In a previous post I have uploaded an updated Chatscript front-end that uses Google Chrome’s Speech API to Github.
https://www.chatbots.org/ai_zone/viewthread/2173/
I also added a version with a picture of an avatar. The picture of the avatar can be changed in Chatscript by sending an embedded command in your chatbot’s text response. You can specify the image name directly or specify an emotion that is mapped to an image file in an output macro. So if you supply an avatar image for each emotion then you can change the expression on your avatar as you chat.
Now, I have experimented with “actions” so instead of specifying an avatar image, ie [avatar=happy.jpg] I can send a command [action=smile] and the front end contains code that executes when it sees the command smile. The code could be anything but I have set it to show the happy.jpg for a short time and then revert back to the previous avatar image. So far I have similar actions for wink, cry, and frown.
I also added a “talk animation” which basically switches an image from “mouth closed” to “mouth open” and alternates while the TTS is active. It is primitive but it is a start.
I have a working personal version using avatar art from http://www.pickaface.net. After rereading the licensing I cannot repost the “free avatar” art online.
If there is anyone who would like to collaborate on a 2D “animated” web front-end for Chatscript then let me know. I would like 100% free avatar art of “medium to high” quality that shows emotions plus “talking”. I had created 12 static images on pickaface.net that are ~200px square. They consist of the same forward facing avatar image with just the mouth and eyebrows modified. I would prefer art and not photos and would like to keep it simple enough for others to be able to modify if needed without requiring Unity or a degree in animation.
In the meantime, I may try my hand at some simple avatar drawings myself.
Once I have something decent looking I will upload it to github.
I would like to implement blinking, eye movement, and small face movement next.
If there is no chance you can contribute artwork but are interested in an animated web-based front end for Chatscript and have some ideas then please leave your comments.