How do I sign up?The easiest way to sign up is to simply email me at dfaced@seas.upenn.edu. I will email you back with an up-to-date list of available times for you to choose from. If you don't have access to email, you can call me at 512-284-5714. |
How do I get there? (Directions)Access to the room where sessions are held (Towne M42 in the Engineering Complex on 33rd and Walnut Street) is restricted, so you will instead be asked to wait on a nearby bench. Directions to this bench are available here. |
What is a session like?The session time slots are 45 minutes long, but a session typically only takes 30 minutes. You'll come, read and sign the consent form(s), and I will take pictures of you wearing the various disguises. At the end, you get to keep four of the disguises (including the baseball hat and fake mustache). I will also pay you $10 in cash. |
What are the restrictions?(1) You must be 18 years or older. (2) You must have an SSN or a Penn ID.(3) You must not have any immediately identifying characteristics above the neck. This means (for example), no facial tattoos, no unnaturally dyed hair, no head coverings you're not comfortable taking off, no large facial piercings. |
What are the disguises?The disguises include a lab coat, a surgical face mask (similar to a surgeon's mask), adhesive eye patches (worn over both the eye and eyebrow), dark sunglasses, glasses with clear frames, a baseball hat, a domino mask (covers the area around the eyes), and an adhesive mustache.You get to keep the hat, the mustache, and both of the masks. |
What do the Consent Forms say?There are two consent forms -- both will be provided for you to read and sign at the session.The first is required, available here (pdf). It must be signed to participate. The second consent form is entirely optional, and is available here (pdf). It allows researchers the option to use your images for publication. Again, it is optional to sign this second form. |
What is the Disguised Face Database project?
The DFD project aims to create a new collection of high-quality facial photographs, and will include images in which the subject is wearing a disguise.
These photographs will allow us to test the effects of disguise on facial recognition by both computer algorithms and by other persons.
The goal is to further our understanding of how disguises affect recognition, as well as which disguises are most effective.
This database has many possible applications, and we hope it will lead to the enhancement of both security and privacy with regard to automatic face recognition technology.
What exactly does the study entail?
To find out more about what the study entails, please read the project's consent form (pdf).
This form explains some of the mechanics of the data collection, requirements for participation, and how the collected information will be used.
If you have questions that are not answered by the consent form, please feel free to contact me at dfaced@seas.upenn.edu.
How will my privacy be protected?
Since a guiding principle of this study is privacy, we have taken special care to respect the privacy of the participants.
In particular:
How many participants do you need?
We are looking to recruit 300 - 500 subjects for one to two photo sessions each.
You must be over 18 to participate; for further details and restrictions on participation, please see the consent form.
We will be recruiting subjects until May of 2013.
How do I participate? And what are the available times?
To participate, all you need to do is schedule a session time (by emailing dfaced@seas.upenn.edu); you will be sent an up-to-date list of the available times.
Once you've scheduled a session time, all you need to do is show up for it -- the disguises and any other necessary items will be provided for you.
Photo sessions are scheduled for 9 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:15 AM, 1 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:15 PM, 4 PM, and 4:45 PM most week days.
How long does a session last?
Photo sessions should last no more than 45 minutes.
We ask that you try to arrive 5 minutes ahead of your appointment, in order to give you enough time to find the room and read the consent form.
How do I get to the room?
Photo sessions are held in room Towne M42 in the Engineering Complex on 33rd and Walnut street.
Subjects are asked to wait on the bench at the base of the stairs in the hallway between Skirkanich and Towne.
For directions, please see this page: directions.
Last Updated: 07/05/2013