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System and method for detecting a human face in uncontrolled environments

  • US 6,184,926 B1
  • Filed: 05/21/1997
  • Issued: 02/06/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/26/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting a face within a video image, comprising:

  • (a) a video camera;

    (b) means for storing an image from the video camera; and

    (c) processing means coupled to the video camera and the storing means for performing the steps of;

    (i) storing a background image from the video camera in the storing means;

    (ii) storing a video image from the video camera in the storing means;

    (iii) subtracting the background image from video image stored in the storing means;

    (iv) identifying a region within the video image that surpasses a selected high intensity threshold;

    (v) comparing the identified region to at least one model of a face;

    (vi) selecting one of the at least one model that best describes the identified region;

    (vii) generating parameters associated with an ellipse that corresponds to the identified region, responsive to step (vi);

    (viii) identifying sub-regions within the identified region that are below a selected low-intensity threshold;

    (ix) filtering out sub-regions below a selected small size or above a selected large size;

    (x) comparing the remaining sub-regions to at least one anthropological model defining eyes; and

    (xi) generating parameters corresponding to the remaining sub-regions, responsive to step (x).

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