Oculus VR facial expressions could be Facebook’s next level of social networking

Facebook's take on next level social networking could be the motivation behind its Oculus acquisition last year. The facial expression project in its current research stage has been presenting great results and could be unveiled next month.

In previous accounts, Marck Zuckerberg made a statement on his pursuit for a fresh approach in social networking. There are speculations that this could be the mysterious reason why Facebook bought Oculus. A source close to the Oculus facial expression research says that the development could allow a more realistic interaction in online socializing by integrating emotions in human-like representations such as avatars rather than emojis.

Facebook, in collaboration with University of Southern California researchers has devised a system to capture its Oculus users' facial expressions and transfer them to an avatar. It uses RealSense 3D camera to capture the lower part of the face that isn't covered by the VR headset. For the upper part of the face, the researchers attached 8 gauges in the headset's foam lining and used Facial Action Coding System based software. Prior to 3D camera shots to capture the users' facial reaction, the system needs an initial calibration of the user's face showing a variety of facial reactions without the headset. This part of the Oculus experience is still under research but the company is already prepared to launch the VR unit.

Sources say that there is a special press event scheduled on June 11 that will most likely be the unveiling of the Oculus Rift. The company's invitation has a one liner "Step into the Rift" with the date and location underneath against an image of the Oculus VR headset. It doesn't provide much information about the product presentation that will take place in the event except for various existing videos showing several projects involving the VR headset.

New Oculus research on facial expression could be the answer to the puzzling reason why Facebook bought Oculus. Mark Zuckerberg could be making yet another wave of innovation in online socializing.