3D Face Reconstruction from 2D Images

This paper surveys the topic of 3D face reconstruction using 2D images from a computer science perspective. Various approaches have been proposed as solutions for this problem but most have their limitations and drawbacks. Shape from shading, shape from silhouettes, shape from motion and analysis by synthesis using morphable models are currently regarded as the main methods of attaining the facial information for reconstruction of its 3D counterpart. Though this topic has gained a lot of importance and popularity, a fully accurate facial reconstruction mechanism has not yet being identified due to the complexity and ambiguity involved. This paper discusses about the general approaches of 3D face reconstruction and their drawbacks. It concludes with an analysis of several implementations and some speculations about the future of 3D face reconstruction.