Patents by Inventor Peter Corcoran

Peter Corcoran 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).

  • Method of Notifying Users Regarding Motion Artifacts Based on Image Analysis
    Publication number: 20140022403
    Abstract: A digital image acquisition system having no photographic film comprises a portable apparatus for capturing digital images and a digital processing component for reducing camera motion blur in an image captured by the apparatus. The digital processing component operates by comparing the image with at least one other image, for example a preview image, of approximately the same scene taken outside the exposure period of the main image. In one embodiment the digital processing component identifies at least one feature which is relatively less blurred than the corresponding feature in the main image and/or calculates a trajectory of at least one feature in a plurality of preview images and extrapolates such feature onto the main image, and calculates a PSF in respect of the feature, and de-convolves the main image using the PSF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Yury Prilutsky
  • Real-Time Face Tracking with Reference Images
    Publication number: 20130329955
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin, Alexandru Drimbarean, Florin Nanu, Stefan Petrescu
  • Eye Defect Detection in International Standards Organization Images
    Publication number: 20130329096
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, a digital image is acquired. One or more relatively large candidate red eye defect regions are detected in at least a portion of the image. Face detection is applied to at least a portion of the image to eliminate non-face regions and one or more relatively small candidate red eye defect regions are identified in at least a portion of the image not including the eliminated non-face regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Florin Nanu, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • MEMS Fast Focus Camera Module
    Publication number: 20130329106
    Abstract: An auto focus camera module includes a camera module housing defining an aperture and an internal cavity to accommodate camera module components, an image sensor coupled to or within the housing, a lens barrel within the housing that contains an optical train including at least one movable lens disposed relative to the aperture and image sensor to focus images of scenes onto the image sensor along an optical path, and a fast focus MEMS actuator coupled to one or more lenses of the optical train including the at least one movable lens and configured to rapidly move said at least one movable lens relative to the image sensor to provide autofocus for the camera module in each frame of a preview or video sequence or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Takanori Miki
  • Method of Improving Orientation and Color Balance of Digital Images Using Face Detection Information
    Publication number: 20130314525
    Abstract: A method of generating one or more new spatial and chromatic variation digital images uses an original digitally-acquired image which including a face or portions of a face. A group of pixels that correspond to a face within the original digitally-acquired image is identified. A portion of the original image is selected to include the group of pixels. Values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion are automatically generated, or an option to generate them is provided, in a manner which always includes the face within the one or more new images. Such method may be implemented to automatically establish the correct orientation and color balance of an image. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Method of Improving Orientation and Color Balance of Digital Images Using Face Detection Information
    Publication number: 20130315488
    Abstract: A method of generating one or more new spatial and chromatic variation digital images uses an original digitally-acquired image which including a face or portions of a face. A group of pixels that correspond to a face within the original digitally-acquired image is identified. A portion of the original image is selected to include the group of pixels. Values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion are automatically generated, or an option to generate them is provided, in a manner which always includes the face within the one or more new images. Such method may be implemented to automatically establish the correct orientation and color balance of an image. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Foreground/background separation using reference images
    Patent number: 8593542
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Adrian Zamfir, Alexandru Drimbarean, Peter Corcoran, Mihai Ciuc, Adrian Capata
  • Identifying Facial Expressions in Acquired Digital Images
    Publication number: 20130300891
    Abstract: A face is detected and identified within an acquired digital image. One or more features of the face is/are extracted from the digital image, including two independent eyes or subsets of features of each of the two eyes, or lips or partial lips or one or more other mouth features and one or both eyes, or both. A model including multiple shape parameters is applied to the two independent eyes or subsets of features of each of the two eyes, and/or to the lips or partial lips or one or more other mouth features and one or both eyes. One or more similarities between the one or more features of the face and a library of reference feature sets is/are determined. A probable facial expression is identified based on the determining of the one or more similarities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ioana Bacivarov, Peter Corcoran
  • Image Processing Method and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20130301917
    Abstract: An image processing technique includes acquiring a main image of a scene and determining one or more facial regions in the main image. The facial regions are analysed to determine if any of the facial regions includes a defect. A sequence of relatively low resolution images nominally of the same scene is also acquired. One or more sets of low resolution facial regions in the sequence of low resolution images are determined and analysed for defects. Defect free facial regions of a set are combined to provide a high quality defect free facial region. At least a portion of any defective facial regions of the main image are corrected with image information from a corresponding high quality defect free facial region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg
  • Separating directional lighting variability in statistical face modelling based on texture space decomposition
    Patent number: 8582896
    Abstract: A technique for determining a characteristic of a face or certain other object within a scene captured in a digital image including acquiring an image and applying a linear texture model that is constructed based on a training data set and that includes a class of objects including a first subset of model components that exhibit a dependency on directional lighting variations and a second subset of model components which are independent of directional lighting variations. A fit of the model to the face or certain other object is obtained including adjusting one or more individual values of one or more of the model components of the linear texture model. Based on the obtained fit of the model to the face or certain other object in the scene, a characteristic of the face or certain other object is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited, National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Mircea Ionita, Ioana Bacivarov, Peter Corcoran
  • Adaptive PSF Estimation Technique Using a Sharp Preview and a Blurred Image
    Publication number: 20130278784
    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. An 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Peter Corcoran
  • Classification and organization of consumer digital images using workflow, and face detection and recognition
    Patent number: 8553949
    Abstract: A processor-based system operating according to digitally-embedded programming instructions performs a method including identifying a group of pixels corresponding to a face region within digital image data acquired by an image acquisition device. A set of face analysis parameter values is extracted from said face region, including a faceprint associated with the face region. First and second reference faceprints are determined for a person using reference images captured respectively in predetermined face-portrait conditions and using ambient conditions. The faceprints are analyzed to determine a baseline faceprint and a range of variability from the baseline associated with the person. Results of the analyzing are stored and used in subsequent recognition of the person in a subsequent image acquired under ambient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Yury Prilutsky, Petronel Bigioi, Mihai Ciuc, Stefanita Ciurel, Constantin Vertan
  • Separating directional lighting variability in statistical face modelling based on texture space decomposition
    Patent number: 8542913
    Abstract: A technique for determining a characteristic of a face or certain other object within a scene captured in a digital image including acquiring an image and applying a linear texture model that is constructed based on a training data set and that includes a class of objects including a first subset of model components that exhibit a dependency on directional lighting variations and a second subset of model components which are independent of directional lighting variations. A fit of the model to the face or certain other object is obtained including adjusting one or more individual values of one or more of the model components of the linear texture model. Based on the obtained fit of the model to the face or certain other object in the scene, a characteristic of the face or certain other object is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited, National University of Ireland
    Inventors: Mircea Ionita, Ioana Bacivarov, Peter Corcoran
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 8537251
    Abstract: A method of filtering a red-eye phenomenon from an acquired digital image including a multiplicity of pixels indicative of color, the pixels forming various shapes of the image, includes analyzing meta-data information, determining one or more regions within the digital image suspected as including red eye artifact, and determining, based at least in part on the meta-data analysis, whether the regions are actual red eye artifact. The meta-data information may include information describing conditions under which the image was acquired, captured and/or digitized, acquisition device-specific information, and/film information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Image Processing Method and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20130236094
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Vlad Poenaru
  • Automatic Face and Skin Beautification Using Face Detection
    Publication number: 20130229549
    Abstract: Sub-regions within a face image are identified to be enhanced by applying a localized smoothing kernel to luminance data corresponding to the sub-regions of the face image. An enhanced face image is generated including an enhanced version of the face that includes certain original pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Mihai Ciuc, Adrian Capata, Valentin Mocanu, Alexei Pososin, Corneliu Florea, Peter Corcoran
  • Image Processing Method and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20130229542
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing image processing. For one embodiment of the invention, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Felix Albu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea, Vlad Poenaru
  • Methods and apparatuses for using image acquisition data to detect and correct image defects
    Patent number: 8525898
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting a potential defect in an image comprises acquiring a digital image at a time; storing image acquisition data, wherein the image acquisition data includes at least one of a position of a source of light relative to a lens, a distance from the source of light to the lens, a focal length of the lens, a distance from a point on a digital image acquisition device to a subject, an amount of ambient light, or flash intensity; determining dynamic anthropometric data, wherein the dynamic anthropometric data includes one or more dynamically changing human body measurements, of one or more humans represented in the image, captured at the time; and determining a course of corrective action based, at least in part, on the image acquisition data and the dynamic anthropometric data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Florin Nanu, Peter Corcoran, Cosmin Nicolae Stan
  • Face tracker and partial face tracker for red-eye filter method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8520093
    Abstract: An image acquisition device includes a flash and optical system for capturing digital images. A face tracker identifies face regions within a series of one or more relatively low resolution reference images, and predicts face regions within a main digital image. A face analyzer determines one or more partial face regions within the one or more face regions each including at least one eye. A red-eye filter modifies an area within the main digital image indicative of a red-eye phenomenon based on an analysis of one or more partial face regions within the one or more face regions identified and predicted by the face tracker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Florin Nanu, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Alexei Pososin, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean, Stefan Petrescu, Mihnea Gangea, Adrian Capata, Mihai Ciuc, Adrian Zamfir
  • Image acquisition method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8520082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea