Automatic face and skin beautification using face detection

Abstract

Sub-regions within a face image are identified to be enhanced by applying a localized smoothing kernel to luminance data corresponding to the sub-regions of the face image. An enhanced face image is generated including an enhanced version of the face that includes certain original pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of enhancing an appearance of a face within a digital image, comprising using a processor in:
 acquiring a digital image of a scene including a face, including capturing the image using a lens and an image sensor, or receiving said image following capture by a device that includes a lens and an image sensor, or a combination thereof;   identifying the face within the digital image;   identifying within the face one or more sub-regions to be enhanced with localized luminance smoothing;   applying one or more localized luminance smoothing kernels each to one of the one or more sub-regions identified within the face to produce one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face, wherein the applying comprises applying the one or more localized luminance smoothing kernels to luminance data of the one or more sub-regions identified within said face;   generating an enhanced image including an enhanced version of the face comprising certain original or otherwise processed pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face; and   displaying, transmitting, communicating or digitally storing or otherwise outputting the enhanced image or a further processed version, or combinations thereof.