Face Recognition Using Artificial Intelligence


The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in facial identification has completely transformed the computer vision field. This advancement allows machines to verify and distinguish individuals based on their distinct facial characteristics. This state-of-the-art technology employs algorithms for machine learning and deep learning components, aiding in the extraction of facial patterns and their comparison with a database of familiar faces.

Facial identification has now become an essential aspect of our daily lives, finding extensive applications in personalized user experiences and security systems. This article explores the utilization of AI in facial recognition, its impact across various industries, and the different techniques employed in performing facial identification, along with program examples.

Steps for performing face recognition using Artificial intelligence

Below are the steps that we have followed to create a program for face recognition using Artificial intelligence −

Steps

  • Step 1 − Import the libraries that we will require to perform face recognition like dlib, OpenCV, and face_recognition.

  • Step 2 − Load the pre-prepared face recognition model: A pre-prepared model, explicitly the face recognition model based on ResNet, is stacked utilizing the dlib library. This model is fit for removing face descriptors, which are mathematical portrayals of facial elements.

  • Step 3 − Load an image from the LFW dataset: The program determines the path to an image from the LFW (Marked Countenances in the Wild) dataset. This picture will be utilized as a source of reference for face recognition.

  • Step 4 − Initialize shape prediction and face detection: Initialize the face detector and shape detector which is provided by dlib. The face detector is responsible for detecting faces in a video frame and image, on the other hand, the shape predictor predicts facial landmarks, such as the position of the nose, eyes, and mouth.

  • Step 5 − Compute face descriptors for the reference image: Compute face descriptors for the loaded image in the LFW dataset. It mainly detects faces using the face detector, predicts facial landmarks using the shape predictor, and after that computes the face descriptors using the pre-trained face recognition model. The face descriptors that are computed are stored in the list.

  • Step 6 − Initialize video capture: Initialize the video capture from the default camera (index 0)

  • Step 7 − Start the face recognition loop: The program enters a loop to perform face recognition in real-time. It captures each frame from the video feed and performs the following steps −

    • Convert the frame to RGB − The captured frame is converted from the default BGR color format to RGB, which is the format expected by the face detection and recognition algorithms.

    • Detect faces in the frame − The face detector is used to locate faces in the RGB frame. It returns a list of rectangles representing the bounding boxes of the detected faces.

    • Predict face descriptors for each detected face − For each detected face, the shape predictor is used to predict the facial landmarks. Then, the face recognition model computes the face descriptor for that face. The computed face descriptors are stored in an array.

    • Perform face recognition − The program compares the computed face descriptors with the descriptors of the reference image. It calculates the Euclidean distance between each pair of descriptors and selects the face with the minimum distance.

    • Apply a threshold and label the recognized face − If the minimum distance is below a predefined threshold, the program labels the recognized face as a "Match" and displays the corresponding bounding box and label on the frame. Otherwise, the face is labeled as "Unknown".

    • Display the frame with the labeled faces − The program displays the resulting frame with the labeled faces in a window.

    • Exit the loop − The program below continues the loop until the user presses the 'q' key, upon which it breaks the loop and terminates the program.

  • Step 8 − Release resources: After the loop is exited, the program releases the video capture and closes all open windows.

Below is the program example by following the above steps −

Example

import dlib
import cv2
import numpy as np

# Load the pre-trained face recognition model
face_recognition_model = dlib.face_recognition_model_v1("dlib_face_recognition_resnet_model_v1.dat")

# Specify the path to an image in the LFW dataset
lfw_image_path = "lfw/Aaron_Eckhart/Aaron_Eckhart_0001.jpg"

# Load the LFW image
lfw_image = dlib.load_rgb_image(lfw_image_path)

# Initialize the face detector
face_detector = dlib.get_frontal_face_detector()

# Initialize the shape predictor
shape_predictor = dlib.shape_predictor("shape_predictor_68_face_landmarks.dat")

# Initialize the face descriptors list
descriptors = []

# Compute face descriptors for the LFW image
face_rects = face_detector(lfw_image)
for face_rect in face_rects:
   shape = shape_predictor(lfw_image, face_rect)
   face_descriptor = face_recognition_model.compute_face_descriptor(lfw_image, shape)
   descriptors.append(np.array(face_descriptor))

# Initialize the video capture
video_capture = cv2.VideoCapture(0)

while True:
   # Capture frame-by-frame
   ret, frame = video_capture.read()

   # Convert the frame to RGB
   rgb_frame = cv2.cvtColor(frame, cv2.COLOR_BGR2RGB)

   # Detect faces in the frame
   face_rects = face_detector(rgb_frame)

   # Iterate over the detected faces
   for face_rect in face_rects:
      # Predict face descriptors
      shape = shape_predictor(rgb_frame, face_rect)
      face_descriptor = face_recognition_model.compute_face_descriptor(rgb_frame, shape)
      face_descriptor = np.array(face_descriptor)

      # Perform face recognition by comparing face descriptors
      distances = np.linalg.norm(descriptors - face_descriptor, axis=1)
      min_distance_idx = np.argmin(distances)
      min_distance = distances[min_distance_idx]

      # Define a threshold for face recognition
      threshold = 0.6

      if min_distance <= threshold:
         # If recognized, label the face with the corresponding name from the LFW dataset
         label = "Match"
      else:
         # If not recognized, label the face as "Unknown"
         label = "Unknown"

      # Draw the bounding box and label on the frame
      cv2.rectangle(frame, (face_rect.left(), face_rect.top()), (face_rect.right(), face_rect.bottom()), (0, 255, 0), 2)
      cv2.putText(frame, label, (face_rect.left(), face_rect.top() - 10), cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_SIMPLEX, 0.9, (0, 255, 0), 2)

   # Display the resulting frame
   cv2.imshow('Face Recognition', frame)

   # Exit the loop if 'q' is pressed
   if cv2.waitKey(1) & 0xFF == ord('q'):
      break

# Release the video capture and close all windows
video_capture.release()
cv2.destroyAllWindows()

Different Techniques for Face Recognition

Artificial intelligence employs various methodologies and approaches to identify and locate faces within images or video frames. The subsequent descriptions outline several common techniques using simple terms −

  • Haar Cascade Classifiers − These classifiers employ pixel intensity patterns to detect objects, including faces. By utilizing positive and negative face examples during training, they can specifically focus on face detection.

  • Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) − This algorithm calculates the distribution of gradients (changes in pixel intensity) within an image, enabling comprehension of object shapes and structures. Coupled with machine learning classifiers, it becomes capable of detecting faces.

  • Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) − CNNs are deep learning models renowned for their success in computer vision tasks. In face detection, they employ layers to identify crucial features and ascertain the presence of faces.

  • Single Shot MultiBox Detector (SSD) − SSD is a popular framework that utilizes a single neural network to predict both the object's location and label. By training it on face data, it can effectively detect faces.

  • Faster R-CNN − This widely used object detection model utilizes a region proposal network to generate potential bounding boxes, refining them using a classifier. With proper training, it excels at face detection.

  • MTCNN (Multi-task Cascaded Convolutional Networks) − MTCNN is a face detection algorithm that employs multiple stages to detect faces at different scales. It undergoes steps like proposing faces, refining bounding boxes, and locating facial landmarks.

  • YOLO (You Only Look Once) − YOLO is an object detection algorithm capable of face detection. It divides the image into a grid, predicting bounding boxes and labels. While it operates swiftly, it may sacrifice some accuracy.

  • Cascade Classifier with Haar-like features − This technique efficiently detects faces by employing a series of simple classifiers trained on specific features. Combining these classifiers achieves high accuracy with rapid processing.

These techniques leverage AI algorithms, machine learning, and deep learning to achieve precise and efficient face detection. Each technique possesses its own strengths and limitations, and the choice depends on factors such as speed, accuracy, and available resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, face recognition using artificial intelligence offers enhanced security, improved user experiences, and operational efficiency. However, addressing privacy concerns, bias, and ethical considerations is crucial for responsible deployment.

Updated on: 08-Aug-2023

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