Image Based 3D Face Reconstruction: a Survey

The use of 3D data in face image processing applications has received considerable attention during the last few years. A major issue for the implementation of 3D face processing systems is the accurate and real time acquisition of 3D faces using low cost equipment. In this paper we provide a survey of 3D reconstruction methods used for generating the 3D appearance of a face using either a single or multiple 2D images captured with ordinary equipment such as digital cameras and camcorders. In this context we discuss various issues pertaining to the general problem of 3D face reconstruction such as the existence of suitable 3D face databases, correspondence of 3D faces, feature detection, deformable 3D models and typical assumptions used during the reconstruction process. Different approaches to the problem of 3D reconstruction are presented and for each category the most important advantages and disadvantages are outlined. In particular we describe example-based methods, stereo methods, video-based methods and silhouette-based methods. The issue of performance evaluation of 3D face reconstruction algorithms, the state of the art and future trends are also discussed.