Single-Sample Face Recognition Based on Feature Expansion

Face recognition (FR) with a single sample per person (SSPP) is one of the most challenging problems in computer vision. In this scenario, it is difficult to predict facial variation such as pose, illumination, and disguise due to the lack of enough training samples. Therefore, the development of the FR system with only a small number of training samples is hindered. To address this problem, this paper proposes a scheme combined transfer learning and sample expansion in feature space. First, it uses transfer learning by training a deep convolutional neural network on a common multi-sample face dataset and then applies the well-trained model to a target data set. Second, it proposes a sample expansion method in feature space called k class feature transfer (KCFT) to enrich intra-class variation information for a single-sample face feature. Compared with other expanding sample methods in the image domain, this method of expanding the samples in the feature domain is novel and easy to implement. Third, it trains a softmax classifier with expanded face features. The experimental results on ORL, FERET, and LFW face databases demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method for various facial variations.