Patents by Inventor Kalin M. Atanassov

Kalin M. Atanassov 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: 9485495
    Abstract: Present embodiments contemplate systems, apparatus, and methods to determine an appropriate focal depth for a sensor based upon a pair of stereoscopic images. Particularly, certain of the embodiments contemplate determining keypoints for each image, identifying correlations between the keypoints, and deriving object distances from the correlations. These distances may then be used to select a proper focal depth for one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 8994843
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for producing high dynamic range images by applying a variable weighting factor to a sample prior to combining the sample with another sample. In one example, a method includes sampling a first pixel cell signal at a first time to produce a first sample, sampling a second pixel cell signal at a second time to produce a second sample, applying a variable weighting factor to the second sample, wherein the variable weighting factor is defined based on a function, and combining the first sample and the weighted second sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Ruben M. Velarde, Hau Hwang
  • Patent number: 8970672
    Abstract: Systems and methods of 3D image processing are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a three-dimensional (3D) media player is configured to receive input data including at least a first image corresponding to a scene and a second image corresponding to the scene and to provide output data to a 3D display device. The 3D media player is responsive to user input including at least one of a zoom command and a pan command. The 3D media player includes a convergence control module configured to determine a convergence point of a 3D rendering of the scene responsive to the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R. Goma, Kalin M. Atanassov, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Patent number: 8947555
    Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the white balance of a high dynamic range image are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an imaging device includes a camera sensor and a processor, the processor configured to capture a lighter image and a darker image of a scene. The processor is then configured to white balance the lighter image based on the lighter regions of the image, and to white balance the darker image based on the darker regions of the image. The two images can then be combined to produce a final image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ruben M. Velarde, Kalin M. Atanassov, Bob R. Hung, Liang Liang
  • Patent number: 8798388
    Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a digital camera that is capable of shooting at least two images at different effective lens focal lengths. The camera is also capable of high pass filtering (HP) said at least two images, estimating respective spectral densities (SD) of said at least two filtered images and then low pass filtering (LP) the respective estimates of said at least two filtered images prior to combining said at least two images into a single image to produce one or more optical effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Hau Hwang, Hsiang-Tsun Li
  • Patent number: 8797421
    Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively combine images are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a registration circuit configured to generate a set of motion vector data based on first image data corresponding to a first image and second image data corresponding to a second image. The apparatus includes a combination circuit to selectively combine the first image data and adjusted second image data that corresponds to the second image data adjusted according to the motion vector data. The apparatus further includes a control circuit to control the combination circuit to generate third image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Hau Hwang
  • Publication number: 20140132722
    Abstract: A method and device is provided that compensates for different reflectivity/absorption coefficients of objects in a scene/object when performing active depth sensing using structured light. A receiver sensor captures an image of a scene onto which a code mask is projected. One or more parameters are ascertained from the captured image. Then a light source power for a projecting light source is dynamically adjusted according to the one or more parameters to improve decoding of the code mask in a subsequently captured image. Depth information for the scene may then be ascertained based on the captured image based on the code mask. In one example, the light source power is fixed at a particular illumination while an exposure time for the receiver sensor is adjusted. In another example, an exposure time for the receiver sensor is maintained/kept at a fixed value while the light source power is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Judit Martinez Bauza, Kalin M. Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma
  • Publication number: 20140132721
    Abstract: A receiver sensor captures a plurality of images, at two or more (different) exposure times, of a scene onto which a code mask is projected. The two or more of the plurality of images are combined by extracting decodable portions of the code mask from each image to generate a combined image. Alternatively, two receiver sensors, each at a different exposure time, are used to capture a plurality of images. The first and second images are then combined by extracting decodable portions of the code mask from each image to generate a combined image. Depth information for the scene may then be ascertained based on the combined image and using the code mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Judit Martinez Bauza, Kalin M. Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma
  • Publication number: 20130251283
    Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively combine images are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an apparatus includes a registration circuit configured to generate a set of motion vector data based on first image data corresponding to a first image and second image data corresponding to a second image. The apparatus includes a combination circuit to selectively combine the first image data and adjusted second image data that corresponds to the second image data adjusted according to the motion vector data. The apparatus further includes a control circuit to control the combination circuit to generate third image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Hau Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130162411
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, apparatus, and computer readable media to control a user interface on a remote control. A first device command may be received from a remote control. This device command may cause the device to leave a first functional mode and enter a second functional mode. A first remote control command may then be sent to the remote control, with the first remote control command identifying a first remote control user interface to be displayed. The user interface may be operative to control features of the device unique to the second functional mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Moses, Kalin M. Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Patent number: 8339475
    Abstract: Systems and methods of high dynamic range image combining are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a device includes a global mapping module configured to generate first globally mapped luminance values within a region of an image, a local mapping module configured to generate second locally mapped luminance values within the region of the image, and a combination module configured to determine luminance values within a corresponding region of an output image using a weighted sum of the first globally mapped luminance values and the second locally mapped luminance values. A weight of the weighted sum is at least partially based on a luminance variation within the region of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Ruben M. Velarde, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Hau Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120262600
    Abstract: Systems and methods to improve the white balance of a high dynamic range image are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, an imaging device includes a camera sensor and a processor, the processor configured to capture a lighter image and a darker image of a scene. The processor is then configured to white balance the lighter image based on the lighter regions of the image, and to white balance the darker image based on the darker regions of the image. The two images can then be combined to produce a final image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ruben M. Velarde, Kalin M. Atanassov, Bob R. Hung, Liang Liang
  • Patent number: 8130313
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes determining at least one ambient exposure parameter using an ambient illumination, the at least one ambient exposure parameter including a first sensitivity parameter of an autoexposure controller using the ambient illumination. The method includes determining at least one low-illumination parameter using a first lamp level, the at least one low-illumination parameter including a second sensitivity parameter of the autoexposure controller using the first lamp level, where the autoexposure controller is configured to operate according to at least one high-illumination parameter based on the at least one ambient exposure parameter and the at least one low-illumination parameter. The method further includes performing an image capture operation using a second lamp level that is brighter than the first lamp level, where the at least one high-illumination parameter includes a third sensitivity parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ruben M. Velarde, Kalin M. Atanassov, Szepo R. Hung
  • Publication number: 20120050557
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for producing high dynamic range images by applying a variable weighting factor to a sample prior to combining the sample with another sample. In one example, a method includes sampling a first pixel cell signal at a first time to produce a first sample, sampling a second pixel cell signal at a second time to produce a second sample, applying a variable weighting factor to the second sample, wherein the variable weighting factor is defined based on a function, and combining the first sample and the weighted second sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: KALIN M. ATANASSOV, Ruben M. Velarde, Hau Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120033051
    Abstract: Present embodiments contemplate systems, apparatus, and methods to determine an appropriate focal depth for a sensor based upon a pair of stereoscopic images. Particularly, certain of the embodiments contemplate determining keypoints for each image, identifying correlations between the keypoints, and deriving object distances from the correlations. These distances may then be used to select a proper focal depth for one or more sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 8111300
    Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively combine video frame image data are disclosed. First image data corresponding to a first video frame and second image data corresponding to a second video frame are received from an image sensor. The second image data is adjusted by at least partially compensating for offsets between portions of the first image data with respect to corresponding portions of the second image data to produce adjusted second image data. Combined image data corresponding to a combined video frame is generated by performing a hierarchical combining operation on the first image data and the adjusted second image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hau Hwang, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Kalin M. Atanassov
  • Publication number: 20110292178
    Abstract: Systems and methods of 3D image processing are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a three-dimensional (3D) media player is configured to receive input data including at least a first image corresponding to a scene and a second image corresponding to the scene and to provide output data to a 3D display device. The 3D media player is responsive to user input including at least one of a zoom command and a pan command. The 3D media player includes a convergence control module configured to determine a convergence point of a 3D rendering of the scene responsive to the user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R. Goma, Kalin M. Atanassov, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Publication number: 20110135208
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a technique for combining images to create or produce one or more optical effects is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin M. Atanassov, Hau Hwang, Hsiang-Tsun Li
  • Publication number: 20100271498
    Abstract: Systems and methods to selectively combine video frame image data are disclosed. First image data corresponding to a first video frame and second image data corresponding to a second video frame are received from an image sensor. The second image data is adjusted by at least partially compensating for offsets between portions of the first image data with respect to corresponding portions of the second image data to produce adjusted second image data. Combined image data corresponding to a combined video frame is generated by performing a hierarchical combining operation on the first image data and the adjusted second image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hau Hwang, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Kalin M. Atanassov
  • Publication number: 20100157078
    Abstract: Systems and methods of high dynamic range image combining are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a device includes a global mapping module configured to generate first globally mapped luminance values within a region of an image, a local mapping module configured to generate second locally mapped luminance values within the region of the image, and a combination module configured to determine luminance values within a corresponding region of an output image using a weighted sum of the first globally mapped luminance values and the second locally mapped luminance values. A weight of the weighted sum is at least partially based on a luminance variation within the region of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: KALIN M. ATANASSOV, Ruben M. Velarde, Hsiang-Tsun Li, Hau Hwang