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).

  • Object detection and rendering for wide field of view (WFOV) image acquisition systems
    Patent number: 8872887
    Abstract: An image acquisition device having a wide field of view includes a lens and image sensor configured to capture an original wide field of view (WFoV) image with a field of view of more than 90°. The device has an object detection engine that includes one or more cascades of object classifiers, e.g., face classifiers. A WFoV correction engine may apply rectilinear and/or cylindrical projections to pixels of the WFoV image, and/or non-linear, rectilinear and/or cylindrical lens elements or lens portions serve to prevent and/or correct distortion within the original WFoV image. One or more objects located within the original and/or distortion-corrected WFoV image is/are detectable by the object detection engine upon application of the one or more cascades of object classifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fotonation Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean, Mihnea Gangea, Piotr Stec, Peter Corcoran
  • Real-time face tracking with reference images
    Patent number: 8861806
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Alexei Pososin, Alexandru Drimbarean, Florin Nanu, Stefan Petrescu
  • Scene enhancements in off-center peripheral regions for nonlinear lens geometries
    Patent number: 8860816
    Abstract: A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular or otherwise undistorted or less distorted frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI. A quality of reconstructed pixels is determined within the constructed ROI. Image analysis is selectively applied to the reconstructed ROI based on the quality of the reconstructed pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fotonation Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Piotr Stec
  • Eye defect detection in international standards organization images
    Patent number: 8849062
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Florin Nanu, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Method and apparatus for viewing images
    Patent number: 8849064
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for viewing images on an interactive computing device comprises displaying an image from a stack comprising a display image and at least one compressed sub-image of nominally the same scene, each of the sub-images of the stack having been acquired at respective focal distances. Responsive to a user selecting a portion of the displayed image, the selected portion is mapped to a corresponding mapped portion of a sub-image within the stack according to the difference in focal distances between the displayed image and the sub-image. At least one row of compressed image blocks of the at least one sub-image extending across the mapped portion; and a reference value for a point in the compressed image stream of the sub-image preceding the row of compressed image blocks is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fotonation Limited
    Inventors: Valentin Mocanu, Christopher Dainty, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Ferenc Papai
  • Method and Apparatus for Viewing Images
    Publication number: 20140226914
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for viewing images on an interactive computing device comprises displaying an image from a stack comprising a display image and at least one compressed sub-image of nominally the same scene, each of the sub-images of the stack having been acquired at respective focal distances. Responsive to a user selecting a portion of the displayed image, the selected portion is mapped to a corresponding mapped portion of a sub-image within the stack according to the difference in focal distances between the displayed image and the sub-image. At least one row of compressed image blocks of the at least one sub-image extending across the mapped portion; and a reference value for a point in the compressed image stream of the sub-image preceding the row of compressed image blocks is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: DIGITALOPTICS CORPORATION EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Valentin Mocanu, Christopher Dainty, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran, Ferenc Papai
  • Rapid auto-focus using classifier chains, MEMS and multiple object focusing
    Patent number: 8797448
    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: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Capata, Stefan Petrescu, Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • RED-EYE FILTER METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20140198238
    Abstract: A digital image acquisition system having no photographic film, such as a digital camera, has a flash unit for providing illumination during image capture and a red-eye filter for detecting a region within a captured image indicative of a red-eye phenomenon, the detection being based upon a comparison of the captured image and a reference image of nominally the same scene taken without flash. In the embodiment the reference image is a preview image of lower pixel resolution than the captured image, the filter matching the pixel resolutions of the captured and reference images by up-sampling the preview image and/or sub-sampling the captured image. The filter also aligns at least portions of the captured image and reference image prior to comparison to allow for, e.g. movement in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Michael J. DeLuca
  • Rapid Auto-Focus Using Classifier Chains, Mems And Multiple Object Focusing
    Publication number: 20140193088
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: ADRIAN CAPATA, STEFAN PETRESCU, PETRONEL BIGIOI, PETER CORCORAN
  • Method of improving orientation and color balance of digital images using face detection information
    Patent number: 8761449
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Detecting facial expressions in digital images
    Patent number: 8750578
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting facial expressions in digital images and applications therefore are disclosed. Analysis of a digital image determines whether or not a smile and/or blink is present on a person's face. Face recognition, and/or a pose or illumination condition determination, permits application of a specific, relatively small classifier cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Catalina Neghina, Mihnea Gangea, Stefan Petrescu, Petronel Bigioi, Emilian David, Eric Zarakov, Eran Steinberg
  • FACE SEARCHING AND DETECTION IN A DIGITAL IMAGE ACQUISITION DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140153780
    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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: ERAN STEINBERG, PETRONEL BIGIOI, PETER CORCORAN, MIHNEA GANGEA, STEFAN MIREL PETRESCU, ANDREI VASILIU, GABRIEL COSTACHE, ALEXANDRU DRIMBAREAN
  • Real-time face tracking in a digital image acquisition device
    Patent number: 8744145
    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: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Stefan Petrescu, Peter Corcoran, Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean
  • Face recognition using face tracker classifier data
    Patent number: 8731249
    Abstract: A method of determining face recognition profiles for a group persons includes determining with a multi-classifier face detector that a face region within a digital image has above a threshold probability of corresponding to a first person of the group, and recording probability scores which are analyzed for each classifier, including determining a mean and variance for each classifier for the first person. The process is repeated for one or more other persons of the group. A sub-set of classifiers is determined which best differentiates between the first person and the one or more other persons. The sub-set of classifiers is stored in association with the first person as a recognition profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Peter Corcoran
  • Face and other object tracking in off-center peripheral regions for nonlinear lens geometries
    Patent number: 8723959
    Abstract: A technique of enhancing a scene containing one or more off-center peripheral regions within an initial distorted image captured with a large field of view includes determining and extracting an off-center region of interest (hereinafter “ROI”) within the image. Geometric correction is applied to reconstruct the off-center ROI into a rectangular or otherwise undistorted or less distorted frame of reference as a reconstructed ROI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Piotr Stec
  • Face recognition through face building from two or more partial face images from the same face
    Patent number: 8712160
    Abstract: A device is trained for face recognition. A first acquired digital image of a scene includes a face. Face image data is extracted and stored in a face image library along with an unique identifier. A second acquired digital image may or may not include the face of the same person as the face in the first acquired digital image. Face recognition is applied to extracted face data of the second digital image, and the face of the first digital image is displayed as a match to the face of the second digital image when the first and second images are determined to match or the second digital image or a face therein is identified with biometric data stored along with the first digital image when the faces in the first and second images are determined to match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran
  • Red-eye filter method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8698916
    Abstract: A digital image acquisition system having no photographic film, such as a digital camera, has a flash unit for providing illumination during image capture and a red-eye filter for detecting a region within a captured image indicative of a red-eye phenomenon, the detection being based upon a comparison of the captured image and a reference image of nominally the same scene taken without flash. In the embodiment the reference image is a preview image of lower pixel resolution than the captured image, the filter matching the pixel resolutions of the captured and reference images by up-sampling the preview image and/or sub-sampling the captured image. The filter also aligns at least portions of the captured image and reference image prior to comparison to allow for, e.g. movement in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Michael J DeLuca
  • Tone mapping for low-light video frame enhancement
    Patent number: 8698924
    Abstract: A technique is provided for generating sharp, well-exposed, color images from low-light images. A series of under-exposed images is acquired. A mean image is computed and a sum image is generated each based on the series of under-exposed images. Chrominance variables of pixels of the mean image are mapped to chrominance variables of pixels of the sum image. Chrominance values of pixels within the series of under-exposed images are replaced with chrominance values of the sum image. A set of sharp, well-exposed, color images is generated based on the series of under-exposed images with replaced chrominance values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Alexandru Drimbarean, Adrian Zamfir, Felix Albu, Vlad Poenaru, Corneliu Florea, Petronel Bigioi, Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran
  • Object detection and rendering for wide field of view (WFOV) image acquisition systems
    Patent number: 8692867
    Abstract: An image acquisition device having a wide field of view includes a lens and image sensor configured to capture an original wide field of view (WFoV) image with a field of view of more than 90°. The device has an object detection engine that includes one or more cascades of object classifiers, e.g., face classifiers. A WFoV correction engine may apply rectilinear and/or cylindrical projections to pixels of the WFoV image, and/or non-linear, rectilinear and/or cylindrical lens elements or lens portions serve to prevent and/or correct distortion within the original WFoV image. One or more objects located within the original and/or distortion-corrected WFoV image is/are detectable by the object detection engine upon application of the one or more cascades of object classifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Petronel Bigioi, Alexandru Drimbarean, Mihnea Gangea, Piotr Stec, Peter Corcoran
  • 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