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5. Computer methods of summation image. Composite portrait and average face shape

Computer methods of summation image. Composite portrait and average face shape

Lock K.E.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Anuchin Research Institute and Museum of Anthropology, Mokhovaya st., 11, Moscow, 125009, Russia

Lock K.E., e-mail: lokkkris@rambler.ru

Abstract

We can summarize in our mind single images into a composite image of objects but this generalization is subjective and we have difficulties to describe it to other people. Some methods can help to resolve these problems. There are two most useful methods to get a composite image based on individual photos. First of them is the method of composite portraits proposed by Francis Galton in 1878. In 2008 its computer modification was developed with the participation of the author of this article. The second method of average face shape was created by David Perret and collegues in 1990’s. In this article these two methods are compared. The author comes to the conclusion that the results of summation by different methods are quite comparable. However a composite portrait by Galton’s method contains more information but it is difficult to perceive. The two methods complement each other in a certain way: Galton’s method works well for small and medium-size sample groups, Perret’s method will be most useful for large sample groups.

Keywords

composite portrait, method of average face shape, Galton, Perret, computer methods of summation image

Цит.: Lock K.E. Computer methods of summation image. Composite portrait and average face shape // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2011; 1/2011; с. 37-44