Systems and methods for segmenting human hairs and faces in color images

• US 20110299776A1
• Filed: 04/05/2011
• Published: 12/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Flashfoto, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Flashfoto, Inc.
• Inventors: Lee, Kuang-chih, Piramuthu, Robinson, Prochazka, Daniel, Ip, Katharine
• Granted Patent: US 8,638,993 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/162 using pixel segmentation or colour matching
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/171 Local features and components; Facial parts eye characteristics G06V40/18; Occluding parts, e.g. glasses; Geometrical relationships

Abstract

Systems for segmenting human hairs and faces in color images are disclosed, with methods and processes for making and using the same. The image may be cropped around the face area and roughly centered. Optionally, the illumination environment of the input image may be determined. If the image is taken under dark environment or the contrast between the face and hair regions and background is low, an extra image enhancement may be applied. Sub-processes for identifying the pose angle and chin contours may be performed. A preliminary mask for the face by using multiple cues, such as skin color, pose angle, face shape and contour information can be represented. An initial hair mask by using the abovementioned multiple cues plus texture and hair shape information may be created. The preliminary face and hair masks are globally refined using multiple techniques.

Claims

1. A method for segmenting a human head from an image comprising:

a. Gathering data for one or more elements of said head;

b. Processing the data to distinguish the elements from the image; and

c. Outputting an image mask, whereby the image mask serves as a representation of the segmented human head based upon the distinguished elements.

2. A computer system comprising:

a processor; and

a memory, the memory including one or more modules, the one or more modules collectively or individually comprising instructions for carrying out the method of claim 1.

3. A computer program product for use in conjunction with a computer system, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism embedded therein, the computer program mechanism comprising instructions for carrying out the method of claim 1.