Model-based illumination correction for face images in uncontrolled scenarios

Abstract

Face Recognition under uncontrolled illumination conditions is partly an unsolved problem. Several illumination correction methods have been proposed, but these are usually tested on illumination conditions created in a laboratory. Our focus is more on uncontrolled conditions. We use the Phong model which allows us to model ambient light in shadow areas. By estimating the face surface and illumination conditions, we are able to reconstruct a face image containing frontal illumination. The reconstructed face images give a large improvement in performance of face recognition in uncontrolled conditions. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.