Digital Image Processing Using Face Detection Information

• US 20090087042A1
• Filed: 10/30/2008
• Published: 04/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: FotoNation Limited (Adeia Inc.)
• Original Assignee: FotoNation Vision Limited (Adeia Inc.)
• Inventors: Steinberg, Eran, Prilutsky, Yury, Bigioi, Petronel, Corcoran, Peter
• Granted Patent: US 7,809,162 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/118
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/162 using pixel segmentation or colour matching
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/61 based on recognised objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/611 where the recognised objects include parts of the human body
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/635 Region indicators; Field of view indicators
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/67 Focus control based on electronic image sensor signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/695 Control of camera direction for changing a field of view, e.g. pan, tilt or based on tracking of objects
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/72 Combination of two or more compensation controls
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means

Abstract

A method of processing a digital image using face detection within the image achieves one or more desired image processing parameters. A group of pixels is identified that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image. Default values are determined of one or more parameters of at least some portion of the digital image. Values are adjusted of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of the digital image including the image of the face and the default values.

Claims

5-1. The method of claim 1, further comprising a decision for adjusting values of the one or more parameters, the decision being performed manually.

9. One or more processor readable storage devices having processor readable code embodied thereon, said processor readable code for programming one or more processors to perform a method of processing a digital image using face detection in said image to achieve a desired image processing parameter, the method comprising:

(a) identifying a group of pixels that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image;

(b) determining default values of one or more parameters of at least some portion of said digital image;

(c) adjusting values of the one or more parameters within the digitally-detected image based upon an analysis of said digital image including said image of said face and said default values; and

(d) receiving and executing a manual command to remove a false indication of another face within the image based on a manual indication that the apparatus has automatically falsely identified another group of pixels as being a face.

10. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the digital image comprising a digitally-acquired image.

11. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the method further comprising manually deciding processing of said digital image based on said face detection.

12. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the method further comprising an automated decision for adjusting values of the one or more parameters.

13. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the method further comprising manually deciding adjusting values of the one or more parameters.

14. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the method being performed within a digital acquisition device.

15. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the face pixels identifying step being automatically performed by an image processing apparatus, the method further comprising manually adding an indication of at least one other face within the image.

16. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the face pixels identifying step being automatically performed by an image processing apparatus, the method further comprising manually verifying correct detection of at least one face within the image.

17. The one or more storage devices of claim 9, the digitally-detected image comprising a digitally-captured image.

18. A portable digital image acquisition device including a lens and an image sensor for acquiring a digital image, and a processor for performing image processing on the digital image, and one or more processor readable storage devices having processor readable code embodied thereon, said processor readable code for programming the processor to perform a method of processing the digital image using face detection in said image to achieve a desired image processing parameter, the method comprising:

(a) identifying a group of pixels that correspond to an image of a face within the digital image;

(b) determining default values of one or more parameters of at least some portion of said digital image;

(c) adjusting values of the one or more parameters within the digital image based upon an analysis of said digital image including said image of said face and said default values; and

(d) receiving and executing a manual command to remove a false indication of another face within the image based on a manual indication that the apparatus has automatically falsely identified another group of pixels as being a face.

19. The device of claim 18, the digital image comprising a digitally-acquired image.

20. The device of claim 18, the method further comprising manually deciding processing of said digital image based on said face detection.

21. The device of claim 18, the method further comprising an automated decision for adjusting values of the one or more parameters.

22. The device of claim 18, the method further comprising manually deciding adjusting values of the one or more parameters.

23. The device of claim 18, the method being performed within a digital acquisition device.

24. The device of claim 18, the face pixels identifying step being automatically performed by an image processing apparatus, the method further comprising manually adding an indication of at least one other face within the image.

25. The device of claim 18, the face pixels identifying step being automatically performed by an image processing apparatus, the method further comprising manually verifying correct detection of at least one face within the image.

26. The device of claim 18, the digitally-detected image comprising a digitally-captured image.