Hierarchical differential image filters for skin analysis

Abstract

In this paper we present a framework for analyzing skin parameters from portrait images and videos. Using a series of Hierarchical Differential Image Filters (HDIF), it becomes possible to detect different skin features such as wrinkles, spots, and roughness. These detected features are used to compute skin ratings that are compared to actual ratings by dermatologists. Analyzing a database of 49 images with ratings by a panel of dermatologists, the proposed HDIF method is able to detect skin roughness, dark spots, and deep wrinkles with an average rating error of 11.3%, 17.6%, and 15.6%, respectively, as compared to individual dermatologist rating errors of 8.2%, 7.4%, and 6.5%. Although dermatologist ratings are more accurate than the proposed HDIF method, the ratings are close enough that the HDIF ratings can be a viable solution where dermatologist ratings are not readily available.