Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for image processing by classifying pixels are described. In some systems, an exposure control operation is performed according to the pixel classifications. In some cases, the pixels are classified according to a predetermined segmentation of a color space, based on predicted sensor responses.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method of image processing including decomposing a reflectance spectrum for a test surface into a linear combination of reflectance spectra of a set of test targets. The coefficient vector calculated in this decomposition is used to predict a response of an imaging sensor to the test surface. A plurality of such predicted responses may be used for various applications involving color detection and/or classification, including human skin tone detection.

Abstract: A camera system in normal mode and hand jitter reduction (hjr) mode may comprise generating a first exposure time-gain product by multiplying the normal mode exposure time with the normal mode gain. It may further comprise modifying the normal mode exposure time and gain and multiplying these modified parameters to generate a second exposure time-gain product for a hjr mode that reduces the difference between the first exposure time-gain product and the second exposure time-gain product. To reduce the difference the normal mode frame rate may also be modified. Operation of a camera in normal mode may be in response to a sensed light level being above a threshold. The hjr mode may be selected by the user while the camera is operating. The hjr mode may be used in response to a sensed light level being lower than the threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for image processing are described in which pixels of an image are classified according to color. In some systems, an exposure control operation is performed according to the pixel classifications. In some cases, the pixels are classified according to a color selected from among at least two colors. Systems, methods and apparatuses are also disclosed wherein luminance values are changed according to the exposure control operation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) video processing based on low-complexity automatic ROI detection within video frames of video sequences. The low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on characteristics of video sensors within video communication devices. In other cases, the low-complexity automatic ROI detection may be based on motion information for a video frame and a different video frame of the video sequence. The disclosed techniques include a video processing technique capable of tuning and enhancing video sensor calibration, camera processing, ROI detection, and ROI video processing within a video communication device based on characteristics of a specific video sensor. The disclosed techniques also include a sensor-based ROI detection technique that uses video sensor statistics and camera processing side-information to improve ROI detection accuracy.

Abstract: Luma adaptation for digital image processing. Luminance signals are separated from sensor RGB signals representing an image. A transfer function is obtained from the luminance signals. Using the transfer function, the sensor RGB signals are adjusted to adapt the luma of the image.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a leading magnetic shield and a trailing magnetic shield that are arranged to prevent the lost of magnetic write field to the trailing magnetic shield. The write head includes a non-magnetic step layer that provides additional spacing between the trailing magnetic shield and the write pole at a region removed from the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A magnetic write head having a tapered trailing edge and having a magnetic layer formed over a trailing edge of the write pole at a location recessed from the ABS, the magnetic layer being separated from the trailing edge of the write pole by a thin non-magnetic layer. The thin non-magnetic layer is preferably sufficiently thin that the magnetic layer can function as a portion of the write pole in a region removed from the ABS. A trailing magnetic shield is formed over the write pole and is separated from the write pole by a non-magnetic trailing gap layer. A non-magnetic spacer layer can be formed over the magnetic layer to provide additional separation between the magnetic layer and the trailing magnetic shield.

Abstract: Techniques are described for predictive focus value calculation within image capture devices. Image capture devices may include digital still cameras and digital video cameras. The techniques include performing an auto-focus process within an image capture device by predicting a focus value for a scene at a lens position of a lens included in the image capture device based on a corrupt focus value for the lens position calculated from a first frame directly after lens settlement. Therefore, the auto-focus process may determine size and direction of movement for the lens to a next lens position based on the predicted valid focus value, and move the lens to the next lens position during a second frame. In this way, the techniques may move the lens to another lens position during each frame, greatly reducing auto-focus latency by potentially doubling or tripling the speed of the auto-focus process.

Abstract: Automatic weight adjustment (AWA) to derive an optimal color correction matrix may address unbalanced color reproduction performance among different illuminations and/or unbalanced color reproduction performance for specific memory colors. AWA may emphasize particular colors and equalize color performance. AWA may be implemented in an automatic process with optional manual operation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for automatic focus control. The automatic focus control techniques prioritize focus of a camera based on skin tone using a skin color detection approach which is intrinsically image sensor-dependent. Sensor-dependent skin color detection to support automatic skin tone prioritized focus control in a camera can enhance the focus of people in the scene. The techniques may be especially useful in digital video camera design, digital still photo camera design, and sensor applications involving people tracking. Sensor-dependent skin color detection is performed once a specific sensor is characterized by taking several raw images of a standard color test target in controlled illumination conditions. Sensor-dependent skin color detection can provide high detection precision and reliability. With sensor-dependent skin color detection, the focus of a camera can be automatically adjusted to prioritize regions of an image containing skin tones.

Abstract: To improve the color performance, disclosed herein are advanced methods for improving chroma accuracy, by reducing the color difference between reproduced colors and human perceptual responses, as well as enhancing preferred colors. Chroma enhancement may be performed by selecting one of a plurality of chroma enhancement matrices (CEM), and converting a received color by multiplying it with the chroma enhancement matrix (or a matrix comprising the CEM). The matrix may be selected by mapping a received color value into a region and selecting the corresponding chroma enhancement matrix (or alternately, the corresponding parameters, from which color conversion may be performed). Additionally, enhancement may be adjusted for a variety of environments or preferences. For example, one of a plurality of sets of matrices may be selected in accordance with a desired mode. Optimization techniques for determining the desired chroma enhancement matrices for one or more modes are disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure describes barcode scanning techniques for an image capture device. The image capture device may automatically detect a barcode within an image while the image capture device is operating in a non-barcode image capture mode, such a default image capture mode. In one aspect, the detection of the barcode within the image may be based on a combination of identified edges and low intensity regions within the image. The image capture device may configure, based on the detection of the barcode, one or more image capture properties associated with the image capture device to improve a quality at which the images are captured. The image capture device captures the image in accordance with the configured image capture properties. The techniques may effectively provide a universal and integrated front-end for producing improved quality images of barcodes without requiring significant interaction with a user via a complicated user interface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for calibration of an auto-focus process in an image capture device. The techniques may involve calibration of a lens actuator used to move a lens within a search range during an auto-focus process. For example, an image capture device may adjust reference positions for the search range based on lens positions selected for different focus conditions. The different focus conditions may include a far focus condition and a near focus condition. The focus conditions may be determined based on a detected environment in which the device is used. Detection of an indoor environment may indicate a likelihood of near object focus, while detection of an outdoor environment may indicate a likelihood of far object focus. An image capture device may detect indoor and outdoor environments based on lighting, exposure, or other conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure describes image stabilization techniques for devices with image capture capabilities. An image capture device may capture two or more images and combine the image using the techniques described in this disclosure. In particular, the image capture device may compute motion vectors for a plurality of blocks of pixels of one of the images. In cases, the image capture device may also interpolate or extrapolate motion vectors for individual pixels or sub-blocks of pixels using the block motion vectors. The image capture device may then average the first and second images by averaging each of the pixels of the first image with pixels of the second image that correspond to a location indicated by the plurality of motion vectors. The techniques may be particularly effective in reducing blur in image information resulting from certain movements during image capture or use of certain image capture technologies.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided including an image signal carrier, a luminance information evaluator, and a chrominance information modifier. The image signal carrier is encoded with an image signal including luminance information and chrominance information. The luminance information evaluator evaluates the luminance information in the image signal for a given region within the image to identify when the given region is one of substantially white and substantially dark.

Abstract: Techniques are described for predictive focus value calculation within image capture devices. Image capture devices may include digital still cameras and digital video cameras. The techniques include performing an auto-focus process within an image capture device by predicting a focus value for a scene at a lens position of a lens included in the image capture device based on a corrupt focus value for the lens position calculated from a first frame directly after lens settlement. Therefore, the auto-focus process may determine size and direction of movement for the lens to a next lens position based on the predicted valid focus value, and move the lens to the next lens position during a second frame. In this way, the techniques may move the lens to another lens position during each frame, greatly reducing auto-focus latency by potentially doubling or tripling the speed of the auto-focus process.

Abstract: The disclosure describes adaptive filtering techniques to improve the quality of captured image information, such as video or still images. An image sensor captures image information and determines a plurality of parameter values based on a current exposure index and a current scaling factor of the image information. The adaptive spatial image filter includes both horizontal and vertical sharpening filters and configures, i.e., adapts, the horizontal sharpening filter and the vertical sharpening filter based on the plurality of parameter values determined by the image sensor. The adaptive spatial image filter applies the horizontal and vertical sharpening filters to at one channel of the image information to generate filtered image information.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, apparatus are provided, including an image processor, a unique image processing mechanism, and a unique image processing activation mechanism. The image processor includes the unique image processing mechanism, which processes a certain type of image. The unique image processing activation mechanism causes the unique image processing mechanism to process a given image.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for use in a data recording system having first and second magnetic pole, the first pole having a P1 pedestal. An electrically conductive coil passes through a space between the first and second poles for inducing a magnetic flux through the yoke formed by the first and second poles. A bi-layer insulation layer disposed between the poles includes a layer of photoresist for preventing voids and a layer of alumina formed thereover to provide a structural brace to prevent recession of the P1 pedestal during manufacturing operations such as soda blast.