Face detection in color images based on sub-image fusion and SVM

A face detection method in color images using multi-resolution sub-images fusion combined with support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. Firstly the skin images are obtained by two different color modes (HSI and YCbCr). Secondly, multi-resolution sub-image is gained by wavelet analysis of skin area image. Thirdly fusion image can be obtained by sub-image LH and HL according to pixel fusion criterion. Fusion images should be incorporated if necessary, candidate face area can be detected in fusion image. Finally face images can be validated by using SVM. Experiment result shows that, detection rate of faces in a complex background image achieves 95.8%. This method is not effected by gesture, expression and rotation but the distance of the faces in a group photo.