Using Median-LBPH Algorithm for Real-Time Face Recognition System

The LBPH algorithm is used ubiquitously for Face Recognition applications in modern times because of its simplicity of implementation, despite providing high accuracy and less computation time. However, in conditions of varied illumination, face expression and angles at which face images are captured, its confidence is decreased. We propose a slightly modified algorithm that considers the median of the neighbourhood pixels rather than the pixel itself to overcome this issue. This algorithm is called Median-LBPH. The grey value of every pixel is replaced by the median of all the neighbourhood pixel values. Then the features are extracted, and a histogram representing the original image is saved in the model. This model, in turn, can be used to compare with histograms obtained from the faces in real-time footage to find a potential match. This algorithm is used in an end-to-end face recognition system, a web application prototype for Law Enforcement Agencies to maintain a central criminal database shared and accessed across various departments. A live surveillance system is added as part of this novel application so that whenever an already registered criminal appears live on surveillance cameras, a notification will be received, and personnel appropriate Law Enforcement authorities will receive e-mail and text messages through a secured channel. Keywords: Face Recognition, Median-Local Binary Pattern Histogram (MLBPH), Haar Cascade, Adaboost, Neighbourhood Median