Human Face

Thesis Abstract

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 04:47:00 +0000

Post No: 20

Developing Methodologies for Parametric

Reconstruction of Human Face

in 3D Environment

Pravin Yadav

Symbiosis International University, Lavale, Mulshi, Pune 411 042, INDIA.

E-mail: pravinyadav@gmail.com

Key words: 3D face, physically based system, facial Reconstruction, facial modeling, anthropometry, anatomy, forensic science, tissue-depth thickness, face approximation

Abstract

In this paper, Researcher presents flexible and dynamic methodology to reconstruct human face which can be quickly adopted in any 3D environment. Proposed methodology is unifying approach that deals with translated inputs from various streams like anatomy, forensic science, and anthropometry. Proposed system imitates the physically based system that relies on anthropometric dimensions and tissue depth information. Proposed system also covers morphometric shapes along with anthropometric dimensions for all facial features. It is phase wise development approach (Section 2) and reinforced with concepts like Jeevak and Vyaktirekha (Section 2.2) which makes it faster and flexible.

1. Introduction

The whole world population is increasing by every second. Within approximately 9”x 7”x 8” volume, we can see billions of variations. Another interesting fact is that the hardest part of our body teeth, softest and most flexible part tongue and lips and most reflective parts eyes, all find place in the face. Modeling these parts along with its properties is a great challenge. Information on human face is scattered in many fields, namely painting, sculpting, mathematics, anatomy, anthropology, forensic science, and computer animation. Each field has different concepts, processing style and techniques to deal with face study. It is important to address all the needs of various fields, deal with this multidisciplinary study and reconstruct a human face along with all its details.

To do this Researcher has developed a concept of AdarshMudra, Jeevak and Vyaktirekha, and has designed and developed a methodology along with the software system which does not require skilled personnel to reproduce/reconstruct an image of 3D human face from verbal, photo or x-ray inputs.

2. Reconstruction Method

Researcher believes that human face can be thought of as a design pattern.

Fig. 1: Bayesian network for Human Facial feature placement and Face as Design pattern

Each feature is converted into parametric form. Parameterization is based on

v Anthropometric Analysis (dimension) and

v Morphological Analysis (Form and Shape)

Proposed philosophy embarks with Mudra phase in which generic facial 3D surface is created from AdarshMudra reference sketches. In PurnaMudra phase, 3D surface then morphed to specific face on the basis of reference input. Jeevak and Vyaktirekha concepts help to achieve correct facial proportion with local facial tissue depth. Further facial details can be added in ShilpaMudra Phase. Mutation of Face can be viewed in BhavMudra Phase. Thus a complex task of facial reconstruction is accomplished in simple phases.

Fig.2 Phases comprised in Proposed Research Study

2.1 AdarshMudra (आदर्श मूर्धन् (Aadarsha muurdhan) – Sanskrit Word – Ideal Imprint)

AdarshMudra refers to building a template or generic face representing the Indian population. It confirms norms set by virtuosos and supports anthropometric dimensions of Indian population.

Fig. 3 Sketch for AdarshMudra

2.2 Jeevak and Vyaktirekha (जीवक (Jiivak) – Sanskrit Word – Living, व्यक्तिरेखा (Vyaktirekha) – Sanskrit Word – Features curve network) Vyaktirekha, features curve network defined by interconnected facial landmarks. Each Vyaktirekha point is a landmark point that confines anthropometric dimensions, anthropometric angles and dimensions. Jeevak is a topology defined by interconnected skull landmarks working as key points on human skeleton. Jeevak point may contain the cephalometric information and tissue depth information associated with related landmark, fat pocket, facial muscle direction and orientation. There will be corresponding Vyaktirekha point to hold the relationship. Jeevak point may not present for the facial features composed of soft tissues and cartilage.

Fig.4 Jeevak and Vyaktirekha Concept

Jeevak and Vyaktirekha will be implemented using bone based method that uses joint and skinning to connect facial mesh and skull mesh. Eventually facial mesh can be derived from layered approach comprising lattice manipulation, forward skeleton kinematics, smooth skin binding and shape interpolation.

Proposed system attempts to deliver a facial 3D surface based on verbal explanation and/or front/lateral photographs and/or Cephalogram or 3D scanned data. Obviously, accuracy of output surface reflects the correctness and calibration of input. Proposed system can be viewed as fast facial modeling framework for modeler in entertainment industry, 3D face visualization tool for a forensic expert, 3D simulated facial surface for surgical planning and quick sketching 3D canvas to generate face from explanation for police. 3D Facial model can be used be used as interactive tutor to teach medical students.

3. Experimental Results

4. Future work

Proposed system can be enhanced with more features listed below:

i. Skin texture, can be extracted from the photographs. The skin shader for facial surface can be developed with various maps to give exact look of an individual.

ii. Hairstyle and Haircut can also be added as separate module and will enhance the results.

iii. Although current study limits facial variation of Adult Caucasian male of Indian origin, in future it can be extended to female, wider age group and for other races and sub races. Detailed morphometric analysis of each feature and its conversion into various blend shapes will enhance the quality of the system.

iv. Facial surface response to dental rearrangement can be explored in future. Orthodontic, surgical operations may be simulated on 3D face to predict implications.

5. conclusions

The proposed system presents unified path of understanding the human face from various streams ranging from art to science and builds a common channel for information exchange. System can work on the basis of vague verbal explanation or precise input and attempts to deliver the output. The process is comprised of phase wise development and presents dynamic and flexible method for facial reconstruction in 3D environment.

References:

1. Chakrabarti D., Indian Anthropometric Dimensions For Ergonomic design practice, National Institute of Design, Paldi, Ahmedabad

2. Chaurasia BD., Human Anatomy Volume Three, Head, Neck and Brain, Third Edition, CBS Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi, India, 2003, pp 1-30, 36-47, 193-196, 211-212, 215-216, 229-230, 234-235

3. Clement JG., Marks MK., Computer Graphic Facial Reconstruction, Elsevier academic press, USA, 2005, pp 20-23, 35-42, 129-141, 183-195, 221-236

4. Cordea MD., Petriu EM., “A 3-D Anthropometric-Muscle-Based Active Appearance Model”, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 55, No. 1, Feb 2006

5. DeCarlo, D. Metaxas D. and Stone M.,“An Anthropometric Face Model using Variational Techniques”, Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania, SIGGRAPH ’98.

6. Fairbanks AT., Fairbanks EF. Human Proportions for Artists, Washington, USA, Fairbanks Art and Books, 2005, pp 101-110, 136-137, 164.

7. Gould D., Complete Maya Programming Volume I, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2005

8. MacKay J., Forensic Art, Lucent Books, Farmington Hills, MI, USA, 2009, pp 8-58

9. Sahni D., Sanjeev, Singh G., Jit I., Singh P., Facial soft tissue thickness in northwest Indian adults Forensic Science International, Volume 176, Issue 2, Pages 137-146,

10. Taylor KT., Forensic Art and Illustration, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 2000, pp 49-72, 93-106, 341-356, 419-452

11. Wilkinson C., Forensic Facial Reconstruction, University of Manchester, Cambridge University Press, UK, 2008, pp 69-78, 102-119, 124-146, 200-209

Ph.D., another milestone achieved

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 02:27:00 +0000

Post No 19:

Research Topic: Developing Methodologies for parametric reconstruction of Human Face in 3D Environment

A multi-disciplinary research to recreate human face in 3D, an effort to reproduce individual's face from verbal explanation, photographs or skeletal remains. This comprehensive work may give a name to a dead, find a criminal, help surgeon to visualize surgical modifications or anybody to sculpt human face without artistic and technical skills. This research will empower every individual who deals with human face.

While walking towards stage, I was thinking. This Research would not have been possible without the guidance of my thesis guide, Prof.T.M. Kanvinde.

I want to express my gratitude to all those individuals in various walks of life who shared their time and knowledge discussing with me on human face. Without their perspectives, this study would not have enriched with so many dimensions. — at Symbiosis International University, Lavale.

A long cherished wish that came true.

Receiving Ph. D. degree from Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, Hon'ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Government of India.

With my proud family, wife Samiksha Yadav, daughter Diya Yadav, bro Skekhar Yadav, niece Rohini. Credit must also go to Samiksha and Diya for keeping smile on their face, though I snatched their joyful time to adorn my study.

I lovingly dedicate my degree to my mother.

Mummy, words can never express the deepest gratitude I have for you.

The 2013 Ph.D. Awardees (Standing first row, in white graduation robe) pose for a souvenir photo with Chief Guest, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, HRD minister,(seated, forth from left), Dr. Rajani Gupte, Vice Chancellor, SIU, (seated, sixth from left) ,Dr. S. B. Mujumda, Chancellor, SIU. (seated, fifth from left). Myself (Standing first row, fifth from left,in white graduation robe).

and thus another milestone achieved.
A Knowledge-seeker's journey is very funny and mysterious. The moment one goal is achieved, it disappears and another appears ... distance apart, high up on mountain top. Fanatic, curious mind gets off for another expedition. A new mission, again relentless efforts, sleepless nights, rising frustration, craving and yearning for success.
For a layman, it might look very confusing. For him, ignorance is bliss and unknown is fate.
For a knowledge-seeker, it is the question of existence. For him, goal is to solve every single riddle in the universe. Analyse, discern, understand all mystical real and unreal facts, transfer each entity from unknown to known pocket. The ultimate mission is simple, to understand the truth.
In spite of knowledge is finite and truth is infinite, the saga continues....

Caricature: Abraham Lincoln

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 09:01:00 +0000

Post No: 18

Caricature of Abraham Lincoln, the most famous president of the United States by various artists

by Jeason Seiler

By Rocksaw

By Robolus

by Court Jones

by Ismael Roldan

By Stuart Kim

By donkeyhotey

Quote by Oscar Wilde

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 23 Oct 2013 08:51:00 +0000

Post No: 17

Quote by Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900)
simply Oscar Wilde.

Face Geek: Paul Ekman- Facial Expression Expert

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 06:15:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 16

Pauk Ekman, an emeritus professor at the University of California at San Francisco. Born in 1934, relentlessly worked on emotions and Facial expressions, now considered as one of the most eminent psychologists of this era. He is master face reader with tremendous knowledge of nonverbal behavior and interpersonal deception. Paul explored that few basic facial expressions and their corresponding emotions are independent of culture and universal to all humans and preemptively biological as hypothesized by Charles Darwin.

Paul reported facial microexpressions that could be used to reliably detect concealed emotions. CIA and FBI is seriously implementing his ideas in lie detection while interviewing terrorists, criminals. His greatest contribution is Facial Action Coding System, is the most exhaustive analysis of all the facial expressions. According to Paul, the basic facial expressions with distinct facial signals are

SADNESS
SURPRISE
ANGER
CONTEMPT
DISGUST
FEAR
HAPPINESS

Paul Ekman authored several books on facial expressions, some of them are listed below:

In his book "Unmasking the face" Paul explains how to identify these basic emotions correctly and how to tell when people try to mask, simulate, or neutralize them. In his video "The Art of Deciphering Facial Expressions" demonstrates 'micro-expression'.

His research made a tremendous contribution to the field of clinical psychology, law enforcement, counter-terrorism and crowd management. Please follow this link to read his biography and his research.

http://www.paulekman.com/

Human Face: Robots with ultra real human face

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 10:36:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 15

Can you checkmate a creative scientist?...
One fine day a scientist told his wife I saw a lady, looked exactly like "YOU" and
wife asked, "Was she hot ..??"
That moment scientist was checkmated, couldn't reply "Yes" or "No".
But probably that triggered a great idea..and he bounced back.

Can Robot become potential life partner if that has ultra real human face?
Let's check that.

Japanese roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro

Humanoid robots called 'Nao' from the French robotics venture Aldebaran demonstrate their skills during a display at the French Embassy in Tokyo. Aldebaran is providing 30 Naos to Tokyo University for use in an educational program.

David Hanson identifies himself as sculptor-roboticist

David Hanson has turned it into his mission to bring robots to life, attempting to enable them to think and feel.

The lady in picture in the center is wearing The REALFACE, not a computer graphic image.

The "three-dimension Photo Form (3DPF)" technique from Real-f makes it possible to duplicate pores, eye's blood vessels and iris exactly the same as the originals.
Check few more "THE REALFACE" high resolution samples.

http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-205_162-10007199.html

A model (R) pokes the face of a humanoid robot called 'Geminoid-F' (L) shaped to resemble the model. Geminoid-F, designed and built by Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro and Japan's robot maker Kokoro, is equipped with 12 actuators, powered by air pressure, and her motion can be synched to imitate that of a real human being.

Check this report on Robot Faces Trigger An Emotional Choice.
This is just a beginning, we have just triggered the creative mind ...there is lot more to come

Identical Twins and Recognition.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 05:44:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No 14:
Human Face >> Science >> Biology >> Genetics

Identical Twins are not clones but result of single fertilized egg splitting into two separate embryos. In scientific terms it is referred as monozygomatic.

It becomes very difficult to identify subtle differences that differentiates mirror like individual. If you really want to stress your identification skills then you must visit Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Facial variation in genetically identical twins can be exaggerated by engaging them in separate environmental conditions.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/twins/schoeller-photography#/1

A famous book Identical: Portraits of Twins By Martin Schoeller (Author)

Curious mind raises many questions such as, Can Biometrcs ID an Identical Twin?

But it is found that sometimes many twin faces confound various Facial Recognition software. The best performing algorithm has 17-18 percent equal error rate which should be under 5 percent. Still, Scientists are studying relentlessly to solve this riddle. One of the paper is "Analysis of Facial Features in Identical Twins" by Brendan Klare, Alessandra A. Paulino, and Anil K. Jain.

Although, Close friends and even Mom and Dad can be duped by their identical twins, But interesting fact is they can't dupe dogs? and they also have different fingerprints. Also, as identical twins get older, generally more differences in physical characteristics develop.

Quote by Pablo Picasso - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 05:46:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 13

Continuing from the Blog-Post : Quote by Pablo Picasso - Part 1
Picasso was an artist that groomed in the classical tradition then influenced contemporary art his svelte manner using wide range of styles. Emphatic strokes, harsh vivid colors in his artworks exhibits his insatiable desires, volcanic energy and revolting attitude. As Picasso said, "I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them."

Picasso asks, "Who sees the human face correctly: the Photographer, the mirror or the painter?"
I see deep meaning in this quote but before that we must construe his thoughts hidden in his self-portraits.

Self-portrait with Uncombed Hair (1896)

Self Portrait: "Yo Picasso" (spring 1901)

Self-portrait "Yo" (summer 1901)

Self-portrait with Cloak (late 1901)

Self-portrait with a Palette (1906)

Self-portrait (1907)

Self Portrait Facing Death” (1972)

The series of self-portraits and other creative works of Picasso reflects revolt in his mind in various guises, disguises and eventually emerging his grand persona.

What my mind could see by observing these autobiographical portraits and understand by his colloquial writing is something like this.
Mirror reflects all the details and triggers our self-awareness. For the same reason invention of mirror triggered our attention towards face and makeup. In spite of that we perceive very few facts of our face. Our Mind observes only what interests us. We can neither associated memory nor emotions with reflection as it is a momentary glimpse.
Cameras can imprint snapshot of the moment, thus a photograph may establish eternal connection with intense emotions, drama involved in that particular situation. It all depends on cameraman to delineate subject with dramatic lighting. Although Camera cannot peep into the emotional conflicts in the mind of subject.
A painter has freedom of thought which can be expressed using media. He can depict his views, feelings about subject in his own manner. Obviously, Painter illustrates whole drama where canvas becomes his stage, eloquent strokes becomes expressions and colors reveals emotions.

Spotlight: Attractive faces are average faces

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 07:13:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 12

Average Women faces in different countries by FaceResearch.org.

Image credit: http://9gag.com/

FaceResearch lab run by Ben Jones and Lisa DeBruine, is based in the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Glasgow, has published results of experiments on Facial Attractiveness.
The concept of average faces was initially tossed in the 1800s by Sir Francis Galton who created composite images of faces by projecting face photographs of many different individuals onto a single piece of photographic film. Now with the advent of technology scientists are experimenting with digital composites, photographs aligned by pupils position followed by standardizing face position.
In "Facial Shape and judgments of female attractiveness" paper submitted by D. I. Perrett, K.A. May and S. Yoshikawa, found out that highly attractive faces are systematically different in shape from average. the similarity of attractive facial characteristics across two cultures is consistent with the claim that such characteristics are functionally significant.

Quote by Pablo Picasso - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 07:14:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 11

Pablo Picasso was one of the most influential artists that started from Classicism and later turned to Surrealism. Picasso's style passed through many phases, from blue period to rose period to cubism.

Pls. check his quote written on brainboard.

what do you elicit from that?

Study of Human Face : Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 09:07:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No 11:
Human Face >> General Information

Continuing from Post No. 5 : Study of Human Face : Part I
Most important virtue that separated man from other animals is curiosity. Man is curious to know everything about universe and wants to reveal the grandness of everything in the universe, right from dust upto stardust. He prevailed through countless endeavors. But, from millions of years till date man had and will strive for only one goal. i.e. "How to Make life easier!".

While interacting with surrounding man started observing behavior of each thing. In this process even a subtle usual behavior sparked wonder that adjured to perceive the reason behind it.
Still there are myriad things that wonder us and one of them is "Human Face".

At a very broad level, two cognitive approaches are art and science.
To understand human face requires incredible artistic and scientific knowledge and much more. The ultimate goal is to understand and explain, describe, categorize, reproduce human face.

Art is subjective, based on emotions and synthesis of thoughts whereas science is rational, objective and analysis of thinking. Art deals with aesthetic pleasure without utilization value on the other hand science finds purpose in every action. Human face study was initiated by artists and then scientific analysis started in the renaissance. In 18th century with the revolutionary development in science emerged many diverse streams. There is immense information on human face scattered in different pockets of these new streams.

Taxonomy is identification and documentation of every distinct component in diversity. At initial glance you may confront few confusing and ambiguous terms. There are many such terminologies used while stating theories about human face. For example: facial modeling, facial simulation, facial detection, facial identification, facial recognition, facial reconstruction, craniofacial reconstruction. Please bear with me, in upcoming posts I will discuss various topics and things will sort out and these terminologies will start making sense. But for now lets check the taxonomy of literature on human face.

Taxonomy of Human Face Study based on Approach

Above table explains various streams from Art, Science and other activities which has documented enormous material on human face. After gathering the literature from each field, next natural step is to categorize and keep them connected with relevant rational liaisons for further collaboration. I strongly believe that in the absence of these liaisons knowledge-bases soon become effete information bloats.
Please note the taxonomy string at top in this post. That's enough for now.

Thx for reading. Keep Sharing and give your comments on the blog.

Let every being be free from delusion and ignorance and face the truth.

What will be the future of Human Face?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Sat, 14 Sep 2013 14:02:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 10

Continuing from the post 7: Evolving framework of Human Face

James May answering few oddball questons

An interesting study was published by Artist and researcher Nickolay Lamm on Forbs site.

Today's human face is end result of 5-7 million years of evolution. It is very clear that as skull changed its shape face also morphed. If face of ape reflects rudimentary lifestyle, modern man face witnesses epic control over nature.

But What's next?

10000 years down the line how human face will look like?

Are we going to settle down on with existing features or we will modify it with according to future needs or whole human race will turn into Cyborgs?

Although it is a debatable topic. Post your comments and opinions.

Spotlight: FacePlus from Mixamo

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Fri, 13 Sep 2013 08:05:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 9

Today spotlight is on FacePlus plugin from Mixamo for Unity3D game engine.
Game Industry is moving with fast pace. Now you can capture facial expression and apply it it any character.
Face Plus is a plugin that enables developers to create high quality 3D facial capture and facial animation, in real time, directly within the Unity game engine. Leveraging Unity’s blendshape technology and Mixamo’s unique facial tracking and facial animation algorithms, Face Plus empowers game developers to be even more ambitious with storytelling and bring compelling, emotionally rich characters to life in record time, at extremely low cost.

Virtual world will never be the same again !
Its changing....

Spotlight: Facial Substitution

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 09:48:00 +0000

Human Face by Dr. Pravin Yadav

Post No: 8

Till date my mind was engraved with an idea that face is my identity, whole life I will have to live with it.
What if you can change that identity, at least on e-world?
Woooosssshhhh! mind boggling idea.
But can we really do that?
Just have a look at this interesting experiment. This is a technical demo for face substitution technique. But certainly achievable in near future.

Today Spotlight is on Kyle McDonald, who is an artist and researcher in New York with a background in computer science and philosophy. In October 2011, he released FaceOSC, a tool for prototyping face-based interaction. FaceOSC was based on the work of Jason Saragih, a research scientist at CSIRO. In addition to FaceOSC, Kyle has produced an addon for working with face tracking in OpenFrameworks as well as a growing body of work that uses face tracking in an artistic context, notably Face Substitution with Arturo Castro.

Keep guessing whats next, but with open mind.
Learn how to unlearn and face the whole new world!

Evolving framework of Human Face

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Post No: 7

Why Chimpanzees look like Humans? Is Human face is ever evolving surface?
Answer lies in prehistory, anthropology and archaeology. Let me explain in simple words.

Actually, Humans diverged and evolved from long lineage with its closest living relative, Chimpanzees.
Human face consists of multiple layers, hard solid bone, skull at base, muscles mounted at both ends on bones is the flexible and deformable layer, fascia surface, dermal-fatty layer variable tissue depth depends on health and environmental conditions and the top epidermal surface also called as skin. In simple words face is surface wrapped on skull, thus skull can be considered as the framework of face.

Although as late as the time of 'Charles Darwin', was common to find people who thought there was a independent creation of every species and life form do not change from one generation to another. But Darwin’s five theories suggested :

Evolution: species come and go through time, while they exist they change.

Common descent: organisms are descended from one, or several common ancestors and have diversified from this original stock

Species multiply: the diversification of life involves populations of one species diverging until they become two separate species; this has probably occurred billions of times on earth!

Gradualism: evolutionary change occurs through incremental small changes within populations; new species are not created suddenly.

Natural selection: evolutionary change occurs through variation between individuals; some variants give the individual an extra survival probability.

Modern Humans are result of millions of years of evolutionary change and natural selection.
Plan your visit to Smithsonian National Museum of natural History to have a look at preseved evidences of human origin.

Image Credit: John Gurche
artist / Don Hurlbert, photographer

Sahelanthropus tchadensis

Sometime between 7 and 6 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Orrorin tugenensis

Sometime between 6.2 and 5.8 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Ardipithecus kadabba

Between about 5.8 and 5.2 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Ardipithecus ramidus

About 4.4 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Australopithecus anamensis

About 4.2 to 3.9 million years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Australopithecus afarensis

Between about 3.85 and 2.95 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Australopithecus garhi

About 2.5 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Paranthropus aethiopicus

About 2.7 to 2.3 million years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Australopithecus africanus

About 3.3 to 2.1 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Homo rudolfensis

About 1.9 million to 1.8 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Australopithecus sediba

Between 1.977 and 1.98 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Homo habilis

2.4 million to 1.4 million years ago

Image Credit: Karen Carr Studio

Paranthropus robustus

About 1.8 to 1.2 million years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Paranthropus boisei

About 2.3 to 1.2 million years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Homo heidelbergensis

About 700,000 to 200,000 years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Homo erectus

Between about 1.89 million and 143,000 years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Homo neanderthalensis

About 200,000 - 28,000 years ago

Image Credit: John Gurche,
artist / Chip Clark, photographer

Homo floresiensis

About 95,000 – 17,000 years ago

Image Credit: Human Origins Program,
Smithsonian Institution

Homo sapiens

About 200,000 years ago to present

Following link shows the Human Family Tree and other variations of human faces.
http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-family-tree

Biology teacher Andrew Douch makes comparisions between the skull of an ancient Hominin (Australopithecus afarensis) and a modern hominin ( Homo sapiens)

But What's next?

Inspirational Quote by Plato

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 08:41:00 +0000

Post No: 6

Plato (469–399 B.C.E.) great Philosopher, regarded as one of the wisest people of all time. He was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. His writings explored justice, beauty and equality, and also contained discussions in aesthetics, political philosophy, theology, cosmology, epistemology and the philosophy of language. Plato founded the Academy in Athens.

Study of Human Face : Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Sun, 08 Sep 2013 12:18:00 +0000

8 September 2013
Post No: 5
Human Face >> General Information

I am interested to know firstly when, why and how mankind got obsessed with a human face, still is an unsolved mystery.

While tracing the roots from latest computer art to sculptures, portraits, illustrations, sketches, manuscripts up to cave paintings, we can see evolution of mankind. This progress also reflects cultural developments.

Human face has fascinated many painters, poets, philosophers, physicians many other professionals, not only that but every pragmatist and even a pea brain. Amazing and interesting human face related information egressed from their writing, creations, experiments, findings and inferences. Collection of Human face related information and its synthesis is like viewing a diamond from various angles and appreciating each color from those color bands.

In a cultural rebirth from the 14th through the middle of the 17th century which is called as renaissance, many artists and illustrators made efforts to explicate the human face through their creations. We can easily make out pace of the study of human face in the last millennium From centuries we are documenting our observations and from last 30 years it is at peak.

In 18th century, whole world was intrigued by many streams of science. One of them was Genetics, discipline of biology, the science of heredity and variation in living organisms. Darwin's theory of evolution and Gregor Mendel's study of inheritance are the most revolutionary concepts in the history of mankind. Human faces are ever evolving carrier of pattern and mutating surface. Till 19th century, Human group classification was mainly based on facial features. There are many theories about human races based on skin color, cranial or facial features and hair texture. Some of them are still topic of debate. The 0.1% genetic difference that differentiates any two random humans is still the subject of much debate. In the same period other streams like forensic science, plastic surgery and orthodontics also greatly evolved and added another dimension to the study of human face.

Since last 30 years, Computer science has made phenomenal developments and impacted each and every field. Because of its amazing data processing capability and speed the development pace was exponentially increased. With the help of Computer graphics, virtually every object can be simulated and visualized in 3D environment. Today scientists are performing anthropometry with three-dimensional scanners to calculate segmental volumes of an individual body scan. There are several examples in entertainment world that computer graphics has achieved ultimate realism. Human face has extremely intricate topology. In Hollywood movies facial modeling, texturing and
rendering is done in such a way that audience can not distinguish between fake and photo.

Everyday each field is evolving in different direction. Those inventions are revealing new dimensions of human face.

The fact that everyday new innovations are being made in all fields of science, every curious practitioner, thinker and philosopher is documenting his experiments and observations. This trend has picked up speed and complexity with the help of computer technology. Human Face related observations can be found in many different streams. The face related information scattered in various fields can be synthesized to form a solution that will address many questions raised over many generations. To navigate through this huge information ocean and extract the required data, one must have know-how of each stream. Keeping up with the flow of information in these fields is a difficult task.

I will discuss the most appropriate approach that I feel in the next blog post.

Aspects of human face

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 10:58:00 +0000

6 September 2013
Post No: 4
Human Face >> General Information

There are many other aspects of human face. Most significant are:

1.Tool for living, Biological importance

Face is just an outer surface of head. Biologically, Head is the most significant body part. Skull gives the form and shape to face and thus can be considered as the framework of the face. Skull is casing of brain - integral part of nervous system, eyes - entire visual system, nose - entire olfactorysystem and doorways of respiratory system, ears - entire auditory system, mouth - entire gustatory system.

2. Tool for communication, Impression and Expression

Human face is the most favored communication tool inseparably associated with his emotions. Facial expression comes from the squashing and stretching of facial muscles which conveys emotions. The facial impression is observed by perception. It is psychological evaluation based on look of personality despite of internal details, thought process. By nature, facial impression may be biased as perception is subjective, synthesis based on personal thoughts and experiences. So sometimes it becomes controversial.

3.Tool for identity, Biometric, tool for identification

We come in this world with a face and everybody recognizes us with that face. Every person continuously refines his own face recognizing methodology and builds and modifies his own database of human faces in memory. Each brain in this world is an independent system. Based on uniqueness of features many biometric philosophies were developed based on retinal identification, ear Pattern and facial structure. Thus face has become premier tool of identification.

Human Face : Few interesting facts

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 06:50:00 +0000

5 September 2013

Post No: 3

The pocket Oxford dictionary defines the human face as “the front part of a person’s head from the forehead to the chin.” Mathematician studies actual dimensions and its relationship whereas artist looks it as a shape, form and proportion. Face is like kaleidoscope, every time it reveals different meaning.

Here are some interesting facts about human face

The hardest part of our body - teeth, softest and most flexible part - tongue and lips, the hardest bone in the human body - jawbone, most undulated surface - ears, long hirsute surface - scalp and most reflective parts - eyes, all find place in the face.
Facial hair grows faster than any other hair on the body.
You must lose over 50% of your scalp hairs before it is apparent to anyone. You lose hundreds of hair a day but you’ll have to lose a lot more before you or anyone else will notice. Half of the hair on your pretty little head will have to disappear before our impending baldness will become obvious to all those around you.
Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born. While few babies are born with teeth in place, the teeth that will eventually push through the gums of young children are formed long before the child even leaves the womb. At 9 to 12 weeks the fetus starts to form the teeth buds that will turn into baby teeth.
The tooth is the only part of the human body that can’t repair itself. If you've ever chipped a tooth you know just how sadly true this one is. The outer layer of the tooth is enamel which is not a living tissue. Since it’s not alive, it can’t repair itself, leaving our dentist to do the work instead.
The hardest bone in the human body is the jawbone. The next time someone suggests you take it on the chin, you might be well advised to take their advice as the jawbone is one of the most durable and hard to break bones in the body.
The strongest muscle in the human body is the tongue. While you may not be able to bench press much with your tongue, it is in fact the strongest muscle in your body in proportion to its size. If you think about it, every time you eat, swallow or talk you use your tongue, ensuring it gets quite a workout throughout the day.
It takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown. Unless you’re trying to give your face a bit of a workout, smiling is a much easier option for most of us. Anyone who’s ever scowled, squinted or frowned for a long period of time knows how it tires out the face which doesn't do a thing to improve your mood.
Bone is stronger than some steel. This doesn't mean your bones can’t break of course, as they are much less dense than steel. Bone has been found to have a tensile strength of 20,000 psi while steel is much higher at 70,000 psi. Steel is much heavier than bone, however, and pound for pound bone is the stronger material.
Humans are the only animals to produce emotional tears. In the animal world, humans are the biggest crybabies, being the only animals who cry because they've had a bad day, lost a loved one, or just don’t feel good.
The indentation in the middle of the area between the nose and the upper lip has a name. It is called the philtrum. Scientists have yet to figure out what purpose this indentation serves, though the ancient Greeks thought it to be one of the most erogenous places on the body.

Reading Faces: Face Value

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Pravin Yadav) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 10:25:00 +0000

Post: 002

4 September 2013

This article is not about physiognomy but scientific approach to understand human emotions and expressions.

What does a face really tell us about someone's personality?

Professor David Perrett of the Perception Lab at St Andrews University has spent the best part of a decade trying to pin down the essence of facial attractiveness.

Perrett is using the most widely accepted model of human personality: the five-factor model. This consists of:

Openness to experience - creative, original, independent
Conscientiousness - careful, hard-working, conscientious
Extraversion - affectionate, talkative, sociable
Agreeableness - forgiving, sympathetic, warm
Neuroticism - nervous, worrying, highly strung

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