GENDER DETECTION USING FACIAL FEATURES

MINOR PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the

Deepanshu Sharma Dhruv Kotra

02511503120 02811503120

Guided by
Dr. Shyla
Asst. Professor

Department of Computer Science & Engineering

Gender detection is a non-trivial computer vision problem for identifying the gender of the faces in
images. The most fundamental application that is used in face recognition technology is gender de -
tection. Many companies like Facebook, Amazon, Google and other technical companies have their
respective different implementations of this gender detection. The software must be able to detect
it first, before they can recognize. Gender of a person in each cluster is estimated using aggregation
of predictions for individual photos. This consists of two steps, first one is to identify the faces in the
image/video. After that the features will be extracted. Second is to classify the type of gender. De-
tection of faces from the images can be done by using the MTCNN whereas the Haar cascade is used
for the face detection in videos. This Face detection is a computer vision problem that involves find-
ing faces in photos. After the detection, the features will be extracted from the detected faces.
Based on the extracted features, by using the smaller VGG algorithm the gender will be classified.
For the classification of gender in videos and images we used database like the wiki crop, imdb.

The realm of artificial intelligence and computer vision has witnessed a burgeoning interest in recent
years, with one of the most intriguing and socially relevant areas being the study of gender recogni-
tion using facial features. The human face serves as a potent source of information, offering a myriad
of clues about an individual's identity, emotions, and gender. Gender recognition, a fundamental as-
pect of social interaction, has captivated researchers and technologists alike, spurring a quest to de-
velop accurate and efficient algorithms that discern gender from facial attributes.

Understanding how facial features can be utilized to predict gender is not only an exciting scientific
pursuit but also holds significant practical implications. In a world increasingly reliant on automated
systems, the integration of gender recognition technology can influence various domains, including
marketing, security, healthcare, and human-computer interaction. Tailoring services and products
based on gender identification, enhancing security protocols, and aiding in healthcare research are
just a few of the potential applications that make this field both impactful and relevant to society.

Advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, have propelled gender recognition
technology to unprecedented levels of precision and reliability. Algorithms, especially convolutional
neural networks (CNNs), have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in extracting intricate facial
patterns and features that differentiate between male and female facial characteristics. These ad-
vancements have paved the way for sophisticated gender prediction models, but they also raise ethi-
cal questions concerning privacy, bias, consent, and potential misuse of this technology.

In this overview, we delve into the exciting realm of gender recognition using facial features, explor-
ing the methodologies, applications, and ethical dimensions that define this field. We aim to unravel
the intricacies of this evolving technology, shedding light on its potential to influence our societies
and emphasizing the critical need for responsible development and deployment to ensure a more in-
clusive and equitable future.
 Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this project is to detect the gender of a person from his/her facial image with
optimal accuracy. There has been a lot of work done in this field using various methods which all
have their shortcomings. For example, the use of SVM on images and FERET database accumulates
positive results for gender detection highlighted by Lapedriza et al.[1] They extracted facial features
and classified it in two, external and internal, parts and stored data in FERET database. Also, Maki -
nen et al proposed a system using FERET database. However, FERET database requires images to be
captured in controlled situations like consistent lighting. This is a problem because most real life im -
ages are not taken under controlled situations for the most part and is very impractical to do so.
There are also methods specified on single features such as eye features which works well as long as
the subject has the required features. It ignores that some people are blind or does not have eye
brows. There are other methods that acknowledge these faults but fail to provide satisfactory re-
sults.

The objective of this exploration is threefold: to investigate the technological advancements in artifi-
cial intelligence, particularly in the realm of computer vision, that have enabled accurate gender pre-
diction from facial attributes; to comprehend the psychological and sociological factors that contrib-
ute to the perception of gender and how these inform the development of gender recognition algo-
rithms; and to examine the ethical implications and societal impact of implementing such technol-
ogy.

Firstly, we aim to elucidate the cutting-edge techniques and methodologies, particularly deep learn -
ing and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which empower machines to analyze facial features
and predict gender. Understanding the technology that underpins gender recognition is crucial to
appreciating its capabilities and limitations.

Secondly, we strive to unravel the complexities of gender perception, recognizing the intricate inter -
play of biological, cultural, and social factors that contribute to the nuanced[2] understanding of
gender. This comprehension will facilitate the development of more inclusive and accurate gender
recognition models.

Lastly, we intend to critically evaluate the ethical considerations encompassing privacy, consent, bi-
ases, and potential misuse associated with gender recognition technology. By doing so, we aspire to
foster responsible research and deployment practices that mitigate biases and uphold the rights and
dignity of individuals.

This project has specifically targeted on the issue of establishing a new tactics which can help us to
establish efficient operation of facial data extraction and gender classification techniques. The step
by step procedure of this project is summarized here. This work marks the following issues:

· Firstly, we have used input images to detect faces using Viola & Jones algorithm for robust
and real-time extraction of faces.
· Then, the image has been processed to reduce noise using Adaptive Filtering and for adjust-
ing contrast, Histogram Equalization. [3]
 · Finally, we have used DSP (Deformable Spatial Pyramid) to produce extremely accurate re-
sults and efficient computation to reduce computational time.

Methodology

Basic requirement for this project includes: Python 2.7-3.6, Open CV2, PyCharm Community Edition,
Webcam (at least 2.0MP). An adequately equipped windows machine to run the project is required.
The Project uses Python Deep Learning to identify the gender and age of given face data accurately.
Deep Learning belongs to the family of machine Learning. Deep Learning mimics the functionality of
human cognitive thinking and acts as an Artificial Intelligence system. It can recognise objects, faces,
speeches, characters from unstructured data sets. The Algorithm designed is divided into four main
parts: Input, Face Detection, Face Processing (Age and Gender classification) and output.

Project Components:

1. Input:

· The input component involves capturing real-time facial data using a webcam. This
can be achieved using OpenCV, a popular library for computer vision in Python.

2. Face Detection:

· This stage involves detecting faces from the captured images or video frames.
OpenCV provides pre-trained deep learning models (like Haar cascades or deep neu-
ral networks) that can efficiently detect faces.

3. Face Processing (Age and Gender Classification):

· In this crucial part, deep learning models are employed to classify the gender and es-
timate the age of detected faces. Deep learning models such as Convolutional Neu-
ral Networks (CNNs) are typically used for this purpose.
· Pre-trained deep learning models, trained on gender and age labeled datasets, can
be used for prediction. Libraries like Keras or TensorFlow can be employed to load
and use these pre-trained models.
4. Output:

· The output component displays the results of gender and age classification, either
overlaying the information on the detected face or presenting it in a separate UI.
· The output can include labels such as "Male" or "Female" for gender and age in
years for the age classification.[4]
High-level Steps for Implementation:

1. Setup Development Environment:

· Install Python (2.7-3.6), OpenCV2, and PyCharm Community Edition on the Windows
machine.

2. Data Collection:
 · Capture a dataset of facial images with known gender and age labels for training and
evaluation purposes. This dataset will be used to train the deep learning model.

3. Model Training:

· Train a deep learning model (e.g., CNN) using the collected dataset. Use a suitable
framework like TensorFlow or Keras to build, train, and evaluate the model.

4. Incorporate Face Detection:

· Integrate face detection using pre-trained models from OpenCV to identify faces in
real-time from the webcam feed.

5. Age and Gender Prediction:

· Utilize the trained deep learning model to predict gender and estimate age based on
the detected faces.

6. Display Results:

· Overlay the predicted gender and age information on the detected faces or present
it in a separate UI for user interaction.

7. Testing and Optimization:

· Test the system with different faces to evaluate its accuracy and make necessary op-
timizations for better performance.

8. User Interface Enhancement:

· Enhance the user interface to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for users
interacting with the application.[5]

Integration of Deep Learning:

Deep learning, as a branch of artificial intelligence, plays a pivotal role in this project by mimicking
human cognitive thinking. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are particularly effective for im-
age-related tasks, making them ideal for facial gender and age classification. The training of a CNN
involves passing facial image data through layers of artificial neurons, learning features and patterns
to make accurate predictions.

Model Training and Pre-trained Models:

Training a deep learning model from scratch demands a large annotated dataset and significant com-
putational resources. However, using pre-trained models is a more feasible approach. Pre-trained
models, developed by experts, have learned features from extensive datasets and can be fine-tuned
for specific tasks like gender and age classification. Fine-tuning involves adapting the model's param-
eters to our dataset without starting from scratch, saving time and resources.

Real-time Face Processing:

Real-time face processing involves efficiently capturing video frames from the webcam, detecting
faces in each frame, and then passing the facial regions to the trained or pre-trained deep learning
model for gender and age classification. OpenCV, with its real-time capabilities and integration with
deep learning frameworks, enables smooth integration of face detection and processing.[6]
 Literature Survey

S.No Title Author’s Name Year

An Intelligent Gender
Classification System
1. in the Era of Pan- Jawad Rasheed 2022
demic Chaos with
Veiled Faces
Python software for
gender detection us-
2. ing artificial intelli- Enes Bajrami 2022
gence libraries ten-
sorflow
Age and Gender Detec-
3. Mohd. Rafey 2020
tion using Python
Gender Identification Dr. Gowtami Anna-
4. 2020
from Facial Features purna
How Computers See
Gender: An Evaluation
of Gender
Morgan Klaus
5. Classification in Com- 2019
Scheuerman
mercial Facial Analysis
and Image
Labeling Services
Face Recognition and
Age Estimation Impli-
6. cations Rasha Ragheb Atallah 2018
Of Changes in Facial
Features
Face Detection with
Facial Features and
7. Gender Classification S.Ravi 2010
Based On Support Vec-
tor Machine
 CONCLUSION

The study of gender recognition using facial features presents a compelling intersection of technol-
ogy, psychology, and social implications. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particu-
larly in machine learning and computer vision, have propelled this field into a realm of great poten -
tial and ethical considerations.

Through this research, we have delved into the intricate relationship between facial features and
gender identification, highlighting the complex interplay of biological, cultural, and societal factors
that contribute to the perception of gender. Machine learning algorithms, especially deep learning
models, have showcased remarkable accuracy and efficiency in analyzing facial attributes and pre-
dicting gender. Techniques like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven particularly effec-
tive in extracting nuanced facial features and patterns that aid in gender recognition.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the inherent biases and limitations present in these algorithms.
The potential for bias arises from biased training data and unequal representation of diverse gender
identities. Addressing this bias is essential to ensure fair and equitable gender recognition systems
that accurately represent the diversity of human gender expression.

Moreover, ethical considerations surrounding privacy, consent, and potential misuse of gender
recognition technology are paramount. Striking a balance between technological advancement and
preserving individuals' rights and dignity is an ongoing challenge. Legislation and regulatory frame-
works should be put in place to govern the use of these technologies and safeguard individuals from
potential misuse or discrimination.

The practical applications of gender recognition technology are wide-ranging and encompass various
domains, including marketing, security, healthcare, and social sciences. From personalized advertis-
ing to improving public safety and understanding healthcare disparities, gender recognition technol-
ogy has the potential to revolutionize several sectors of society.

In the future, continued research and innovation in this field should focus on refining the accuracy
and inclusivity of gender recognition systems. Emphasizing the importance of diverse and represen -
tative training datasets will be a pivotal step toward reducing biases and ensuring equitable out -
comes. Collaboration between technologists, ethicists, psychologists, and sociologists is imperative
to navigate the evolving landscape of gender recognition technology responsibly.

In conclusion, gender recognition using facial features is an evolving discipline with immense poten-
tial to reshape societal norms and technological landscapes. It is essential to approach this advance-
ment with caution, considering the broader implications and striving for a future where technology
respects and celebrates the richness of human gender identity and expression.
 REFERENCES

[1] Benton, A. (1990). Facial recognition 1990. Cortex, 26(4), 491-499.

[2] Kaur, P., Krishan, K., Sharma, S. K., & Kanchan, T. (2020). Facial-recognition algorithms: A litera -
ture review. Medicine, Science and the Law, 60(2), 131-139.

[3] Raji, I. D., & Fried, G. (2021). About face: A survey of facial recognition evaluation. arXiv preprint
arXiv:2102.00813.

[4] Baron, R. J. (1981). Mechanisms of human facial recognition. International Journal of Man-
Machine Studies, 15(2), 137-178.

[5] Cohen, M. E., & Carr, W. J. (1975). Facial recognition and the von Restorff effect. Bulletin of the
Psychonomic Society, 6(4), 383-384.

[6] Bruce, V., & Young, A. (1986). Understanding face recognition. British journal of psychol-
ogy, 77(3), 305-327.

Dr. Shyla

(Mentor)