Face Image Super-Resolution using Deep Learning

Introduction

High-resolution human face images are important in various fields. Particularly, in security and surveillance fields, high-resolution face images are required for face recognition or detection purpose. The multimedia industry also desires high-resolution face images since they provide better audience perception and satisfaction.

In reality, resolution of face images may not necessarily be as high as desired. These may sometimes be limited by hardware of imaging devices , or the fact that the image is sometimes out of focus. Image resolution may also be limited by the distance between the human subject and the imaging device, such that the face image taken is small. Therefore, it is highly desirable and valuable if high-resolution face image could be reconstructed from low-resolution image using super-resolution techniques. The latest advancement in deep learning technology opens possibility for more plausible image super-resolution by learning from realistic facial features.