3D face modeling from perspective-views and contour-based generic-model

Three-dimensional human head modeling is useful in video-conferencing or other virtual reality applications. However, manual construction of 3D models using CAD tools is often expensive and time-consuming. Here we present a robust and efficient method for the construction of a 3D human head model from perspective images viewing from different angles. In our system, a generic head model is first used, then three images of the head are required to adjust the deformable contours on the generic model to make it closer to the target head. Our contributions are as follows. Our system uses perspective images that are more realistic than orthographic projection approximations used in earlier works. Also, for shaping and positioning face organs, we present a method for estimating the camera focal length and the 3D coordinates of facial landmarks when the camera transformation is known. We also provide an alternative for the 3D coordinates estimation using epipolar geometry when the extrinsic parameters are absent. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach produces good and realistic results. (C) 2001 Academic Press.