Patents Assigned to FotoNation
  • Patent number: 9684966
    Abstract: A method for providing improved foreground/background separation in a digital image of a scene is disclosed. The method comprises providing a first map comprising one or more regions provisionally defined as one of foreground or background within the digital image; and providing a subject profile corresponding to a region of interest of the digital image. The provisionally defined regions are compared with the subject profile to determine if any of the regions intersect with the profile region. The definition of one or more of the regions in the map is changed based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Yury Prilutsky, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin, Mihai Ciuc, Adrian Zamfir, Adrian Capata
  • Patent number: 9681040
    Abstract: A method of tracking faces in an image stream with a digital image acquisition device includes receiving images from an image stream including faces, calculating corresponding integral images, and applying different subsets of face detection rectangles to the integral images to provide sets of candidate regions. The different subsets include candidate face regions of different sizes and/or locations within the images. The different candidate face regions from different images of the image stream are each tracked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi
  • Publication number: 20170163862
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing motion blur in images or video in ultra low light with array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for synthesizing an image from multiple images captured using an array camera includes capturing image data using active cameras within an array camera, where the active cameras are configured to capture image data and the image data includes pixel brightness values that form alternate view images captured from different viewpoints, determining sets of corresponding pixels in the alternate view images where each pixel in a set of corresponding pixels is chosen from a different alternate view image, summing the pixel brightness values for corresponding pixels to create pixel brightness sums for pixel locations in an output image, and synthesizing an output image from the viewpoint of the output image using the pixel brightness sums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventor: Gabriel Molina
  • Patent number: 9674427
    Abstract: An image processing method operable in a hand held image acquisition device comprising at least one camera comprises obtaining an image with the camera and identifying at least one face region detected within the image. A mean intensity of intensity values for pixels of at least one identified face region is determined. Responsive to the mean intensity for a face region being less than a threshold amount, at least some of the pixels of the image are lightened. A contrast of pixels of the image is enhanced as a function of pixel intensity distribution within the image and a contrast of pixels of the face region is enhanced as a function of pixel intensity distribution within the face region. The contrast enhanced pixels of the face region are blended with pixels of the image which have been lightened and/or whose contrast has been enhanced to provide a processed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventor: Ruxandra Vranceanu
  • Publication number: 20170155896
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an image capture device comprises mounting at least one sample device from a batch for movement through a plurality of orientations relative to a horizontal plane. For a given orientation, the sample device is focused at a sequence of positions, each position being at a respective focus distance from the device. A lens actuator setting is recorded for the sample device at each position. This is repeated at a plurality of distinct orientations of the sample device. Respective relationships are determined between lens actuator settings at any given position for distinct orientations from the plurality of distinct orientations and actuator settings at a selected orientation of the plurality of distinct orientations. Lens actuator settings for the image capture device to be calibrated are recorded at least at two points of interest (POI), each a specified focus distance from the device with the image capture device positioned at the selected orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Alexandru MALAESCU, Florin NANU, Petronel BIGIOI, Peter CORCORAN
  • Patent number: 9664851
    Abstract: An optical device has a first frame element and second frame element. At least portions of a plurality of optical fiber pairs of an array each including an exposed end are arranged between the two frame elements. A region is defined between opposing surfaces of the two frame elements to hold the optical fibers. When holding the fibers, the two frame elements cooperate to positionally align and orient the exposed ends of each of the optical fibers for at least one of transmitting and receiving light. An optical system with the device includes a TAP photodiode array such that a portion of light is transmitted from at least a pair of input optical fibers to a corresponding pair of photodiodes of the array, and a portion of light is reflected back from an optical filter to output optical fibers corresponding to the input optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Akimitsu Sato, Hisao Nagata
  • Patent number: 9652834
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for viewing images on an interactive computing device comprises displaying an image from a stack comprising a display image and at least one compressed sub-image of nominally the same scene, each of the sub-images of the stack having been acquired at respective focal distances. Responsive to a user selecting a portion of the displayed image, the selected portion is mapped to a corresponding mapped portion of a sub-image within the stack according to the difference in focal distances between the displayed image and the sub-image. At least one row of compressed image blocks of the at least one sub-image extending across the mapped portion; and a reference value for a point in the compressed image stream of the sub-image preceding the row of compressed image blocks is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Valentin Mocanu, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Christopher Dainty, Ferenc Papai
  • Patent number: 9638883
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention actively align a representative optic array with an imager array, and subsequently passively align constituent optic arrays with constituent imager arrays based on data from the active alignment. In one embodiment, a method of aligning a plurality of lens stack arrays with a corresponding plurality of sensors includes: aligning a first lens stack array relative to a first sensor, varying the spatial relationship between the first lens stack array and the first sensor; capturing images of a known target using the arrangement at different spatial relationships between the first lens stack array and the first sensor; scoring the quality of the captured images; and aligning at least a second lens stack array relative to at least a second sensor, based on the scored images and the corresponding spatial relationships by which the scored images were obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventor: Jacques Duparre
  • Patent number: 9639775
    Abstract: A template matching module is configured to program a processor to apply multiple differently-tuned object detection classifier sets in parallel to a digital image to determine one or more of an object type, configuration, orientation, pose or illumination condition, and to dynamically switch between object detection templates to match a determined object type, configuration, orientation, pose, blur, exposure and/or directional illumination condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Bogdan Sultana, Stefan Petrescu, Radu Nicolau, Vlad Ionut Ursachi, Petronel Bigioi, Corneliu Zaharia, Peter Corcoran, Szabolcs Fulop, Mihnea Gangea
  • Patent number: 9633442
    Abstract: Systems with an array camera augmented with a conventional camera in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In some embodiments, the array camera is used to capture a first set of image data of a scene and a conventional camera is used to capture a second set of image data for the scene. An object of interest is identified in the first set of image data. A first depth measurement for the object of interest is determined and compared to a predetermined threshold. If the first depth measurement is above the threshold, a second set of image data captured using the conventional camera is obtained. The object of interest is identified in the second set of image data and a second depth measurement for the object of interest is determined using at least a portion of the first set of image data and at least a portion of the second set of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Kartik Venkataraman, Paul Gallagher, Ankit Jain, Semyon Nisenzon, Dan Lelescu, Florian Ciurea, Gabriel Molina
  • Patent number: 9607585
    Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable heterogeneous systolic array is configured to process a first image frame, and to generate image processing primatives from the image frame, and to store the primatives and the corresponding image frame in a memory store. A characteristic of the image frame is determined. Based on the characteristic, the array is reconfigured to process a following image frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Corneliu Zaharia, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20170082815
    Abstract: A communication system includes an outer housing, an inner housing, and a hanger plate assembly. The outer housing has first and second side walls. The inner housing is at least partially positioned within the outer housing. The inner housing has first and second side walls and is configured to receive a plurality of patch panel devices therein in a stacked arrangement. The hanger plate assembly includes a first hanger plate hingedly coupled to the first side wall of the inner housing and a plurality of hangers connected to the first hanger plate in a stacked arrangement. Each hanger is adapted to support a cable thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu, Alla Shtabnaya
  • Patent number: 9602805
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stereo imaging with camera arrays in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of generating depth information for an object using two or more array cameras that each include a plurality of imagers includes obtaining a first set of image data captured from a first set of viewpoints, identifying an object in the first set of image data, determining a first depth measurement, determining whether the first depth measurement is above a threshold, and when the depth is above the threshold: obtaining a second set of image data of the same scene from a second set of viewpoints located known distances from one viewpoint in the first set of viewpoints, identifying the object in the second set of image data, and determining a second depth measurement using the first set of image data and the second set of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Kartik Venkataraman, Paul Gallagher, Ankit Jain, Semyon Nisenzon
  • Patent number: 9584879
    Abstract: A device and a system may facilitate access to communication connectors, adapters, and/or ports that are supported within a housing, e.g., a rack or cabinet. The system may include one or more of the devices. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors, adapters, and/or ports. The ports may be on a tray that is engaged with the housing. A retainer arm may have first end, and a second end pivotably coupled to the tray. A cable retainer may be coupled to the retainer arm. An actuation mechanism may operably couple the tray to the retainer arm. The actuation mechanism may be configured to move the cable retainer from a first position over the tray to a second position extending beyond a side of the tray as the tray is pulled out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 9581781
    Abstract: A system may facilitate access to communication connectors that are supported within a housing. The system may include one or more of the devices, which each include a connection means supporting the connectors. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors. The patch panel device may have at least one tray engageable with the housing and having a first position within the housing and a second position pulled out of the housing. A proximal arm may have a proximal segment pivotably coupled to a distal segment. The proximal and distal segments may be pivotably coupled to the tray and the housing, respectively. The system may include a cable retainer configured to guide the cables. As the tray transitions from the first position to the second position, the tray is capable of rotating with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 9578259
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing motion blur in images or video in ultra low light with array cameras in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for synthesizing an image from multiple images captured using an array camera includes capturing image data using active cameras within an array camera, where the active cameras are configured to capture image data and the image data includes pixel brightness values that form alternate view images captured from different viewpoints, determining sets of corresponding pixels in the alternate view images where each pixel in a set of corresponding pixels is chosen from a different alternate view image, summing the pixel brightness values for corresponding pixels to create pixel brightness sums for pixel locations in an output image, and synthesizing an output image from the viewpoint of the output image using the pixel brightness sums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventor: Gabriel Molina
  • Patent number: 9578237
    Abstract: A variety of optical arrangements and methods of modifying or enhancing the optical characteristics and functionality of these optical arrangements are provided. The optical arrangements being specifically designed to operate with camera arrays that incorporate an imaging device that is formed of a plurality of imagers that each include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. In many optical arrangements the MTF characteristics of the optics allow for contrast at spatial frequencies that are at least as great as the desired resolution of the high resolution images synthesized by the array camera, and significantly greater than the Nyquist frequency of the pixel pitch of the pixels on the focal plane, which in some cases may be 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Jacques Duparre, Dan Lelescu, Kartik Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 9576369
    Abstract: A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Kartik Venkataraman, Amandeep S. Jabbi, Robert H. Mullis
  • Publication number: 20170037793
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for using negative pressure energy of an engine, comprising: a first cavity (10), which first cavity (10) is in communication with the atmosphere via a first intake port (20): a second cavity (30), which second cavity (30) is in communication with the intake port of the engine (50) for supplying air to the intake port of the engine; a second intake port (40), which second intake port (40) is connected to the second cavity (30), wherein when the second intake port (40) is open, the second cavity (30) is in communication with the atmosphere for supplying the air to the intake port of the engine; and a rotating device (60), which rotating device (60) is located between the first cavity (10) and the second cavity (30), and can be rotated under the action of pressure difference between the first cavity (10) and the second cavity (30). Further disclosed is a method for using negative pressure energy of an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lei Feng
  • Patent number: 9516217
    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: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Igor Barcovschi, Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Petronel Bigioi