Evaluation of 3D face analysis and synthesis techniques

The reconstruction of 3D face models is mostly achieved by using 2D images. We compare the strengths and weaknesses of different image processing techniques for 3D face generation. It is anticipated that the optimal solution will be applied in the future for 3D face analysis and synthesis. As approaches to 3D face modelling, the paper presents: binocular stereo, using a stereo correspondence algorithm or manual triangulation; orthogonal views; photometric stereo. Photometric stereo and orthogonal views seem to provide the best rendering while keeping a reasonable time efficiency, implementation difficulty and cumbersomeness. However, 3D face acquisition techniques have not closed the gap between accuracy and cumbersomeness