Facial feature-localized and global real-time video morphing

• US 20070174775A1
• Filed: 03/12/2007
• Published: 07/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Original Assignee: Logitech Europe S A (Logitech International SA)
• Inventors: McAlpine, Paul, Zimmermann, Remy, Depallens, Philippe, Bateman, John, Hernandez, Todd
• Granted Patent: US 7,397,932 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/723
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00283 with a television apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00297 with a television signal recorder, e.g. for recording facsimile images on a VCR motion video recording combined with still video recording in a still video camera H04N1/212
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/212 Motion video recording combined with still video recording television signal recording H04N5/76
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3267 of motion picture signals, e.g. video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/2628 Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for modifying, or morphing, a video image. A video feed is received which include an image of a person'"'"'s face. A number of facial features are detected from the video feed. One or more of those facial features are selected and modified, with the modification being applied to the video feed to produce a morphed image. For example, the morphing can produce fun effects such as oversized or too small eyes, lips, etc.

Claims

1. A method for modifying a video image, comprising:

receiving a video feed including an image of a person'"'"'s face;

detecting a plurality of facial features from said video feed;

selecting at least a first one of said facial features;

selecting a modification for said first facial feature;

applying said modification to said video feed to produce a modified video feed; and

providing said modified video feed to an application program.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said selecting at least a first one of said facial features comprises:

selecting an expression; and

modifying a plurality of said facial features to achieve said expression.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said video feed is a live video feed.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said application program is an instant messaging program.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying a graphical user interface indicating the availability of said selecting steps upon detection of said video feed.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

displaying a graphical user interface indicating the availability of said selecting steps upon detection of said application program.

7. An apparatus for modifying a video image, comprising:

a video input feed including an image of a person'"'"'s face;

a feature detection software module configured to detect a plurality of facial features from said video feed;

a morphing software module configured to receive an indication of detected facial features from said feature detection software and enable selection of at least a first one of said facial features, selection of a modification for said first facial feature and application of said modification to said video feed to produce a modified video feed; and

a modified video feed output directed to an application program.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said morphing software module is further configured to allow:

selecting an expression; and

modifying a plurality of said facial features to achieve said expression.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said video input feed is a live video feed.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a quick assistant for accessing said morphing video software.

10. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. A method for modifying a video image, comprising:

receiving a video feed including an image of a person'"'"'s face;

detecting a plurality of facial features from said video feed;

selecting at least a first one of said facial features;

selecting a modification for said first facial feature;

applying said modification to said facial feature in said video feed to produce a modified video feed; and

providing said modified video feed to an application program.