Why use FaceReader

Automated analysis of facial expressions brings clear insights into the effect of different stimuli on emotions
Very easy-to-use: save valuable time and resources
Easy integration with eye tracking data and physiology data

Benefits

Premier software tool for facial analysis

According to a recent validation study, FaceReader 6 shows the best performance out of the major software tools for emotion classification currently available, with an average of 88% [1]. FaceReader 7.1 achieves an even higher score, with 93% [2].
Instant results

Emotion data is analyzed immediately in FaceReader, saving valuable time, and money.
Unobtrusive observations

With easy-to-use software, emotions are measured unobtrusively.
Detailed facial expressions with Action Units

Action Units are muscle groups in the face that are responsible for facial expressions. This unique feature in FaceReader distinguishes the intensity of the active muscles at the left and the right side of the face separately. A valuable addition to your facial expression analysis.
Create custom expressions

You can design your own algorithms for analysis of workload, pain, embarrassment, and infinitely more by combining variables such as facial expressions, Action Units, and heart rate.
No bias

The primary reactions of test subjects are recorded, without any bias. Person-specific biases can be calibrated automatically.
Unique features and benefits

With FaceReader you get many unique features and benefits for the recognition and analysis of facial expressions. For instance, FaceReader is the first and only tool that can automatically measure facial expressions in infants.
Remote measurement with FaceReader Online

Easily incorporate online facial expression analysis service in your market research with FaceReader Online.
Easy integration with other programs

FaceReader data can be exported to other programs. Also, FaceReader works perfectly with The Observer XT, creating an integrated solution to study behavior, emotions, and physiological responses.
Most cited

FaceReader is by far the most cited facial expression recognition software in more than 1250 peer-reviewed publications since 2005 [3].

FaceReader Premier software tool for facial analysis

FaceReader is used in nearly 1,300 publications!

Modules

Several add-on modules expand FaceReader software to meet your research needs. For example, if you are looking for an easy way to analyze and report your results in detail, the Project Analysis Module will help you with that. Moreover, the Action Unit Module offers you automatic analysis of 20 Action Units. The third module we provide enables you to estimate the heart rates and heart rate variability of the test participants.

Project Analysis Module

For advanced analysis of facial expression data, the Project Analysis Module should be part of your software. You can easily evaluate stimuli, such as a commercial or an image, by comparing male participants to female participants, for example.

The Project Analysis Module includes the Stimulus Presentation Tool. By designing a test, this tool automatically shows the test participants the stimuli while FaceReader accurately analyzes the participant’s face.

Action Unit Module

Action Unit classification adds valuable information to facial expressions recorded by FaceReader. This add-on module allows for the automatic analysis of a selection of 20 common Action Units, such as raising of cheeks, wrinkling of nose, dimpling, and lip tightening.

Design your own algorithms for analysis of workload, fake vs genuine smiles, pain, embarrassment, and more by combining variables such as basic facial expressions, Action Units, and heart rate. This way, you can create your own custom expressions.

Remote Photoplethysmography (RPPG)

With this module, based on patented technology, you can analyze heart rate and heart rate variability of the test participant without additional hardware, using the FaceReader camera. The Photoplethysmography (PPG) technique measures the small changes in color caused by changes in blood volume under the skin epidermis. Determining the subject’s heart rate can be particularly useful as an additional indicator of arousal for subjects or situations where there is little variation in facial expressions.

Consumption Behavior Module

For the analysis of behavior that is related to eating and talking, the consumption behavior module is available on an experimental basis in FaceReader 8. This add-on module allows you to analyze the following behaviors:

Taking a bite (or taking a sip)
Chewing
Chew motion
Talking

References

Stöckli, S.; Schulte-Mecklenbeck, M.; Borer, S. & Samson, A.C. (2018) Facial expression analysis with AFFDEX and FACET: A validation study. Behavior Research Methods, 50 (4), 1446-1460.
The average performance of FaceReader 7.1 was measured with the datasets ADFES and WSEFEP.
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