Face shape extraction and recognition using 3D morphing and distance mapping

Abstract

We describe a novel approach for creating a 3D face structure from multiple image views of a human face taken at a priori unknown poses by appropriately morphing a generic 3D face. A 3D cubic explicit polynomial is used to morph a generic face into the specific face structure. This allows the creation of a database of 3D faces that is used in identifying a person (in the database) from one or more arbitrary image view(s). The estimation of a 3D person's face and its recognition from the database of faces is achieved through the use of a distance map metric. The use of this metric avoids either resorting to the formidable task of establishing feature point correspondences in the image views, or even more severely, relying on the extremely view-sensitive image intensity (texture). Experimental results are shown for images of real faces, and excellent results are obtained.