Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for identifying an unknown subject using face recognition. In particular, upon receiving a plurality of images depicting a subject, the method may include deriving and storing a common component image and a gross innovation component image associated with the subject, wherein the subject can later be identified in a new image using these two stored images. The common component image may capture features that are common to all of the received images depicting the subject, whereas the gross innovation component image may capture a combination of the features that are unique to each of the received images. The method may further include deriving and storing a low-rank data matrix associated with the received images, wherein the low-rank data matrix may capture any illumination differences and/or occlusions associated with the received images.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for identifying an unknown subject using face recognition. In particular, upon receiving a plurality of images depicting a subject, the method may include deriving and storing a common component image and a gross innovation component image associated with the subject, wherein the subject can later be identified in a new image using these two stored images. The common component image may capture features that are common to all of the received images depicting the subject, whereas the gross innovation component image may capture a combination of the features that are unique to each of the received images. The method may further include deriving and storing a low-rank data matrix associated with the received images, wherein the low-rank data matrix may capture any illumination differences and/or occlusions associated with the received images.