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: A contextual computing system allows a variety of actors to interact with system components to carry out computational and communication tasks. The system is provided as a self-contained and portable solution for communications needs, employable by a number of entities such as telecommunications companies, enterprises, and system operators. The computing system is implemented using layers, with components within the layers carrying out computational and communication tasks in response to input from actors. The system allows business logic and communication to be integrated into a single solution, providing for efficient communication and remarkable ease of use in a variety of possible deployments.

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 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: An image acquisition sensor of a digital image acquisition apparatus is coupled to imaging optics for acquiring a sequence of images. Images acquired by the sensor are stored. A motion detector causes the sensor to cease capture of an image when the degree of movement in acquiring the image exceeds a threshold. A controller selectively transfers acquired images for storage. A motion extractor determines motion parameters of a selected, stored image. An image re-constructor corrects the selected image with associated motion parameters. A selected plurality of images nominally of the same scene are merged and corrected by the image re-constructor to produce a high quality image of the scene.

Abstract: A digital camera has an integral flash and stores and displays a digital image. Under certain conditions, a flash photograph taken with the camera may result in a red-eye phenomenon due to a reflection within an eye of a subject of the photograph. A digital apparatus has a red-eye filter which analyzes at least one partial face region identified within the digital image for the red-eye phenomenon and modifies the image to eliminate the red-eye phenomenon by changing the red area to black. The modification of the image is enabled when a photograph is taken under conditions indicative of the red-eye phenomenon. The modification is subject to anti-falsing analysis which further examines the area around the red-eye area for indicia of the eye of the subject. The detection and correction can be optimized for performance and quality by operating on subsample versions of the image when appropriate.

Abstract: An implementation efficient method of distinguishing between foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene comprises capturing two images of nominally the same scene and storing the captured images in DCT-coded format, the first image being taken with the foreground more in focus than the background and the second image being taken with the background more in focus than the foreground. Regions of the first image are assigned as foreground or background according to whether the sum of selected higher order DCT coefficients decreases or increases for the equivalent regions of the second image.

Abstract: A contextual computing system allows a variety of actors to interact with system components to carry out computational and communication tasks. The system is provided as a self-contained and portable solution for communications needs, employable by a number of entities such as telecommunications companies, enterprises, and system operators. The computing system is implemented using layers, with components within the layers carrying out computational and communication tasks in response to input from actors. The system allows business logic and communication to be integrated into a single solution, providing for efficient communication and remarkable ease of use in a variety of possible deployments.

Abstract: A method for red-eye detection in an acquired digital image includes acquiring a first image, and analyzing one or more partial face regions within the first image. One or more characteristics of the first image are determined. One or more corrective processes are identified including red eye correction that can be beneficially applied to the first image according to the one or more characteristics. The one or more corrective processes are applied to the first image.

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.

Abstract: Foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene are distinguished from each other automatically. Foreground objects are identified in a binary image map that distinguishes between foreground pixels and background pixels. From the foreground objects, a primary foreground object is identified. Within the identified primary foreground object, a head region of the primary foreground object is located. Within the head region, patterns of foreground pixels and background pixels that are indicative of a head crown region are identified. Within the head crown region, pixels identified as background pixels that actually show portions of the primary foreground object are converted to foreground pixels, thus improving the accuracy of the binary image map.

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.

Abstract: An implementation efficient method of distinguishing between foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene includes capturing two images of nominally the same scene and storing the captured images in DCT-coded format. The first image is taken with the foreground more in focus than the background and the second image is taken with the background more in focus than the foreground. Regions of the first image are assigned as foreground or background according to whether the sum of selected higher order DCT coefficients decreases or increases for the equivalent regions of the second image.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining a need to service a digital image acquisition system including a digital camera with a lens assembly includes analyzing pixels within one or more acquired digital images according to probability determinations that such pixels correspond to blemish artifacts. It is automatically determined whether a threshold distribution of blemish artifacts is present within one or more of the digital images. A need for service is indicated when at least the threshold distribution is determined to be present.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining a need to service a digital image acquisition system including a digital camera with a lens assembly includes analyzing pixels within one or more acquired digital images according to probability determinations that such pixels correspond to blemish artifacts. It is automatically determined whether a threshold distribution of blemish artifacts is present within one or more of the digital images. A need for service is indicated when at least the threshold distribution is determined to be present.

Abstract: A digital camera 10 has a pair of angular rate-sensing gyroscopic sensors 130 with mutually perpendicular axes and an electronic circuit 120 responsive to the sensor output signals to discriminate between voluntary and involuntary movements of the article as a function of the number of zero crossings per unit time of the signal and the average of the absolute amplitude of the signal.

Abstract: A digital camera that automatically corrects dust artifact regions within acquired images by compiling a dust map includes an optical system for acquiring an image with a corresponding dust calibration table for such optical system, including a lens assembly and an aperture stop, in which the corresponding dust calibration map can reside. A transformation between the dust map and the specific lens calibration table, enables the use for a single dust map in multiple instances of lenses and focal length, without the need to recalibrate the digital camera for each instance.

Abstract: A digital camera has a pair of angular rate-sensing gyroscopic sensors with mutually perpendicular axes and an electronic circuit responsive to the sensor output signals to discriminate between voluntary and involuntary movements of the article as a function of the number of zero crossings per unit time of the signal and the average of the absolute amplitude of the signal.