Graduate Program
Technology
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2011
Thesis Director
Rigoberto Chinchilla
Thesis Committee Member
Peter Ping Liu
Thesis Committee Member
David Melton
Abstract
The question sought in this study is whether there is a significant statistical difference between a facial recognition system's ability to recognize dark or light skin tone subjects. In addition to the direct comparison of results from two different populations, this study also examines four factors commonly effecting facial recognition systems. The four factors tested were angle of the camera viewing the subject; both horizontally to the left and right, as well as vertically, both above and below the subject's line of sight.
Additionally, the distance the subjects are from the camera, and then intensity of the illumination on the subject. The experimentation was approached from the assumption that subjects are cooperative, following guidelines for proper enrollment and submission for matching.
The experimentation of the four factors was conducted using two sets of three subjects. One set was dark skin tone males, and the second set was light skin tone males. The results of the study showed a significance statistical difference between the two skin tones, with greater difficulty identifying the light skin tone test subjects than those with dark skin tone.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Bryan, "Methodology for Evaluating Statistical Equivalence in Face Recognition Using Live Subjects with Dissimilar Skin Tones" (2011). Masters Theses. 913.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/913
