Applications
Face detection is used in biometrics, often as a part of (or together with) a facial recognition system. It is also used in video surveillance, human computer interface and image database management. Some recent digital cameras use face detection for autofocus. Face detection is also useful for selecting regions of interest in photo slideshows that use a pan-and-scale Ken Burns effect.
Face detection is gaining the interest of marketers. A webcam can be integrated into a television and detect any face that walks by. The system then calculates the race, gender, and age range of the face. Once the information is collected, a series of advertisements can be played that is specific toward the detected race/gender/age.
Face detection is also being researched in the area of energy conservation. Televisions and computers can save energy by reducing the brightness. People tend to watch TV while doing other tasks and not focused 100% on the screen. The TV brightness stays the same level unless the user lowers it manually. The system can recognize the face direction of the TV user. When the user is not looking at the screen, the TV brightness is lowered. When the face returns to the screen, the brightness is increased.
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