LighterFace Model for Community Face Detection and Recognition

This research proposes a face detection algorithm named LighterFace, which is aimed at enhancing detection speed to meet the demands of real-time community applications. Two pre-trained convolutional neural networks are combined, namely Cross Stage Partial Network (CSPNet), and ShuffleNetv2. Connecting the optimized network with Global Attention Mechanism (GAMAttention) extends the model to compensate for the accuracy loss caused by optimizing the network structure. Additionally, the learning rate of the detection model is dynamically updated using the cosine annealing method, which enhances the convergence speed of the model during training. This paper analyzes the training of the LighterFace model on the WiderFace dataset and a custom community dataset, aiming to classify faces in real-life community settings. Compared to the mainstream YOLOv5 model, LighterFace demonstrates a significant reduction in computational demands by 85.4% while achieving a 66.3% increase in detection speed and attaining a 90.6% accuracy in face detection. It is worth noting that LighterFace generates high-quality cropped face images, providing valuable inputs for subsequent face recognition models such as DeepID. Additionally, the LighterFace model is specifically designed to run on edge devices with lower computational capabilities. Its real-time performance on a Raspberry Pi 3B+ validates the results.