YOLO vs. CNN Algorithms: A Comparative Study in Masked Face Recognition

Purpose: This research investigates the effectiveness of YOLO (You Only Look Once) and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) in real-time face mask recognition, addressing the challenges posed by mask-wearing in infectious disease prevention.Method: Utilizing a diverse dataset and employing YOLO's object detection and a combined Haar Cascade Algorithm with CNN, the study evaluated key performance indicators, including accuracy, framerate, and F1 Score.Results: Results indicated that CNN outperformed YOLO in accuracy (99.3% vs. 79.3%) but operated at a slightly lower framerate. YOLO excelled in recall and precision, presenting a compelling choice for specific application needs. The research underscores the importance of considering factors beyond accuracy for informed decision-making in the realm of face mask recognition.Novelty: This research evaluates the real-time performance of YOLO and CNN algorithms in masked face recognition, highlighting the crucial balance between framerate efficiency and detection accuracy.