Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Andrew V. Smith
  • Real-time face tracking in a digital image acquisition device
    Patent number: 7864990
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus for tracking faces in an image stream iteratively receives a new acquired image from the image stream, the image potentially including one or more face regions. The acquired image is sub-sampled (112) at a specified resolution to provide a sub-sampled image. An integral image is then calculated for a least a portion of the sub-sampled image. Fixed size face detection (20) is applied to at least a portion of the integral image to provide a set of candidate face regions. Responsive to the set of candidate face regions produced and any previously detected candidate face regions, the resolution at which a next acquired image is sub-sampled is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Alexei Pososin, Petronel Bigioi, Eran Steinberg, Stefan Petrescu, Florin Nanu
  • Method and apparatus of correcting hybrid flash artifacts in digital images
    Patent number: 7865036
    Abstract: A method for digital image eye artifact detection and correction include identifying one or more candidate red-eye defect regions in an acquired image. For one or more candidate red-eye regions, a seed pixels and/or a region of pixels having a high intensity value in the vicinity of the candidate red-eye region is identified. The shape, roundness or other eye-related characteristic of a combined hybrid region including the candidate red-eye region and the region of high intensity pixels is analyzed. Based on the analysis of the eye-related characteristic of the combined hybrid region, it is determined whether to apply flash artifact correction, including red eye correction of the candidate red-eye region and/or correction of the region of high intensity pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Mihai Ciuc, Adrian Capata, Florin Nanu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran
  • Digital image processing using face detection information
    Patent number: 7860274
    Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Method of making a digital camera image of a scene including the camera user
    Patent number: 7855737
    Abstract: A method of making an image in a digital camera comprises capturing a digital image of a scene into which the camera user is to be inserted, and superimposing a symbol (subject locator) onto the scene image representing at least a part of a human subject. The subject locator is scaled to a desired size and moved to a desired position relative to the scene image. Next a digital image of the user is captured, and at least the part of the user image represented by the subject locator is extracted. The part of the user image represented by the subject locator is scaled (before or after extraction) to substantially the same size as the subject locator and inserted into the first image at the position of the subject locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Stefan Petrescu, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 7852384
    Abstract: A method of filtering a red-eye phenomenon from an acquired digital image including a multiplicity of pixels indicative of color, the pixels forming various shapes of the image, includes analyzing meta-data information, determining one or more regions within the digital image suspected as including red eye artifact, and determining, based at least in part on the meta-data analysis, whether the regions are actual red eye artifact. The meta-data information may include information describing conditions under which the image was acquired, captured and/or digitized, acquisition device-specific information, and/ film information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Digital image processing using face detection information
    Patent number: 7853043
    Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Digital image processing using face detection information
    Patent number: 7848549
    Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 7847840
    Abstract: A method of filtering a red-eye phenomenon from an acquired digital image including a multiplicity of pixels indicative of color, the pixels forming various shapes of the image, includes analyzing meta-data information, determining one or more regions within the digital image suspected as including red eye artifact, and determining, based at least in part on the meta-data analysis, whether the regions are actual red eye artifact. The meta-data information may include information describing conditions under which the image was acquired, captured and/or digitized, acquisition device-specific information, and/film information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 7847839
    Abstract: A method of filtering a red-eye phenomenon from an acquired digital image including a multiplicity of pixels indicative of color, the pixels forming various shapes of the image, includes analyzing meta-data information, determining one or more regions within the digital image suspected as including red eye artifact, and determining, based at least in part on the meta-data analysis, whether the regions are actual red eye artifact. The meta-data information may include information describing conditions under which the image was acquired, captured and/or digitized, acquisition device-specific information, and/film information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Detecting orientation of digital images using face detection information
    Patent number: 7844135
    Abstract: A method of automatically establishing the correct orientation of an image using facial information. This method is based on the exploitation of the inherent property of image recognition algorithms in general and face detection in particular, where the recognition is based on criteria that is highly orientation sensitive. By applying a detection algorithm to images in various orientations, or alternatively by rotating the classifiers, and comparing the number of successful faces that are detected in each orientation, one may conclude as to the most likely correct orientation. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Tessera Technologies Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Leo Blonk, Mihnea Gangea, Constantin Vertan
  • Digital image processing using face detection and skin tone information
    Patent number: 7844076
    Abstract: A technique for processing a digital image uses face detection to achieve one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that corresponds to a face image within the digital image. A skin tone is detected for the face image by determining one or more default color or tonal values, or combinations thereof, for the group of pixels. Values of one or more parameters are adjusted for the group of pixels that correspond to the face image based on the detected skin tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Igor Barcovschi, Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Petronel Bigioi
  • Perfecting the effect of flash within an image acquisition devices using face detection
    Patent number: 7822235
    Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Perfecting the effect of flash within an image acquisition devices using face detection
    Patent number: 7822234
    Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Digital image processing using face detection information
    Patent number: 7809162
    Abstract: A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Digital image acquisition control and correction method and apparatus
    Patent number: 7804983
    Abstract: An unsatisfactory scene is disqualified as an image acquisition control for a camera. An image is acquired. One or more mouth regions are determined. The mouth regions are analyzed to determined whether they are frowning, and if so, then the scene is disqualified as a candidate for a processed, permanent image while the mouth is completing the frowning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 7804531
    Abstract: A method of filtering a red-eye phenomenon from an acquired digital image including a multiplicity of pixels indicative of color, the pixels forming various shapes of the image, includes analyzing meta-data information, determining one or more regions within the digital image suspected as including red eye artifact, and determining, based at least in part on the meta-data analysis, whether the regions are actual red eye artifact. The meta-data information may include information describing conditions under which the image was acquired, captured and/or digitized, acquisition device-specific information, and/film information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Foreground/background segmentation in digital images
    Patent number: 7796822
    Abstract: An analysis and classification tool compares at least a portion of a captured image and a reference image of nominally the same scene. One of the captured and reference images is taken with flash and the other is taken without flash. The tool provides a measure of the difference in illumination between the captured image and the reference image. The tool compares the measure with a threshold and segments a foreground region from a background region based on the measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Foreground/background segmentation in digital images with differential exposure calculations
    Patent number: 7796816
    Abstract: A digital segmentation method and apparatus determines foreground and/or background within at least one portion of a captured image. The determining includes comparing a captured image to a pre-captured or post captured reference image of nominally the same scene. One of the images is taken with flash and the other without. The system can be implemented as part of a digital camera acquisition chain having effective computation complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Method and apparatus for selective disqualification of digital images
    Patent number: 7792335
    Abstract: An unsatisfactory scene is disqualified as an image acquisition control for a camera. An image is acquired. One or more eye regions are determined. The eye regions are analyzed to determine whether they are blinking, and if so, then the scene is disqualified as a candidate for a processed, permanent image while the eye is completing the blinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Method for establishing a paired connection between media devices
    Patent number: 7792970
    Abstract: A method for establishing a paired connection between first and second media devices across a network includes transmitting a first information message across the network including an identifier that includes a request to pair the first and second media devices. When a second information message is received from the second media device within a first predetermined time period, the first device retrieves an identifier of the second device and transmits a confirmation message across the network including the device identifiers. A paired connection between the media devices is completed after a corresponding confirmation message from the second device is received within a second predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg