Title: Hybrid filter blending to maintain facial expressions in rendered human portraits

Authors: Mahdi Rezaei; Juan Lin; Reinhard Klette

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' Department of Computer Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' Department of Computer Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand

Abstract: Artistic rendering of human portraits is different and more challenging than that of landscapes or flowers. Issues are eye, nose, and mouth regions (i.e., facial features) where we need to represent their natural emotions. Shades or darkness around eyes, or shininess at nose tips may negatively impact the rendering result if not properly dealt with. Similarly, a lighter colour around the mouth region caused by lighting might produce some disturbing artefacts. The proposed computerised method attempts to be adaptive to those sensitive areas by utilising a face analysis module. First, the program detects main facial segments and features. Then it utilises a blending of various filtering parameters aiming at an adequate final portrait that represents the subject's original facial expression, while still supporting a non-photorealistic artistic rendering as the perceived impression.

Keywords: non-photorealistic rendering; NPR; artistic filter; pointillism; Glass patterns; curved strokes style; facial features; feature detection; hybrid filter blending; facial expressions; rendered portraits; human portraits; face analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJART.2014.060944

International Journal of Arts and Technology, 2014 Vol.7 No.2/3, pp.128 - 147

Received: 02 Apr 2012
Accepted: 13 Oct 2012
Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

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