Patents by Inventor Zicheng Liu

Zicheng Liu 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).

  • Publication number: 20070005988
    Abstract: A multimodal system that employs a plurality of sensing modalities which can be processed concurrently to increase confidence in connection with authentication. The multimodal system and/or set of various devices can provide several points of information entry in connection with authentication. Authentication can be improved, for example, by combining face recognition, biometrics, speech recognition, handwriting recognition, gait recognition, retina scan, thumb/hand prints, or subsets thereof. Additionally, portable multimodal devices (e.g., a smartphone) can be used as credit cards, and authentication in connection with such use can mitigate unauthorized transactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyou Zhang, David Williams, Yuan Kong, Zicheng Liu, David Kurlander, Mike Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7158658
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael F. Cohen, Charles E. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20060293887
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a likelihood of a speech state based on an alternative sensor signal and an air conduction microphone signal. The likelihood of the speech state is used, together with the alternative sensor signal and the air conduction microphone signal, to estimate a clean speech value for a clean speech signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyou Zhang, Zicheng Liu, Alejandro Acero, Amarnag Subramanya, James Droppo
  • Publication number: 20060293874
    Abstract: Architecture that combines capture and translation of concepts, goals, needs, locations, objects, locations, and items (e.g., sign text) into complete conversational utterances that take a translation of the item, and morph it with fluidity into sets of sentences that can be echoed to a user, and that the user can select to communicate speech (or textual utterances). A plurality of modalities that process images, audio, video, searches and cultural context, for example, which are representative of at least context and/or content, and can be employed to glean additional information regarding a communications exchange to facilitate more accurate and efficient translation. Gesture recognition can be utilized to enhance input recognition, urgency, and/or emotional interaction, for example. Speech can be used for document annotation. Moreover, translation (e.g., speech to speech, text to speech, speech to text, handwriting to speech, text or audio, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyou Zhang, David Williams, Yuan Kong, Zicheng Liu
  • Publication number: 20060287852
    Abstract: A method and apparatus determine a channel response for an alternative sensor using an alternative sensor signal, an air conduction microphone signal. The channel response and a prior probability distribution for clean speech values are then used to estimate a clean speech value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Alejandro Acero, Zhengyou Zhang
  • Patent number: 7149329
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael F. Cohen, Charles E. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7149330
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Charles E. Jacobs, Michael F. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7142698
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael F. Cohen, Charles E. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7133540
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael F. Cohen, Charles E. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20060228029
    Abstract: In a method for compressing a video clip containing audio content and image content, an image and/or an audio portion of individual video frames of the video clip are analyzed. Next frame scores are calculated for the video frames. Each frame score is based on at least one image attribute of the image of the video frame, and/or an audio attribute of the audio portion of the video frame. Next, key frames are identified that have a frame score that exceeds a threshold frame score. Finally, a compressed video clip is formed in which the images of non-key frames are removed. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyou Zhang, Zicheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7113650
    Abstract: The present invention includes a real-time wide-angle image correction system and a method for alleviating distortion and perception problems in images captured by wide-angle cameras. In general, the real-time wide-angle image correction method generates warp table from pixel coordinates of a wide-angle image and applies the warp table to the wide-angle image to create a corrected wide-angle image. The corrections are performed using a parametric class of warping functions that include Spatially Varying Uniform (SVU) scaling functions. The SVU scaling functions and scaling factors are used to perform vertical scaling and horizontal scaling on the wide-angle image pixel coordinates. A horizontal distortion correction is performed using the SVU scaling functions at and at least two different scaling factors. This processing generates a warp table that can be applied to the wide-angle image to yield the corrected wide-angle image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Michael Cohen
  • Publication number: 20060209194
    Abstract: A foveated wide-angle imaging system and method for capturing a wide-angle image and for viewing the captured wide-angle image in real time. In general, the foveated wide-angle imaging system includes a foveated wide-angle camera system having multiple cameras for capturing a scene and outputting raw output images, a foveated wide-angle stitching system for generating a stitch table, and a real-time wide-angle image correction system that creates a composed warp table from the stitch table and processes the raw output images using the composed warp table to correct distortion and perception problems. The foveated wide-angle imaging method includes using a foveated wide-angle camera system to capture a plurality of raw output images, generating a composed warp table, and processing the plurality of raw output images using the composed warp table to generate a corrected wide-angle image for viewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Michael Cohen
  • Patent number: 7099521
    Abstract: The present invention includes a real-time wide-angle image correction system and a method for alleviating distortion and perception problems in images captured by wide-angle cameras. In general, the real-time wide-angle image correction method generates warp table from pixel coordinates of a wide-angle image and applies the warp table to the wide-angle image to create a corrected wide-angle image. The corrections are performed using a parametric class of warping functions that include Spatially Varying Uniform (SVU) scaling functions. The SVU scaling functions and scaling factors are used to perform vertical scaling and horizontal scaling on the wide-angle image pixel coordinates. A horizontal distortion correction is performed using the SVU scaling functions at and at least two different scaling factors. This processing generates a warp table that can be applied to the wide-angle image to yield the corrected wide-angle image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Michael Cohen
  • Publication number: 20060178880
    Abstract: A method and apparatus classify a portion of an alternative sensor signal as either containing noise or not containing noise. The portions of the alternative sensor signal that are classified as containing noise are not used to estimate a portion of a clean speech signal and the channel response associated with the alternative sensor. The portions of the alternative sensor signal that are classified as not containing noise are used to estimate a portion of a clean speech signal and the channel response associated with the alternative sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengyou Zhang, Amarnag Subramanya, James Droppo, Zicheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7084904
    Abstract: The present invention includes a foveated wide-angle imaging system and method for capturing a wide-angle image and for viewing the captured wide-angle image in real time. In general, the foveated wide-angle imaging system includes a foveated wide-angle camera system having multiple cameras for capturing a scene and outputting raw output images, a foveated wide-angle stitching system for generating a stitch table, and a real-time wide-angle image correction system that creates a composed warp table from the stitch table and processes the raw output images using the composed warp table to correct distortion and perception problems. The foveated wide-angle imaging method includes using a foveated wide-angle camera system to capture a plurality of raw output images, generating a composed warp table, and processing the plurality of raw output images using the composed warp table to generate a corrected wide-angle image for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Michael Cohen
  • Patent number: 7082212
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Charles E. Jacobs, Michael F. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7065233
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael F. Cohen, Charles E. Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20060126924
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael Cohen, Charles Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7058237
    Abstract: The present invention includes a real-time wide-angle image correction system and a method for alleviating distortion and perception problems in images captured by wide-angle cameras. In general, the real-time wide-angle image correction method generates warp table from pixel coordinates of a wide-angle image and applies the warp table to the wide-angle image to create a corrected wide-angle image. The corrections are performed using a parametric class of warping functions that include Spatially Varying Uniform (SVU) scaling functions. The SVU scaling functions and scaling factors are used to perform vertical scaling and horizontal scaling on the wide-angle image pixel coordinates. A horizontal distortion correction is performed using the SVU scaling functions at and at least two different scaling factors. This processing generates a warp table that can be applied to the wide-angle image to yield the corrected wide-angle image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Michael Cohen
  • Publication number: 20060110027
    Abstract: Described herein is a technique for creating a 3D face model using images obtained from an inexpensive camera associated with a general-purpose computer. Two still images of the user are captured, and two video sequences. The user is asked to identify five facial features, which are used to calculate a mask and to perform fitting operations. Based on a comparison of the still images, deformation vectors are applied to a neutral face model to create the 3D model. The video sequences are used to create a texture map. The process of creating the texture map references the previously obtained 3D model to determine poses of the sequential video images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zicheng Liu, Zhengyou Zhang, Michael Cohen, Charles Jacobs