3D Face Modeling via Weakly-supervised Disentanglement Network joint Identity-consistency Prior

TL;DR

This paper presents a weakly-supervised framework for 3D face modeling that achieves disentanglement of identity and expression factors without extensive labels, improving generalization across datasets.

Contribution

Introduces WSDF, a novel weakly-supervised disentanglement network for 3D face modeling using VAEs and a neutral bank for better identity and expression control.

Findings

Outperforms existing methods in disentanglement quality

Requires fewer labels for training

Demonstrates strong generalization across datasets

Abstract

Generative 3D face models featuring disentangled controlling factors hold immense potential for diverse applications in computer vision and computer graphics. However, previous 3D face modeling methods face a challenge as they demand specific labels to effectively disentangle these factors. This becomes particularly problematic when integrating multiple 3D face datasets to improve the generalization of the model. Addressing this issue, this paper introduces a Weakly-Supervised Disentanglement Framework, denoted as WSDF, to facilitate the training of controllable 3D face models without an overly stringent labeling requirement. Adhering to the paradigm of Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), the proposed model achieves disentanglement of identity and expression controlling factors through a two-branch encoder equipped with dedicated identity-consistency prior. It then faithfully re-entangles these factors via a tensor-based combination mechanism. Notably, the introduction of the Neutral Bank allows precise acquisition of subject-specific information using only identity labels, thereby averting degeneration due to insufficient supervision. Additionally, the framework incorporates a label-free second-order loss function for the expression factor to regulate deformation space and eliminate extraneous information, resulting in enhanced disentanglement. Extensive experiments have been conducted to substantiate the superior performance of WSDF. Our code is available at https://github.com/liguohao96/WSDF.