Estimating pose of human face based on symmetry plane using range and intensity images

Describes a high speed face measurement system and an algorithm for pose estimation of a human face using both color intensity and range images. The measurement system is designed so that we can obtain both color intensity and range images of a face without occlusion at high speed. Both color intensity and range images can be acquired within 37/60 seconds. The obtained face data are expressed as 3D wire-frame models with texture. Pose estimation is executed accurately by utilizing a property that the shape of face is almost symmetrical. Locations of the eyes and eyebrows are also detected through the pose estimation. The generated 3D face model and pose estimation results are shown. Both this system and technique are effective for 3D face modelling. Generated models are available for many applications such as virtual reality, man-machine interfaces and teleconferencing