East Asian face model has been improved. A validation set of images of East Asian faces has been created and a study has been carried out to validate the enhancements and to further improve the East Asian model.

Improved Gaze Direction Measurement

Previous versions of FaceReader could track the test participant's gaze in three directions (Left, Right and Forward). In FaceReader the gaze direction can be tracked more accurately, in nine directions (Left, Left-Up, Left_Down, Right, Right-Up, Right-Down, Up, Down and Forward). FaceReader can also determine the gaze angle now (Horizontal gaze angle and Vertical gaze angle).

New Custom Expressions

FaceReader 10 comes with a number of new custom expressions, including: Attention, Laughing, Smiling, Spontaneous laughter, Talking, Blinking, Frowning, and Raising Eyebrows. See Custom Expressions for more information.

More Functionality In Stimulus Presentation Tool

A new version of the Stimulus Presentation Tool allows you to display your stimuli full-screen. It is also possible now to define the length of the pause between stimuli and to track the test participant's gaze. See The Stimulus Presentation Tool for more information.

Software Activation Code Instead Of Hardware Key

FaceReader 10 comes with a software activation code as the license which makes it easier to work with the software. For existing customers it is still possible to upgrade their hardware key.

If You Upgraded From FaceReader 8.0

Reporting Display

FaceReader now has a fully customizable visualization of its analysis output. You can use it on a second monitor, or to create visuals in a report or presentation. The Reporting Client has been removed, its Valence Monitor and Smiley windows are available in the Reporting Display.

See Reporting Display In FaceReader's Output

Consumption Behavior Module

The Consumption Behavior Module lets you determine whether your test participant shows chewing behavior, takes a bite of the food item you are testing or takes a sip of the drinks you offer.

See The Consumption Behavior Module

If You Upgraded From FaceReader 7

Baby FaceReader

Depending on your FaceReader license you have the regular version of FaceReader, Baby FaceReader or both. With Baby FaceReader you can analyze faces of babies from the age of 6 months and infants up to the age of 2 years. Baby FaceReader can analyze 20 Action Units, Valence and Arousal. You can extend Baby FaceReader with the Vital Signs Module.

Custom Expressions

FaceReader 10 lets you define your own expressions based on the default facial expressions, Valence, Arousal, Action Units and other parameters. The Affective Attitudes Boredom, Confusion and Interest are now part of the Custom Expressions and a large number of other custom expressions are available in FaceReader's Custom Expression Library. To define Custom Expressions you need the Action Unit Module. For more information see Custom Expressions.

Audio Recording

If you use FaceReader with a webcam, you can now record audio with your videos. This is important in focus group tests, interviews and usability tests.

Left And Right Action Units

The Action Unit Module now tells you not only whether Action Units are active in the face but also whether they are active on the left side or right side of the face. 11 out of the 20 Action Units that FaceReader can analyze, are unilateral. This functionality is especially useful if you work with patients that are semi-paralyzed, subjects that have had a stroke or people suffering from Parkinson's disease. For more information see Unilateral Action Units.

Infrared Recordings

If you want to film your test participants in the (near) dark, for instance, when analyzing people's facial expressions in a cinema, you can use (near) infrared light with a camera that is sensitive for this type of light. FaceReader 10 supports (near) infrared recordings. Please note that it is not possible to measure heart rate, heart rate variability, and breathing rate with infrared recordings.

Export Improvements

You now have more options to choose from when you export your data. This way it is easier to adjust the format of the export file to the requirements of analysis programs like SPSS.

New Camera

Besides the Microsoft LifeCam Studio that was already supported in previous versions, FaceReader 10 now also supports the Logitech BRIO webcam.

Source: FaceReader 10 Reference Manual (Help), Noldus Information Technology