Patents by Inventor Felix Albu

Felix Albu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9160897
    Abstract: An estimated total camera motion between temporally proximate image frames is computed. A desired component of the estimated total camera motion is determined including distinguishing an undesired component of the estimated total camera motion, and including characterizing vector values of motion between the image frames. A counter is incremented for each pixel group having a summed luminance that is greater than a threshold. A counter may be decremented for pixels that are under a second threshold, or a zero bit may be applied to pixels below a single threshold. The threshold or thresholds is/are determined based on a dynamic luminance range of the sequence. The desired camera motion is computed including representing the vector values based on final values of counts for the image frames. A corrected image sequence is generated including the desired component of the estimated total camera motion, and excluding the undesired component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Corneliu Florea, Adrian Zamfir, Alexandru Drimbarean, Peter Corcoran
  • Patent number: 8989516
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Adrian Zamfir
  • Patent number: 8737766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, an image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Alexandru Drimbarean, Corneliu Florea, Adrian Zamfir, Peter Corcoran, Vlad Poenaru
  • Patent number: 8705894
    Abstract: A measure of frame-to-frame rotation is determined. Integral projection vector gradients are determined and normalized for a pair of images. Locations of primary maximum and minimum peaks of the integral projection vector gradients are determined. Based on normalized distances between the primary maximum and minimum peaks, a global image rotation is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Digital Optics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Larry Murray, Piotr Stec, Ilariu Raducan
  • Patent number: 8698924
    Abstract: A technique is provided for generating sharp, well-exposed, color images from low-light images. A series of under-exposed images is acquired. A mean image is computed and a sum image is generated each based on the series of under-exposed images. Chrominance variables of pixels of the mean image are mapped to chrominance variables of pixels of the sum image. Chrominance values of pixels within the series of under-exposed images are replaced with chrominance values of the sum image. A set of sharp, well-exposed, color images is generated based on the series of under-exposed images with replaced chrominance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Felix Albu, Vlad Poenaru, Corneliu Florea, Petronel Bigioi, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20140086509
    Abstract: An image registration method involves computing horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors for first and second distorted or partially distorted images or distortion-corrected images, or both. The images are registered by applying a translation, rotation and/or scale factor estimation between the first and second images on the horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventor: Felix Albu
  • Patent number: 8649627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, an image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Vlad Poenaru
  • Patent number: 8649628
    Abstract: An adaptive motion estimation and deblurring technique for acquired digital images includes acquiring multiple digital images with a moving digital image acquisition device that includes an image sensor, including a relatively sharp, underexposed reference image and a blurred image. Anb initial approximate point spread function (PSF) is estimated corresponding to the moving of the device. A different DC offset point is determined and a second PSF is calculated based on the different DC offset point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Peter Corcoran
  • Patent number: 8587665
    Abstract: A measure of frame-to-frame rotation is determined. A global XY alignment of a pair of frames is performed. Local XY alignments in at least two matching corner regions of the pair of images are determined after the global XY alignment. Based on differences between the local XY alignments, a global rotation is determined between the pair of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Larry Murray, Piotr Stec, Ilariu Raducan
  • Patent number: 8587666
    Abstract: A measure of frame-to-frame rotation is determined. A global XY alignment of a pair of image frames is performed. At least one section of each of the X and Y integral projection vectors is determined, where aligned global vectors demonstrate a significant localized difference. Based on X and Y locations of the at least one section of the X and Y integral projection vectors, location, relative velocity and/or approximate area of at least one moving object within the sequence of image frames is/are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Larry Murray, Piotr Stec, Ilariu Raducan
  • Publication number: 20130278784
    Abstract: An adaptive motion estimation and deblurring technique for acquired digital images includes acquiring multiple digital images with a moving digital image acquisition device that includes an image sensor, including a relatively sharp, underexposed reference image and a blurred image. An initial approximate point spread function (PSF) is estimated corresponding to the moving of the device. A different DC offset point is determined and a second PSF is calculated based on the different DC offset point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Peter Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20130236094
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, an image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Vlad Poenaru
  • Publication number: 20130229542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, an image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Vlad Poenaru
  • Patent number: 8508652
    Abstract: An autofocus method includes acquiring multiple images each having a camera lens focused at a different focus distance. A sharpest image is determined among the multiple images. Horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal integral projection (IP) vectors are computed for each of the multiple images. One or more IP vectors of the sharpest image is/are convoluted with multiple filters of different lengths to generate one or more filtered IP vectors for the sharpest image. Differences are computed between the one or more filtered IP vectors of the sharpest image and one or more IP vectors of at least one of the other images of the multiple images. At least one blur width is estimated between the sharpest image and the at least one of the other images of the multiple images as a minimum value among the computed differences over a selected range. The steps are repeated one or more times to obtain a sequence of estimated blur width values. A focus position is adjusted based on the sequence of estimated blur width values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Vlad Poenaru, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Patent number: 8493460
    Abstract: An image registration method involves computing horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors for first and second distorted or partially distorted images. The images are registered by applying a scale factor estimation between the first and second images on the horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventor: Felix Albu
  • Patent number: 8493459
    Abstract: An image registration method involves computing horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors for first and second distorted or partially distorted images or distortion-corrected images, or both. The images are registered by applying a translation, rotation and/or scale factor estimation between the first and second images on the horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventor: Felix Albu
  • Patent number: 8417055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, an image processing apparatus is arranged to process a first relatively underexposed and sharp image of a scene, and a second relatively well exposed and blurred image, nominally of the same scene, the first and second images being derived from respective image sources. The apparatus provides a portion of the relatively first underexposed image as an input signal to an adaptive filter; and a corresponding portion of the second relatively well exposed image as a desired signal to the adaptive filter. The adaptive filter produces an output signal from the input signal and the desired signal; and an image generator constructs a first filtered image from the output signal, relatively less blurred than the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Alexandru Drimbarean, Corneliu Florea, Adrian Zamfir, Peter Corcoran, Vlad Poenaru
  • Publication number: 20130070126
    Abstract: An image registration method involves computing horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors for first and second distorted or partially distorted images. The images are registered by applying a scale factor estimation between the first and second images on the horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventor: Felix Albu
  • Publication number: 20130070125
    Abstract: An image registration method involves computing horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors for first and second distorted or partially distorted images or distortion-corrected images, or both. The images are registered by applying a translation, rotation and/or scale factor estimation between the first and second images on the horizontal and vertical integral projection vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventor: Felix Albu
  • Patent number: 8351726
    Abstract: An adaptive motion estimation and deblurring technique for acquired digital images includes acquiring multiple digital images with a moving digital image acquisition device that includes an image sensor, including a relatively sharp, underexposed reference image and a blurred image. Anb initial approximate point spread function (PSF) is estimated corresponding to the moving of the device. A different DC offset point is determined and a second PSF is calculated based on the different DC offset point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Peter Corcoran