Fully Automated Facial Symmetry Axis Detection in Frontal Color Images

In this paper, we consider the problem of automatically detecting a facial symmetry axis in what we will call a standard human face image (acquired when the subject is looking directly into the camera, in front of a clean gray background under controlled illumination). Images of this kind are encountered in face recognition scenarios; this detection should facilitate more sophisticated facial image processing. The proposed method is based on GLDH (gray level difference histogram) analysis and consists of three components: (1) the face region detection stage crops an approximate face region out of the background, (2) symmetry detection discovers a vertical axis to optimally bisect the region of interest, assuming it is bilaterally symmetric, and (3) orientation adjustment aligns the angle of the symmetry axis with the orientation of the face. An implementation of the method is described, and results are presented. This detector’s robust performance is evidenced by its success findin...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: AUTOID
• Authors: Xin Chen, Patrick J. Flynn, Kevin W. Bowyer
• Keywords: AUTOID 2005, Face Region, Facial Symmetry Axis, Pattern Recognition, Symmetry Axis