Patent ID: 6184926
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
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).