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Face Recognition at a Distance

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Handbook of Face Recognition

Abstract

Face recognition at a distance is generally motivated by the desire to automatically recognize noncooperative subjects over a wide area. This remote biometric collection and identification problem has been addressed with high-resolution stationary cameras and active camera systems. Key challenges include optical system design, pan-tilt-zoom camera targeting and control, and face recognition with low-resolution images and no pose or illumination control. We discuss major applications, challenges and approaches in this field, and review research literature on this and closely related topics. We further describe a specific face recognition at a distance system that uses the active camera approach, algorithms for facial image modeling and alignment for low-resolution images, and a multi-frame super-resolution process for facial images.

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Acknowledgements

Section 14.2 of this report was prepared by GE Global Research as an account of work sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation. Information contained in this report constitutes technical information which is the property of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Neither GE nor Lockheed Martin Corporation, nor any person acting on behalf of either; a. Makes any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with respect to the use of any information contained in this report, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report may not infringe privately owned rights; or b. Assume any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report. Sections 14.3 and 14.4 were supported in part by award #2005-IJ-CX-K060 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice.

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Wheeler, F.W., Liu, X., Tu, P.H. (2011). Face Recognition at a Distance. In: Li, S., Jain, A. (eds) Handbook of Face Recognition. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-932-1_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-932-1_14

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