Abstract: A Bayesian competitive model integrated with a generative classifier for unspecific person verification is described. In one aspect, a competitive measure for verification of an unspecific person is calculated using a discriminative classifier. The discriminative classifier is based on a Bayesian competitive model that is adaptable to unknown new classes. The Bayesian competitive model is integrated with a generative verification in view of a set of confidence criteria to make a decision regarding verification of the unspecific person.

Abstract: A Poisson-quantization noise model for modeling noise in low-light conditions is described. In one aspect, image information is received. A Poisson-quantization noise model is then generated from a Poisson noise model and a quantization noise model. Poisson-quantization noise is then estimated in the image information using the Poisson-quantization noise model.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods segment a foreground from a background image in a video sequence. In one implementation, a system refines a segmentation boundary between the foreground and the background image by attenuating background contrast while preserving contrast of the segmentation boundary itself, providing an accurate background cut of live video in real time. A substitute background may then be merged with the segmented foreground within the live video. The system can apply an adaptive background color mixture model to improve segmentation of foreground from background under various background changes, such as camera movement, illumination change, and movement of small objects in the background.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for real-time Bayesian 3D pose tracking. In one implementation, exemplary systems and methods formulate key-frame based differential pose tracking in a probabilistic graphical model. An exemplary system receives live captured video as input and tracks a video object's 3D pose in real-time based on the graphical model. An exemplary Bayesian inter-frame motion inference technique simultaneously performs online point matching and pose estimation. This provides robust pose tracking because the relative pose estimate for a current frame is simultaneously estimated from two independent sources, from a key-frame pool and from the video frame preceding the current frame. Then, an exemplary online Bayesian frame fusion technique infers the current pose from the two independent sources, providing stable and drift-free tracking, even during agile motion, occlusion, scale change, and drastic illumination change of the tracked object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for robust online face tracking. In one implementation, a system derives multiple resolutions of each video frame of a video sequence portraying movement of a visual object. The system tracks movement of the visual object in a low resolution as input for tracking the visual object in a higher resolution. The system can greatly reduce jitter while maintaining an ability to reliably track fast-moving visual objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods perform automatic 3D face modeling. In one implementation, a brief video clip of a user's head turning from front to side provides enough input for automatically achieving a model that includes 2D feature matches, 3D head pose, 3D face shape, and facial textures. The video clip of the user may be of poor quality. In a two layer iterative method, the video clip is divided into segments. Flow-based feature estimation and model-based feature refinement are applied recursively to each segment. Then the feature estimation and refinement are iteratively applied across all the segments. The entire modeling method is automatic and the two layer iterative method provides speed and efficiency, especially when sparse bundle adjustment is applied to boost efficiency.

Abstract: A system that provides binds or associates a clickable hyperlink with an object that appears in a video stream. The hyperlink may be sent in a separate stream from the video stream, and user interfaces are provided to a user to activate the hyperlink. Activation of the hyperlink may cause a redirection to an associated website. Furthermore, feedback may be provided as to the user's activity regarding interest and activation regarding particular hyperlinks in the video.

Abstract: The present video tracking technique outputs a Maximum A Posterior (MAP) solution for a target object based on two object templates obtained from a start and an end keyframe of a whole state sequence. The technique first minimizes the whole state space of the sequence by generating a sparse set of local two-dimensional modes in each frame of the sequence. The two-dimensional modes are converted into three-dimensional points within a three-dimensional volume. The three-dimensional points are clustered using a spectral clustering technique where each cluster corresponds to a possible trajectory segment of the target object. If there is occlusion in the sequence, occlusion segments are generated so that an optimal trajectory of the target object can be obtained.

Abstract: The handling of occlusions in stereo imaging is disclosed. In one implementation, an association between a discontinuity in one stereo image and an occlusion in a second stereo image is utilized. In such an implementation, the first and second stereo images are segmented. A mapping of a discontinuity within the second stereo image is used to form at least part of a boundary of an occlusion in the first stereo image. The mapped discontinuity is found at a boundary between two segments in the second stereo image, and once mapped, divides a segment in the first stereo image into two patches. An energy calculation is made in an iterative manner, alternating with changes to a solution with the disparities and occlusions of the patches. Upon minimization, disparities and occlusions at the patch and pixel level are available.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods use micro-structure modeling of an image for extracting image features. The micro-structure in an image is modeled as a Markov Random Field, and the model parameters are learned from training images. Micro-patterns adaptively designed from the modeled micro-structure capture spatial contexts of the image. In one implementation, a series of micro-patterns based on the modeled micro-structure can be automatically designed for each block of the image, providing improved feature extraction and recognition because of adaptability to various images, various pixel attributes, and various sites within an image.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention determine whether an image has been altered. Sets of patches are selected in the image, and corresponding inverse response functions are provided to a support vector machine (SVM). The support vector machine is trained with exemplary normal and abnormal inverse response functions. Once trained, the support vector machine analyzes inverse response functions corresponding to a suspected image. The support vector machine determines if the inverse response functions are normal or abnormal by analyzing a set of features. In one embodiment, features include measures for monotonic characteristics, fluctuation characteristics, and divergence characteristics of the red, green, and blue components of a tuple. Each tuple of inverse response functions is associated with a set of patches selected in the image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic digital image enhancement method, including: determining the defects existing in the image based on pixel values, such as pixel luminance values and pixel color values, of the input digital image, and making corrections based on the determination results. The method can process images of digital photos, digital videos and make enhancement on exposure and color of the images. The method disclosed can also improve quickly and apparently the visual quality and appearance of images.