Crowd counting algorithm based on face detection and skin color recognition

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative crowd counting algorithm using skin color information. Through stages of color space transformation, threshold segmentation, morphological processing, and region filtering, the algorithm successfully conducts crowd counting in images. The study encompasses analyses of images with diverse crowd densities, skin colors, backgrounds, and lighting intensities, revealing the algorithm's robustness to various factors. It remains unaffected by skin color and crowd size and exhibits minimal sensitivity to background and lighting intensity. Furthermore, the paper explores image feature analysis and uses MATLAB programming for simulation and initial crowd counting, considering images with different actual crowd sizes.  Despite minor issues such as the insufficient separation of faces from clothing and the influence of lighting intensity, the algorithm performs reliably in most scenarios, demonstrating high crowd counting accuracies. To bolster the accuracy and robustness of the algorithm, optimization of the separation step and control of the lighting effect on images is suggested.  The key focus of this study is the application of the Gaussian model in the YCbCr color space for face detection and examining its impact on the efficiency and accuracy of crowd counting algorithm. The research not only provides a novel approach for crowd counting in images but also offers insightful perspectives for future studies and potential improvements. Thus, the study proves to be a significant contribution to face detection and recognition technology, enhancing its application in fields like public safety, crowd management, and surveillance systems.