Abstract: A method of processing an image includes traversing pixels of an image in a single pass over the image. An inverting function is applied to the pixels. A recursive filter is applied to the inverted pixel values. The filter has parameters which are derived from previously traversed pixel values of the image. A pixel value is combined with a filter parameter for the pixel to provide a processed pixel value for a processed image.

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.

Abstract: A method of generating one or more new digital images using an original digitally-acquired image including a selected image feature includes identifying within a digital image acquisition device one or more groups of pixels that correspond to the selected image feature based on information from one or more preview images. A portion of the original image is selected that includes the one or more groups of pixels. The technique includes automatically generating values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion in a manner which includes the selected image feature within the one or more new images.

Abstract: A method of tracking a face in a reference image stream using a digital image acquisition device includes acquiring a full resolution main image and an image stream of relatively low resolution reference images each including one or more face regions. One or more face regions are identified within two or more of the reference images. A relative movement is determined between the two or more reference images. A size and location are determined of the one or more face regions within each of the two or more reference images. Concentrated face detection is applied to at least a portion of the full resolution main image in a predicted location for candidate face regions having a predicted size as a function of the determined relative movement and the size and location of the one or more face regions within the reference images, to provide a set of candidate face regions for the main image.

Abstract: A technique involves distinguishing between foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene. First and second images are captured of nominally a same scene. The first image is a relatively high resolution image taken with the foreground more in focus than the background, while the second image is a relatively low resolution reference image taken with the background more in focus than the foreground. Regions of the captured images are assigned as foreground or background. In accordance with the assigning, one or more processed images are rendered based on the first image or the second image, or both.

Abstract: A method for red-eye detection in an acquired digital image acquiring one or more preview or other reference images without a flash. Any red regions that exist within the one or more reference images are determined. A main image is acquired with a flash of approximately a same scene as the one or more reference images. The main image is analyzed to determine any candidate red eye defect regions that exist within the main image. Any red regions determined to exist within the one or more reference images are compared with any candidate red eye defect regions determined to exist within the main image. Any candidate red eye defect regions within the main image corresponding to red regions determined also to exist within the one or more reference images are removed as candidate red eye defect regions.

Abstract: A hand-held or otherwise portable or spatial or temporal performance-based image capture device includes one or more lenses, an aperture and a main sensor for capturing an original main image. A secondary sensor and optical system are for capturing a reference image that has temporal and spatial overlap with the original image. The device performs an image processing method including capturing the main image with the main sensor and the reference image with the secondary sensor, and utilizing information from the reference image to enhance the main image. The main and secondary sensors are contained together within a housing.

Abstract: A digital image processing technique detects and corrects visual imperfections using a reference image. A main image and one or more reference images having a temporal and/or spatial overlap and/or proximity with the original image are captured. Device information, image data and/or meta data are analyzed of the one or more reference images relating to a defect in the main image. The device corrects the defect based on the information, image data and/or meta-data to create an enhanced version of the main image.

Abstract: A digital image processing technique gathers visual meta data using a reference image. A main image and one or more reference images are captured on a hand-held or otherwise portable or spatial or temporal performance-based image capture device. The reference images are analyzed based on predefined criteria in comparison to the main image. Based on said analyzing, supplemental meta data are created and added to the main image at a digital data storage location.

Abstract: A digital image processing technique is for detecting and correcting visual imperfections using a reference image. A main image and one or more reference images having a temporal and/or spatial overlap and/or proximity with the original image are captured. Device information, image data and/or meta data are analyzed of the one or more reference images relating to a defect in the main image. The device corrects the defect based on the information, image data and/or meta-data to create an enhanced version of the main image.

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.

Abstract: A database includes an identifier and associated parameters for each of a number of faces to be recognized. A new acquired image from an image stream is received potentially including one or more face regions. Face detection is applied to at least a portion of the acquired image to provide a set of candidate face regions each having a given size and a respective location. Using the database, face recognition is selectively applied to at least one of the candidate face regions to provide an identifier for a face recognized in a candidate face region. A portion of the image is stored including the recognized face in association with at least one image of the image stream.

Abstract: A method is operable in an image acquisition device for controlling an instant of exposure. A face is detected in a first image a scene, and further images are acquired substantially of the same scene. When a new face is detected in at least one of the further images, then a final image of the scene is acquired.