Patents by Inventor Sergiu R. Goma

Sergiu R. Goma 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: 10104364
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sharing a bus between multiple imaging sensors, include, in some aspects, a device having at least two imaging sensors, an electronic hardware processor, and an imaging sensor controller. The imaging sensor controller includes first clock and data lines, operably coupling the electronic hardware processor to the imaging sensor controller, and a second clock line, operably coupling the imaging sensor controller to the first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor. A second data line operably couples the imaging sensor controller to the first imaging sensor. A third data line operably couples the sensor controller to the second imaging sensor. The imaging sensor controller is configured to use the second clock line, and second data line to send a first command to the first imaging sensor, and, use the second clock line, and third data line to send a second command to the second imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R Goma, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 9560334
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus to adjust the convergence point of a stereoscopic image pair captured by an imaging device. In one method, a first image and a second image of a stereoscopic image pair are provided, and then shifting or cropping of the first image is performed to align the first and second image. This shifting or cropping is performed while preserving the second image. The method then includes determining a target horizontal image disparity based on a desired convergence point of the stereoscopic image pair and when the target horizontal disparity is greater than a predetermined maximum, the cropping of an outside dimension of the first image is limited. In some implementations it is limited to the predetermined maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Vikas Ramachandra, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma
  • 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: 9438889
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems and apparatus to improve imaging sensor production yields. In one method, a stereoscopic image sensor pair is provided from a manufacturing line. One or more images of a correction pattern are captured by the image sensor pair. Correction angles of the sensor pair are determined based on the images of the correction pattern. The correction angles of the sensor pair are represented graphically in a three dimensional space. Analysis of the graphical representation of the correction angles through statistical processing results in a set of production correction parameters that may be input into a manufacturing line to improve sensor pair yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Sergiu R Goma, Vikas Ramachandra, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Publication number: 20160182890
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sharing a bus between multiple imaging sensors, include, in some aspects, a device having at least two imaging sensors, an electronic hardware processor, and an imaging sensor controller. The imaging sensor controller includes first clock and data lines, operably coupling the electronic hardware processor to the imaging sensor controller, and a second clock line, operably coupling the imaging sensor controller to the first imaging sensor and the second imaging sensor. A second data line operably couples the imaging sensor controller to the first imaging sensor. A third data line operably couples the sensor controller to the second imaging sensor. The imaging sensor controller is configured to use the second clock line, and second data line to send a first command to the first imaging sensor, and, use the second clock line, and third data line to send a second command to the second imaging sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Sergiu R Goma, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 9275459
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for adjusting images of a stereoscopic image pair. The methods and apparatus may capture a first and second image with first and second imaging sensors. The two imaging sensors have intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. A normalized focal distance of a reference imaging sensor may also be determined based on intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. A calibration matrix is then adjusted based on the normalized focal distance. The calibration matrix may be applied to an image captured by an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R Goma, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Patent number: 9001227
    Abstract: A method of combining data from multiple sensors is disclosed. The method includes providing a common control signal to multiple image sensors. Each of the multiple image sensors is responsive to the common control signal to generate image data. The method also includes receiving synchronized data output from each of the multiple image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Milivoje Aleksic, Sergiu R. Goma, Hau Hwang, Joseph Cheung
  • 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: 8896668
    Abstract: A method of combining data from multiple sensors is disclosed. The method includes receiving lines of image data at an image processor having an input for a single camera. Each line of the image data includes first line data from a first image captured by a first camera and second line data from a second image captured by a second camera. The method also includes generating an output frame having a first section corresponding to line data of the first image and having a second section corresponding to line data of the second image. The first section and the second section are configured to be used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) image format or a 3D video format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R. Goma, Milivoje Aleksic, Hau Hwang, Joseph Cheung
  • Patent number: 8860851
    Abstract: A technique for processing at least one bad pixel occurring in an image sensing system is provided. Dynamic bad pixel detection is performed on a plurality of streaming pixels taking from at least one controlled image and value and coordinate information for each bad pixel is subsequently stored as stored bad pixel information. Thereafter, static bad pixel correction may be performed based on the stored bad pixel information. The stored bad pixel information may be verified based on histogram analysis performed on the plurality of streaming pixels. The technique for processing bad pixels in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in suitable circuitry or, more broadly, within devices incorporating image sensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R. Goma, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Patent number: 8761531
    Abstract: Chroma values in image data may be sub-sampled, thereby obtaining sub-sampled chroma values. The sub-sampled chroma values may be compressed, thereby obtaining compressed, sub-sampled chroma values. Luma values in the image data may be compressed, thereby obtaining sub-sampled luma values. Edge information for the luma values that are discarded as part of the luma sub-sampling operation may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Sergiu R. Goma
  • Patent number: 8736695
    Abstract: An electronic device for parallel image processing using multiple processors is disclosed. The electronic device includes multiple image sensors for providing image data. The electronic device also includes multiple processors for processing segmented image data to produce processed segmented image data. Each processor is dedicated to one of the image sensors. A multiple processor interface is also included. The multiple processor interface maps the image data to the processors, segments the image data to produce the segmented image data and synchronizes the segmented image data to processor clock rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Hau Hwang, Joseph Cheung, 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: 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: 20140098194
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for adjusting images of a stereoscopic image pair. The methods and apparatus may capture a first and second image with first and second imaging sensors. The two imaging sensors have intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. A normalized focal distance of a reference imaging sensor may also be determined based on intrinsic and extrinsic parameters. A calibration matrix is then adjusted based on the normalized focal distance. The calibration matrix may be applied to an image captured by a image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Sergiu R Goma, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Vikas Ramachandra
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130070055
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems and apparatus to improve imaging sensor production yields. In one method, a stereoscopic image sensor pair is provided from a manufacturing line. One or more images of a correction pattern are captured by the image sensor pair. Correction angles of the sensor pair are determined based on the images of the correction pattern. The correction angles of the sensor pair are represented graphically in a three dimensional space. Analysis of the graphical representation of the correction angles through statistical processing results in a set of production correction parameters that may be input into a manufacturing line to improve sensor pair yields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Vikas Ramachandra, Milivoje Aleksic
  • Publication number: 20130063572
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus to adjust the convergence point of a stereoscopic image pair captured by an imaging device. In one method, a first image and a second image of a stereoscopic image pair are provided, and then shifting or cropping of the first image is performed to align the first and second image. This shifting or cropping is performed while preserving the second image. The method then includes determining a target horizontal image disparity based on a desired convergence point of the stereoscopic image pair and when the target horizontal disparity is greater than a predetermined maximum, the cropping of an outside dimension of the first image is limited. In some implementations it is limited to the predetermined maximum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Vikas Ramachandra, Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma
  • Publication number: 20130016186
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for adjusting images of a stereoscopic image pair based on keypoint matches. The quality of the key point matches is first evaluated to determine whether the quality exceeds a keypoint quality threshold. If the quality level of the keypoint matches exceeds the threshold, the vertical disparity between the images of the stereoscopic image pair can be evaluated based on vertical disparity vectors between the keypoint matches. If the vertical disparity is below a threshold, no adjustment of the stereoscopic image pair may be performed. If the vertical disparity is above the threshold, an affine correction may compensate for pitch, roll, and scale differences between the images. A projective correction may compensate for yaw differences. The vertical disparity between the two images is then evaluated after the corrections to determine if additional adjustment should be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kalin Mitkov Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Vikas Ramachandra
  • Publication number: 20120300034
    Abstract: Present embodiments contemplate systems, apparatus, and methods to determine a user's preference for depicting a stereoscopic effect. Particularly, certain of the embodiments contemplate receiving user input while displaying a stereoscopic video sequence. The user's preferences may be determined based upon the input. These preferences may then be applied to future stereoscopic depictions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kalin Atanassov, Sergiu R. Goma, Joseph Cheung, Vikas Ramachandra