Patents by Inventor Petronel Bigioi

Petronel Bigioi 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).

  • Face recognition using face tracker classifier data
    Patent number: 8687078
    Abstract: A face recognition technique includes using a multi-classifier face detector to determine above a threshold probability that region of an image includes a face. Further probability values are determined for a set of classifiers for the region to provide a recognition profile. Face detection and recognition probabilities are determined for at least one classifier of the set. The recognition profile is compared against a predetermined recognition profile to determine a degree of match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • Digital image enhancement with reference images
    Patent number: 8682097
    Abstract: A digital image processing technique is for detecting and correcting visual imperfections using a reference image. A main image and one or more reference images having a temporal and/or spatial overlap and/or proximity with the original image are captured. Device information, image data and/or meta data are analyzed of the one or more reference images relating to a defect in the main image. The device corrects the defect based on the information, image data and/or meta-data to create an enhanced version of the main image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Adrian Zamfir, Alexandru Drimbarean, Peter Corcoran, Stefan Petrescu, Emilian David, Constantin Vertan
  • Image Acquisition Method and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20140078322
    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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Corneliu Florea
  • Modification of post-viewing parameters for digital images using region or feature information
    Patent number: 8675991
    Abstract: A method of modifying the viewing parameters of digital images using image feature detection for achieving desired parameters based on one or more sub-groups of pixels that correspond to one or more selected image features such as a face, body, pets, or a background region or a foreground region. Such methods may be used for animating still images, automating and streamlining application such as the creation of slide shows and screen savers of images containing selected image features. Two or more features such as a foreground region and a background region may be separated and independently processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Yury Prilutsky, Petronel Bigioi
  • Real-time face tracking in a digital image acquisition device
    Patent number: 8666124
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus for tracking faces in an image stream iteratively receives an acquired image from the image stream including one or more face regions. The acquired image is sub-sampled at a specified resolution to provide a sub-sampled image. An integral image is then calculated for a least a portion of the sub-sampled image. Fixed size face detection is applied to at least a portion of the integral image to provide a set of candidate face regions. Responsive to the set of candidate face regions produced and any previously detected candidate face regions, the resolution is adjusted for sub-sampling a subsequent acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Stefan Petrescu, Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Real-time face tracking in a digital image acquisition device
    Patent number: 8666125
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus for tracking faces in an image stream iteratively receives an acquired image from the image stream including one or more face regions. The acquired image is sub-sampled at a specified resolution to provide a sub-sampled image. An integral image is then calculated for a least a portion of the sub-sampled image. Fixed size face detection is applied to at least a portion of the integral image to provide a set of candidate face regions. Responsive to the set of candidate face regions produced and any previously detected candidate face regions, the resolution is adjusted for sub-sampling a subsequent acquired image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation European Limited
    Inventors: Stefan Petrescu, Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Rapid auto-focus using classifier chains, MEMS and/or multiple object focusing
    Patent number: 8659697
    Abstract: A smart-focusing technique includes identifying an object of interest, such as a face, in a digital image. A focus-generic classifier chain is applied that is trained to match both focused and unfocused faces and/or data from a face tracking module is accepted. Multiple focus-specific classifier chains are applied, including a first chain trained to match substantially out of focus faces, and a second chain trained to match slightly out of focus faces. Focus position is rapidly adjusted using a MEMS component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Capata, Stefan Petrescu, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • Rapid auto-focus using classifier chains, MEMS and/or multiple object focusing
    Patent number: 8648959
    Abstract: A smart-focusing technique includes identifying an object of interest, such as a face, in a digital image. A focus-generic classifier chain is applied that is trained to match both focused and unfocused faces and/or data from a face tracking module is accepted. Multiple focus-specific classifier chains are applied, including a first chain trained to match substantially out of focus faces, and a second chain trained to match slightly out of focus faces. Focus position is rapidly adjusted using a MEMS component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Capata, Stefan Petrescu, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • Detecting red eye filter and apparatus using meta-data
    Patent number: 8648938
    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: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Yury Prilutsky, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin
  • Face searching and detection in a digital image acquisition device
    Patent number: 8649604
    Abstract: A method of detecting a face in an image includes performing face detection within a first window of the image at a first location. A confidence level is obtained from the face detection indicating a probability of the image including a face at or in the vicinity of the first location. Face detection is then performed within a second window at a second location, wherein the second location is determined based on the confidence level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Mihnea Gangea, Stefan Mirel Petrescu, Andrei Vasiliu, Gabriel Costache, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Method of Improving Orientation and Color Balance of Digital Images Using Face Detection Information
    Publication number: 20140036109
    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: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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