Face detection in digital images

An apparatus for detecting a face in a color digital image formed of a plurality of pixels, said apparatus comprising:

• means for selecting a color distribution model from a plurality of color distribution models, the selection being dependent on at least one image capture condition provided with the color digital image;
• means for testing the color of the plurality of pixels to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color, said testing means utilizing the selected color distribution model;
• and
• means for executing a facial feature analysis based on the pixels determined as having predominantly skin color by the means for testing.

A computer readable medium incorporating a computer program product for detecting a face in a color digital image formed of a plurality of pixels, said computer program product comprising:

• code for selecting a color distribution model from a plurality of color distribution models, the selection being dependent on at least one image capture condition provided with the color digital image;
• code for testing the color of the plurality of pixels to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color, the testing utilizing the selected color distribution model;
• and
• code for executing facial feature analysis based on the pixels determined as having predominantly skin color by the code for testing.

A method of detecting a face in a color digital image formed of a plurality of pixels, said method comprising the step of:

• selecting a threshold from a plurality of thresholds, the selection being dependent on at least one image capture condition provided with the color digital image, said image capture condition being expressed as metadata;
• testing the color of the plurality of pixels to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color, the testing utilizing the selected threshold;
• and
• executing a facial feature analysis based on the pixels determined as having predominantly skin color in the testing step.

A computer readable medium having a computer program recorded thereon and executable to make a computer detect a face in a color digital image formed of a plurality of pixels, said program comprising:

• code for selecting a threshold from a plurality of thresholds, the selection being dependent on at least one image capture condition provided with the color digital image, said image capture condition being expressed as metadata;
• code for testing the color of the plurality of pixels to determine those pixels having predominantly skin color, the testing utilizing the selected threshold;
• and
• code for executing a fascial feature analysis based on the pixels determined as having predominantly skin color in the testing step.