Facial feature detection using neural networks

Varchmin AC, Rae R, Ritter H. Facial feature detection using neural networks. In: Gerstner W, Germond A, Hasler M, Nicoud J-D, eds. Artificial Neural Networks — ICANN'97. 7th International Conference Lausanne, Switzerland, October 8–10, 1997 Proceeedings. Lecture Notes in Computer Science. Vol 1327. Berlin: Springer; 1997: 955-960.Many human-machine interfaces based on face gestures are strongly user-dependent. We want to overcome this limitation by using common facial features like eyes, nose and mouth for gaze recognition. In a first step an adaptive color histogram segmentation method roughly determines the region of interest including the user's face. Within this region we then use a hierarchical recognition approach to detect the facial features. Our system is based on a what-where neural network architecture and allows a fast and robust recognition rate. In the future we intend to use the conspicuous features for estimation of gaze directions