Robust Head Detection in Collaborative Learning Environments Using AM-FM Representations

The paper introduces the problem of robust head detection in collaborative learning environments. In such environments, the camera remains fixed while the students are allowed to sit at different parts of a table. Example challenges include the fact that students may be facing away from the camera or exposing different parts of their face to the camera. To address these issues, the paper proposes the development of two new methods based on Amplitude Modulation-Frequency Modulation (AM-FM) models. First, a combined approach based on color and FM texture is developed for robust face detection. Secondly, a combined approach based on processing the AM and FM components is developed for robust, back of the head detection. The results of the two approaches are also combined to detect all of the students sitting at each table. The robust face detector achieved 79% accuracy on a set of 1000 face image examples. The back of the head detector achieved 91% accuracy on a set of 363 test image examples.