Tracking using normalized cross correlation and color space

The aim of this paper is to describe the implementation a face tracking algorithm for video conferencing environment using the normalized cross correlation method. The reference image was selected based on human skin properties in the YCbCr color space. The results obtained on different color spaces showed that the YCbCr color space had higher tracker detection rates (TDR) compared to the RGB and grayscale color spaces. In addition to the TDR being used as a metric to determine the accuracy of a tracking method, another metric was formulated to quantify the accuracy of a tracking algorithm. The metric developed was object tracking variance (OTV) and object tracking standard deviation (OTStd). The OTV and OTStd are used to indicate the accuracy of tracking a reference point. Based on the results obtained, it indicates that the YCbCr color space has lower standard deviation compared to the RGB and grayscale color spaces. The results also indicate that the CbCr components of the YCbCr can be used for correct tracking without the Y component. ©2007 IEEE.