title: Nonlinear color space and spatiotemporal MRF for hierarchical segmentation of face features in video.
abstract: This paper deals with the low-level joint processing of color and motion for robust face analysis within a feature-based approach. To gain robustness and contrast under unsupervised viewing conditions, a nonlinear color transform relevant for hue segmentation is derived from a logarithmic model. A hierarchical segmentation scheme is based on Markov random field modeling, that combines hue and motion detection within a spatiotemporal neighborhood. Relevant face regions are segmented without parameter tuning. The accuracy of the label fields enables not only face detection and tracking but also geometrical measurements on facial feature edges, such as lips or eyes. Results are shown both on typical test sequences and on various sequences acquired from micro- or mobile cameras. The efficiency of the method makes it suitable for real-time applications aiming at audiovisual communication in unsupervised environments.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Systems Lab., Research Center Caesar, 53175 Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liévin
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Luthon
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D003116:Color; D005123:Eye / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology; D005145:Face / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods; D008085:Lipreading; D008390:Markov Chains; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods*