Abstract:
Provided are techniques for processing a subset of a plurality of video frames to produce a 3D model of a particular element within each frame of the subset; processing the plurality of video frames to identify a particular feature within the particular element in each frame of the plurality of frames in which the particular feature appears to produce a plurality of instances of the element, each instance of the plurality of instances associated with a corresponding frame of the plurality of frames; modifying each instance of the plurality of instances in accordance with use parameters and in conformity with the 3D model to generate a plurality of modified instances; and replacing each instance of the plurality of instances with a corresponding modified instance in the corresponding frame of the plurality of frames to produce a modified video file.

Description:
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The claimed subject matter relates generally to image modification and, more specifically, to the dynamic retouching of live video images. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Manipulation of digital pictures to make the images more appealing is well known in the advertising and entertainment fields. Human faces and bodies are commonly the targets of such “photo retouching” or simply “retouching.” While retouching was once done exclusively by specialized people, or “retouching artists,” the process has in recent years become automated and performed by computing devices. Such automated photo retouching may be a complement or replacement for traditional makeup, hair and lighting experts. 
         [0003]    In computing systems, faces may he automatically detected, measured and modified according to specific “fitness” criteria such as, but not limited to rules on dimension and color. In the case of video images, multiple frames may need modification such that the changes remain consistent through successive frames in a particular sequence of frames. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Provided are techniques for processing a subset of a plurality of video frames to produce a 3D model of a particular element within each frame of the subset; processing the plurality of video frames to identify a particular feature within the particular element in each frame of the plurality of frames in which the particular feature appears to produce a plurality of instances of the element, each instance of the plurality of instances associated with a corresponding frame of the plurality of frames; modifying each instance of the plurality of instances in accordance with user-defined parameters and in conformity with the 3D model to generate a plurality of modified instances; and replacing, each instance of the plurality of instances with a corresponding modified instance in the corresponding frame of the plurality of frames to produce a modified video file. 
         [0005]    This summary is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will he or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    A better understanding of the claimed subject matter can be obtained when the following, detailed description of the disclosed embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following figures, in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a Video Capture and Editing Architecture (VCEA) on which the claimed subject matter may be implemented. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an Automatic Photograph Retouching System (APRS) that may implement the claimed subject matter. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an example of a flowchart of “Modify Video” process that may implement aspects of the claimed subject matter. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an example of a flowchart of “Model Frames” process that may implement aspects of the claimed subject matter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is one example of a video frame that may be analyzed and modified in accordance with the claimed subject matter. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a modified video frame, based upon the video frame first introduced in  FIG. 5 , after modification in accordance with the claimed subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. 
         [0014]    Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0015]    A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may he any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. 
         [0016]    Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may he transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable. RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. 
         [0017]    Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user&#39;s computer, partly on the user&#39;s computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user&#39;s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user&#39;s computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). 
         [0018]    Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0019]    These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0020]    The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational actions to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. 
         [0021]    Turning now to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a Video Capture and Editing Architecture (VCEA)  100  on which the claimed subject matter may be implemented. A computing system  102  includes a central processing unit (CPU)  104 , coupled to a display  106 , a keyboard  108  and a pointing device, or “mouse,”  110 , which together facilitate human interaction with VCEA  100  and computing system  102 . Also included in computing system  102  and attached to CPU  104  is a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM)  112 , which may either he incorporated into client system  102  i.e. an internal device, or attached externally to CPU  104  by means of various, commonly available connection devices such as but not limited to, a universal serial bus (USB) port (not shown). CRSM  112  is illustrated storing an operating system (OS)  114  and an Automatic Photograph Retouching System (APRS)  116  that incorporates the claimed subject matter. APRS  116  is described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-6 . 
         [0022]    In this example, computing system  102  and CPU  104  are connected to the Internet  120 , which is also connected to a server computer, or simply “server,”  122 . Although in this example, computing system  102  and server  122  are communicatively coupled via the Internet  120 , they could also be coupled through any number of communication mediums such as, but not limited to, a local area network (LAN) (not shown). Coupled to server  122  is a CRSM  124 . Typically, server  122  would also include a CPU, display, keyboard and mouse, like  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110 , but for the sake of simplicity they are not shown. 
         [0023]    Also included in VCEA  100  is a video camera  126 , which is illustrated with a wireless connection  128  to the Internet  120 . Wireless connection  128  is used as one example of a means to transmit video files captured by video camera  126  to other devices such as computing system  100  and server  122 . One with skill in the relevant arts will appreciate that they are many transmission devices such as, but not limited to, memory sticks and cables. Video camera  126  is used as an example of a device other than computing system  102  and server  122  that may also incorporate the disclosed technology as described below in conjunction with APRS  116 . Other devices not illustrated that may incorporate the claimed subject matter, perhaps in conjunction with a built-in video recording device, include, but are not limited to, tablet computers and smart phones. Further, it should be noted there are many possible video capture and editing architectures and configurations, of which VCEA  100  is only one simple example. Further, the claimed subject matter does not necessarily have to he implemented upon devices that capture video as the disclosed technology is also applicable to devices that merely process video files captured by other devices. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of APRS  16 , first introduced in  FIG. 1 , in greater detail. APRS  116  includes an input/output (I/O) module  140 , a data module  142 , a feature detection module (FDM)  144 , a feature tracking module (FTM)  146 , a Modeling module  148  and a Modification and Rendering module (MRM)  150 . For the sake of the following examples, APRS  116  is assumed to be stored in CRSM  112  ( FIG. 1 ) and execute on one or more processors (not shown) of computing system  102  ( FIG. 1 ). It should be understood that the claimed subject matter can be implemented in many types of computing systems and video capture and storage systems but for the sake of simplicity, is described only in terms of APRS  116  ( FIG. 1 ) and computing system  102 . For example, APRS  116  may be configured to be stored and executed on server  122  ( FIG. 1 ) and video camera  126  ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0025]    Further, the representation of APRS  116  in  FIG. 2  is a logical model. In other words, components  140 ,  141 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148  and  150  may be stored in the same or separates files and loaded and/or executed within architecture  100 , computing system  102 , server  122  or video camera  126  either as a single system or as separate processes interacting via any available inter process communication (UPC) techniques. 
         [0026]    Input/Output (I/O) module  140  handles any communication APRS  116  has with other components of APRS  116  and computing system  102 . Included in module  140  is a graphical user interface (GUI)  141 . GUI  141  enables users of APRS  116  to interact with and to define the desired functionality of APRS  116 . 
         [0027]    Data module  142  is a data repository for information, including model and parameters, that APRS  116  requires during normal operation. Examples of the types of information stored in data module  142  include model data  152 , modeling rules  154  and operational parameters  156 . Model data  152  stores both 3D model templates and 3D models generated by APRS  116 , sometimes based upon the templates. For example there might he various templates for rendering a human head with a model for a specific head detected within a video file based upon a modification of a similar, selected template. Throughout the Specification, the primary example will be the modeling and rendering of a human head and facial features although it should he understood that the disclosed techniques are equally applicable to other video elements. 
         [0028]    Modeling rules  154  stores various algorithms for extrapolating data with respect to models stored in model data  152 . In addition to various geometric rules, addition rules might include, but are not limited to, the ratios of distances between facial features, rules for correction due to the angle of and distance to a facial feature such as eyes, nose and mouth. Addition rules may apply to a deformation of a 3D mesh corresponding to a model, e.g., plastic deformation, or to the color of individual pixels depending upon lighting, angle and other criteria, e.g. makeup and skin polishing. Operation parameters  156  stores user set parameters for controlling APRS  116 . Examples include, but are not limited to, resolution of changes or input, e.g. pixels/inch, a number of frames to use for establishing as 3D mesh and an indication of specific algorithms for procedures for addressing missing pixels and feature-removal. 
         [0029]    FDM  144  processes images to detect specific, defined features within the images. For example, FDM  144  may be directed to detect and store data relating to the presence of faces in the images of a video tile (see  310 ,  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Other types of features that may be detected for processing include, but are not limited to, apparel, vehicles and architectural elements. 
         [0030]    FTM  146  generates a frame by frame correlation of features detected by FDM  144 . MM  148  uses the data from FDM  144  and FTM  146  to generate a 3D model of the identified and tracked feature(s) (see  330 ,  FIG. 6 ). Although as model might be extrapolated from a single video frame based upon assumption about the particular feature, a more accurate model may be obtained from addition images that show different perspectives. The specific number of images employed to generate a model may be defined by a user (see  156 ). As explained above, generated models are stored in models  152 . 
         [0031]    MRM  150  modifies features identified by FEW  144  and tracked by FTM  146  in accordance with modeling rules  154 , operational parameters  156  and corresponding models  152 . Components  142 ,  144 ,  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  and  156  are described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 3-6 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is an example of a flowchart of “Modify Video” process  200  that may implement aspects of the claimed subject matter. In this example, process  200  is associated with logic stored in conjunction with APRS  116  on CRSM  112  ( FIG. 1 ) and executed on one or more processors (not shown) of CPU  104  of computing system  102 . It should be understood that computing system  192  is only one example of a device or devices that may implement the claimed subject matter. 
         [0033]    Process  200  starts in a “Begin Modify Video” block  202  and proceeds immediately to a “Receive Video” block  204 . During processing associated with block  204 , a video file is received for processing. Although described with respect to batch processing of a video file, it should be understood that aspects of the disclosed technology may also be processed frame by frame, i.e. serially. During processing associated with a “Receive Instructions” block  206 , the particular modifications and operational parameters  156  ( FIG. 2 ) that are to he applied to the video file received during processing associated with block  204  are retrieved. Such instructions may be received from a hatch file corresponding to the particular video file or collected interactively from a user via GUI  141  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0034]    During processing associated with a “Model Frames”  208 , a particular feature or features identified in the instructions received during processing associated with block  206  are identified (see FDM  144 ,  FIG. 2 ), tracked (see FTM  146 ,  FIG. 2 ) and modeled (see MM  148 ,  FIG. 2 ). As explained above in conjunction with  FIG. 2 , a specific number of images employed in the modeling process may be defined with an operational parameter. Model Frames block  208  is described in more detail below in conjunction with a Model Frames process  250  of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0035]    During processing associated with a “Get Next Frame” block  210 , the next frame for processing is identified. Typically, during the first time through block  210 , the first frame that includes the feature targeted for modification is the next frame. During processing associated with an “Identify Feature(s)” block  212 , the particular feature or features targeted for modification are identified in the frame retrieved during processing associated with block  210 . During processing associated with a “modify Feature(s)” block  214 , the feature or features identified during processing associated with block  212  are modified in accordance with the instructions received during processing associated with block  206 . Once modified, the frame is saved in either the original tile or a modified video file. 
         [0036]    During processing associated with a “More Frames?” block  216 , a determination is made as to whether or not there are more frames to process. If so, control returns to block  210 , the next frame is retrieved and processing continues as described above. It should be noted that a particular feature may appear in non-successive frames, i.e. a multiple intervals in a video file. In that case, the next frame may not he the next frame in the video file but rather the next frame in the video file that includes the identified feature or features. If, during block  216 , a determination is made that there are no more frames to process, control proceeds to an “End Modify Video” block  219  in which process  200  is complete. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an example of a flowchart of a “Model Frames” process  250  that may implement aspects of the claimed subject matter. Like process  200  ( FIG. 3 ), in this example, process  250  is associated with logic stored in conjunction with APRS  116  on CRSM  112  ( FIG. 1 ) and executed on one or more processors (not shown) of CPU  104  of computing system  102 .  FIG. 4  is described using the modeling of a human face as an example although it should be understood that other types of features employ similar techniques. 
         [0038]    Process  250  starts in a “Begin Model Frames” block  252  and proceeds immediately to a “Get First N Frames” block  254 . During processing associated with block  254 , a specified number of frames corresponding to a video file to be modified are retrieved, The specific number ‘N’ may be specified by means of a user defined parameter (see  156 ,  FIG. 2 ) of calculated during processing to ensure a specified accuracy. As is known to those with skill in the relevant arts, the more frames that are employed during processing associated with blocks  254  and  256 , i.e. the higher the value of ‘N’, the more accurate representation that can be generated. For example, to generate a 3D model from one (I) frame requires many assumptions about the shape of a particular feature. If frames showing a feature from multiple angles and perspectives are employed, fewer assumptions are necessary and a resulting 3D model is typically more accurate. 
         [0039]    During processing associated with a “Get Frame” block  256 , one of the frames selected during processing associated with block  254  is identified for processing. Typically, frames are processed in chronological order and, therefore during the first iteration through block  256 , the first frame selected is the one that was captured earliest. During processing associated with an “Identify Elements” block  258 , in this example, human thee presence and position is detected by running face detection algorithms, which are well known to those with sill in the relevant arts and are currently implemented even in consumer-level product such as photo cameras (see  144 ,  FIG. 2 ). The information gathered is saved for later processing. 
         [0040]    During processing associated with a “More Frames?” block  260 , a determination is made as to whether or not all the frames identified during processing associated with block  254  have been processed. If not, processing returns to block  256 , the next unprocessed frame is selected and processing continues as described above. If so, control proceeds to “Correlate Frame Elements” block  262 . During processing associated with block  262 , the instances of the elements identified during processing associated with block  258  are correlated from frame to frame (see  146 ,  FIG. 2 ). For example, movement of a face between frames, corresponding to differences between instances of the thee in each frame, may be tracked by running feature-tracking algorithms, currently used for security monitoring in public areas. 
         [0041]    During processing associated with a “Build and Save 3D Model” block  264 . the elements identified during processing associated with block  258  and correlated during processing associated with block  262  are employed to generate a 3D model of the particular feature that is to be modified (see  148 ,  FIG. 2 ). Face detection algorithms can map a specific face image to one of a given list of known faces, which is currently performed when searching investigation databases. 3D mesh reconstruction algorithms are run on one or more images, i.e. N images, to create a virtual 3D representation of the face. The feasibility of obtaining an accurate output from this kind of processing is helped by any preliminary information about the 3D model we are reconstructing, e.g., the feature is known to be a human head. A 3D model of the target is created inside the system which may include a 3D mesh and a color corresponding to each of the “pixels” of the surface. Color may he processed to detect shadow areas, e.g., a nose with lateral light will create a shadow on the face. The final model typically includes 3D structure, surface color and lighting information. 
         [0042]    Once 3D modeling has been completed, the model is saved in models  152  ( FIG. 2 ) for use in image modification (see  200 ,  FIG. 3 ). Finally, control proceeds to an “End Model Frames” block  269 , in which process  259  is complete. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is one example of a video frame  300  shown on display  106  ( FIG. 1 ) that may be analyzed and modified in accordance with the claimed subject matter. Display  106  includes a Start button  302  and an application button corresponding to a executing APRS process , or “APRS,”  304 . Buttons such as buttons  302  and  304  will be familiar to those with experience in windows based graphical user interfaces (GUIs). 
         [0044]    Frame  300  is displaying a character  306  with a face  308 . An element ID box  312  is isolating one or more elements, which in the example are face  308  and hair  310  for analysis and modification in accordance with the claimed subject matter. As explained above in conjunction with  FIGS. 3 and 4 , during analysis of a frame such as frame  300 , a 3D model of the selected element is generated. in accordance with current techniques, a 3D modeling grid  314  is generated for face  308  to facilitate the modeling process. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a modified video frame  320 , based upon video frame  309  first introduced in  FIG. 5 , after modification in accordance with the claimed subject matter and displayed on display  106  ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ). Like frame  300 , frame  320  displays character  306  with face  308 . Display  106  also includes buttons  302  and  304  ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0046]    An element ID box  328  has selected particular elements for modification. In this example the color of hair  310  ( FIG. 4 ) has been modified to produce hair  322  and glasses  324  have been added to face  308 . It should be understood that hair  322  and glasses  324  are only two examples of features on face  308  that may be modified in accordance with the claimed subject matter. Other examples include, but are not limited to changing the size or shape of a feature such as a mouth or nose or adding or removing a feature such as a blemish or tattoo. 
         [0047]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
         [0048]    The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to he exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as arc suited to the particular use contemplated. 
         [0049]    The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block, in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, he executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes he executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.