Patents by Inventor Hong-Long Chou

Hong-Long Chou 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: 8736718
    Abstract: A noise elimination method of an image sequence is described. During a color separation of a raw image data captured by an image capturing element, 3D filtering is integrated. First, the raw image data is converted into a gray-scaled full luma image, an interframe filtering process is performed to eliminate possible noises in the gray-scaled full luma image, and an interpolation process is performed with the raw image data. During the implementation, an adaptive frame average filtering process is also performed to obtain a preferred image filtering result through an appropriate filtering manner. Therefore, an adaptive interframe interpolation for eliminating noises is to prevent noises or artifacts generated by the noises from affecting the subsequent image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Hong-Long Chou, Chen-Hung Chan
  • Patent number: 8711231
    Abstract: A digital image processing device and processing method thereof are provided. The device includes a digital image capturing module, an image enlarging module, an image correcting module, and an image blending module. The digital image capturing module captures a plurality of first resolution images. The image enlarging module enlarges the first resolution images and produces a plurality of second resolution images. The image correcting module selects a target image and produces a plurality of corrected images. The image blending module performs direction gradient operation on each of the pixels of the target and corrected images and produces a plurality of gradient differential values. The image blending module performs a weighting sum operation on each of the pixels of the target and corrected images and produces a third resolution images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Lun Chuang, Chung-Ta Wu, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8654206
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an image pickup device, an image preview system and an image preview method thereof. The image pickup device comprises an image pickup module, an image processing module and a display module. The image pickup module is arranged for capturing a plurality of images. The image processing module is arranged for scaling down pixels of each image to generate a plurality of adjusted images, and combining the plurality of adjusted images to generate a preview image. The display module is arranged for displaying the preview image. Wherein, the image processing module is arranged for rendering a high dynamic range image according to the plurality of images while the plurality of adjusted images is blended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Shuei-Lin Chen, Hong-Long Chou, Chia-Chun Tseng
  • Publication number: 20130342708
    Abstract: An image transfer apparatus and a method thereof comprise: capturing at least one first image, wherein the first image includes at least one face image; performing a face detection to obtain at least one face feature; a database has at least one identification information which comprises at least one face photo and a corresponding communication information; comparing the face feature with the face photo saved in the database; retrieving the corresponding communication information and the identification information corresponding to the face photo, if the face feature matches the face photo; performing the face image processing corresponding to the identification information in the first image, so as to obtain at least one second image; transmitting each second image according to the communication information of the processed face image in the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hong-Long Chou, Wen-Yan Chang, Tai-Chang Yang
  • Publication number: 20130335314
    Abstract: An intelligence reminding apparatus and a method thereof. The intelligence reminding method comprises: using an image capturing unit to preview a preview-image or capture a dynamic image; detecting at least one face image of the preview-image or the dynamic image to obtain a face image; recognizing the face image according to a face photo of a database which comprises at least one face photo and at least one corresponding information; acquiring the corresponding information if the face image matches the face photo. Wherein the face recognition is proceeding during the image preview or dynamic image capturing; reminding the corresponding information to users in a display mode, or reminding in a voice mode via a connected earphone or a connected voice apparatus if the connected earphone or the connected voice apparatus is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Yan Chang, Tai-Chang Yang, Hong-Long Chou, Chih-Wei Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130307922
    Abstract: This invention discloses an image pickup device and an image synthesis method thereof The image pickup device comprises an image-pickup module, an image-synthesis module, a database and a processing module. The image-pickup module captures a plurality of temporary images of a scene. The image-synthesis module extracts a part of each temporary image and combines the parts to form a panorama temporary image, and splits the panorama temporary image into a plurality of zone-areas according to at least one threshold value and a panorama luminosity histogram. The database stores a lookup table for recording a plurality of exposure values. The plurality of the exposure values correspond to luminance values of the zone-areas respectively. The processing module obtains the plurality of exposure values corresponding to the luminance values and obtains a weighting-exposure value by an equation, and controls the image-pickup module to capture the panorama image according to the weighting-exposure value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hong-Long Chou, Chia-Chun Tseng, Chia-Yu Wu
  • Patent number: 8576308
    Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing apparatus are provided. In the image processing method, each of a plurality of original images is divided into K bands, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. A plurality of local motions of each band in any two adjacent of the original images are calculated, and a global motion of each band is calculated according to the local motions of the band. A horizontal component velocity and a vertical component velocity of each band are generated according to the global motion and a capturing time difference. A plurality of transformation matrixes corresponding to the bands are generated according to the horizontal component velocities, the vertical component velocities, a row readout time, and the width of a valid area. One of the two adjacent original images is transformed according to the transformation matrixes to generate a compensated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Lun Chuang, Chung-Ta Wu, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8559741
    Abstract: A compression method is used for processing an image having a plurality of pixels, in which an image width of the image is W. The compression method includes the steps of selecting N continuous pixels from the image, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2 and is less than the image width W; performing differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) so as to obtain N non-negative differences corresponding to the N pixels according to values of the N pixels; calculating to obtain a coding parameter according to the N non-negative differences; and coding the N non-negative differences according to the coding parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Hung Chan, Hong-Long Chou
  • Publication number: 20130250136
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an image pickup device, an image preview system and an image preview method thereof. The image pickup device comprises an image pickup module, an image processing module and a display module. The image pickup module is arranged for capturing a plurality of images. The image processing module is arranged for scaling down pixels of each image to generate a plurality of adjusted images, and combining the plurality of adjusted images to generate a preview image. The display module is arranged for displaying the preview image. Wherein, the image processing module is arranged for rendering a high dynamic range image according to the plurality of images while the plurality of adjusted images is blended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: SHUEI-LIN CHEN, HONG-LONG CHOU, CHIA-CHUN TSENG
  • Publication number: 20130250106
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a license plate image-pickup device and an image exposure adjustment method thereof. The license plate image-pickup device comprises an image-sensing module, a recognition module and a processing module. The license plate image-pickup device takes a scene. The image-sensing module senses the scene to produce an image. The recognition module detects a vehicle object. The processing module adjusts the exposure of the vehicle object to produce an exposure adjusted vehicle object, and then the recognition module detects a license plate object from the exposure adjusted vehicle object, and the processing module adjusts the exposure of the license plate object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Wen-Yan CHANG, Tai-Chang Yang, Chia-Chun Hsieh, Shan-Lung Chao, Hsin-Te Wang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Publication number: 20130250041
    Abstract: This invention discloses an image capture device and an image synthesis method thereof. The image capture device comprises an image pickup module and a processing module. The image pickup module scans a plurality of visual angles of a scene in advance to obtain a plurality of temporary images. Each of the temporary images has a scanning focal length value. The processing module analyzes the plurality of temporary image of each of the visual angles to obtain a temporary focal length value. The processing module obtains a weighting focal length value by each temporary focal length value by using a function to control the image pickup module in order to perform a panorama image capturing process according to the weighting focal length value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hong-Long CHOU, Chia-Chun TSENG, Chia-Yu WU
  • Publication number: 20130242130
    Abstract: An entered image is divided into a plurality of windows and it is determined, on a per-window basis, whether the image data within an applicable window is indicative of the color white, based upon the position of each window in the image and the continuity to its surrounding divided windows. A white balance method is performed based upon data of a window determined to be indicative of the color white. The present invention conducts a white balance process through the addition of determining the light source type weight and calculating the continuity of each divided window and its surrounding divided windows. In order the white balance process to accurately obtain the colors of an entered image even under the conditions of specific scenes with distinctive colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shih-Yuan Peng, Hsin-Te Wang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8538079
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of detecting location of object contained in image data and its detecting method are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing module, a weight assignment module, and a processing module. The image capturing module is for capturing an image. The weight assignment module performs the pixel weight/probability assignment according to the priori information and the image, and figures out the initial gravity center of the object according to the object location initialization. The processing module performs the statistical analysis according to the result of the pixel weight/probability assignment and the initial gravity center of the object so as to obtain the analysis result and update the object location. The processing module determines whether or not the analysis result meets the preset value, if it does, the processing module outputs an estimated result; if it doesn't, the processing module repeats the foregoing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Yin-Pin Chang, Wen-Yan Chang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Publication number: 20130235193
    Abstract: A license plate image-pickup device and an image white balance adjustment method thereof applicable to vehicles. The license plate image-pickup device comprises an image-sensing module, a recognition module, a data base and a processing module. The image-sensing module senses a scene to produce an image. The recognition module recognizes an object contained in the image and a license plate color feature contained in the object to produce recognition parameter set. The database saves parameter sets of reference objects and reference license plate color features respectively corresponding to the reference objects. The processing module searches the reference objects in the database according to the recognition parameter set, to obtain a corresponding reference license plate color feature, and adjusting the white balance of the image according to the corresponding reference license plate color feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Yan Chang, Tai-Chang Yang, Chia-Chun Hsieh, Shan-Lung Chao, Shih-Yuan Peng, Hong-Long Chou
  • Publication number: 20130235227
    Abstract: This invention discloses an image capturing device, an image capturing method, and a human recognition photograph system. The image capturing device comprises: a capturing module sensing an image; a human detecting module detecting the number of at least one person in an image generating detecting signal; a face recognition module generates recognition signal by recognizing a face condition of the at least one person in the image; and a processing module that receives detecting signal and recognition signal and calculates the number of at least one person and face condition value according to the detecting signal and the recognition signal respectively. The processing module determines whether the number of at least one person and face condition value correspond to a predetermined number and a predetermined face condition value respectively; if so, generating an image capturing signal to control the capturing module to capture image and generate image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Wen-Yan CHANG, Tai-Chang YANG, Hong-Long CHOU
  • Publication number: 20130236069
    Abstract: A face recognition system and a face recognition method thereof. The face recognition system comprises a storage module, a processing module and a display module. The storage module stores a plurality of face recognition codes, a plurality of face images or face coordinates corresponding to the plurality of face recognition codes. The processing module calculates an overlap rate of the (T?1)th face image that overlaps the Tth face image in the plurality of face images. When the overlap rate is greater than a first preset value, the processing module calculates a similarity between the (T?1)th face image and the Tth face image. If the similarity is smaller than a second preset value, the processing module retains the face recognition code of the (T?1)th face image. The display module displays the face recognition code in the Tth face image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Yan Chang, Tai-Chang Yang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8532337
    Abstract: An object tracking method includes steps of obtaining multiple first classifications of pixels within a first focus frame in a first frame picture, wherein the first focus frame includes an object to be tracked and has a first rectangular frame in a second frame picture; performing a positioning process to obtain a second rectangular frame; and obtaining color features of pixels around the second rectangular frame sequentially and establishing multiple second classifications according to the color feature. The established second classifications are compared with the first classifications sequentially to obtain an approximation value, compared with a predetermined threshold. The second rectangular frame is progressively adjusted, so as to establish a second focus frame. By analyzing color features of the pixels of the object and with a classification manner, the efficacy of detecting a shape and size of the object so as to update information of the focus frame is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Yin-Pin Chang, Wen-Yan Chang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Publication number: 20130188874
    Abstract: An image processing method and an apparatus using the same are provided. The method includes the following steps: deriving a global motion vector between a first image and a second image and providing the first image, the second image and the global motion vector to a first application process, wherein the first image is the previous image of the second image; deriving a first compensated image and a second compensated image by performing a lens distortion compensation process on the first image and the second image respectively; deriving a compensated global motion vector corresponding to the first compensated image and the second compensated image by transforming and correcting the global motion vector; and providing the first compensated image, the second compensated image, and the compensated global motion vector to a second application process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Yu Wu, Hong-Long Chou, Chia-Chun Tseng
  • Patent number: 8483453
    Abstract: A vehicle apparatus control system and method thereof are disclosed. The vehicle apparatus control system comprises a data storage module, an image capturing module, a face recognition module and a control module. The data storage module stores multiple registered users' facial feature parameters and vehicle apparatus setting parameters, and integration setting data. The face recognition module detects several facial images contained in the captured image and recognizes the users corresponding to the face images according to the facial feature parameters stored in data storage module. The control module set a vehicle apparatus according to the integration setting data, and the corresponding users' vehicle apparatus setting parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Tai-Chang Yang, Yin-Pin Chang, Wen-Yan Chang, Hong-Long Chou
  • Patent number: 8467630
    Abstract: An image processing device and the processing method thereof are provided. The device includes an image correcting module, an object-motion detection module and an image blending module. The image correcting module estimates a plurality of local motions of the non-selected images relative to the target image and a plurality of global motions, and performs a plurality of motion corrections to generate a plurality of corrected images. The object-motion detection module judges whether or not the difference between each of the local motions and the corresponding global motion is greater than a threshold value to generate a plurality of object-motion indicators. The image blending module performs an arithmetic operation on each pixel of the target image and each pixel of the corrected images according to the object-motion indicators so as to generate a super-resolution image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Che-Lun Chuang, Chung-Ta Wu, Hong-Long Chou