PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Principle Architect, NVIDIA, 2007-Present
Research and development of image processing pipeline for GoForce handheld GPUs.

Distinguished Scientist / Senior Manager, Advanced R&D, Micron Technology, 2006-2007
Led a team of 4 and developed a research plan that combines long-term strategic research with short-term transfers to products. The research is in the area of harnessing all of the dynamic information that is available to the camera to deliver the best possible image quality, and to invent and enable new applications that can use the new capabilities dynamic information provides. Architected a low-cost system for improving CMOS SOC image quality under low-light conditions. Considerations included gate count, memory transactions and memory footprint, and the computational requirements were minimized through the use of integer arithmetic. Applied for four patents on the designs. Led the team to implement the architecture and successfully transferred it to the product team. Presented a demo to a major cellphone manufacturer and assisted the sales team to convey the benefits of the new technology. Press Release

Program Lead, Video Restoration, Hewlett Packard Laboratories, 2004-2006
Technical lead for a team of 6 scientists. Engineered and implemented a video restoration pipeline for commercial HD broadcast. Invented new processing algorithms and applied for 15 patents on the pipeline, including noise filtering, resolution enhancement, automatic color correction, lens vignette correction, geometric distortion correction. Presented results to Warner Brothers executives and secured go-ahead for deployment. Worked with legal team and external engineers to transfer the software application to Warner Brothers. Press release at http://www.hpl.hp.com/news/2006/apr-jun/movie.html local copy

Senior Scientist, Imaging, Hewlett Packard Laboratories, 2000-2004
Led a team of 2 scientists, 2 interns and a technician to develop new tools for mobile and wireless imaging appliances and to improve the consumer camera imaging pipeline. Developed new camera and palmtop camera proof-of-concept prototypes, for image organization and sharing, wireless printing, small panel display viewing, microdisplay UI, onboard image manipulation, evaluation and enhancement. Developed software for improved camera-back LCD display. Implemented methods in TI firmware on HP camera platform. Developed alternative sensors for new camera, including alternatives to Bayer mosaic with improved demosaicing. Developed and applied for patents on improved color correction with reduced image noise. Invented and patented techniques to improve autofocus search. Invented techniques for on-camera panoramic image stitching, shipped in HP 700 series cameras. Demonstrated proof-of-concept wireless image and device management.

Research Scientist, Image Quality, Hewlett Packard Laboratories, 1995-1999
Developed technology for display systems. Designed models of LED illumination for head-mounted LCD microdisplay. Characterized and evaluated camera-back LCD systems with goniospectrophotometry. Developed prototype optical system for document capture device. Conducted human factors study of color field-sequential display artifacts. Invented algorithms and hardware prototypes for hardcopy color image processing. Developed software and hardware tools for the extraction and analysis of print defects, and applied the same tools to descreening halftoned images. Designed a model of visual sensitivity to spatial patterns. Managed five summer interns and led studies in scanner color reproduction, printer banding visibility, web-based visual quality analysis and digital camera user interface. Conducted analysis of electrophotographic print defects including ghosting and toner light scatter. Assisted with the development of optical systems for digital capture devices. Developed new statistical tools that allow hardcopy quality experiments to be conducted efficiently. Worked with division partners to produce a new digital camera prototype and applied for a patent on the design.

Research Assistant, University of California, Berkeley, 1990-1995.
Developed a spatial filter model of visual perception for use with image compression systems. Invented an image compression method for encoding image enhancement instructions with JPEG image files (United States Patent 5,822,458). Constructed a cellular automaton model of visual cortex development. Conducted an experiment that revealed motion effects on spatial acuity.

EARLIER WORK: (details on request) Graduate student instructor in optics, Professional programmer, Computer consultant and PC repair, Pharmacology laboratory assistant-scientist.

SKILLS

Hardware: LED, LCD, microdisplay, CMOS and CCD sensor, thermal inkjet and electrophotographic image generation, display processing techniques, characterization and metrology. Motion sensor expert, microgyro and accelerometer.
Firmware: ATMEL MEGA, TI MSP430
Programming languages including: Matlab, C++ and variants, Java, Unix scripting, Perl, and most other commonly used languages. Expert in Postscript. Operating Systems: Primarily Windows, with experience in Windows Mobile, Unix, MacOS, Symbian.
Web: Developed client/server software for web imaging. TCP/IP, HTML, XML and XSL developer.
Software Packages: 3DSMAX Scripting (coded custom model exporter).
Statistics, image analysis in Matlab and Optimas, optics design with OSLO-6
Laboratory procedure: including safety procedures, experimental design and the construction of test equipment and prototypes
Mechanics: Basic competency with machine tool operation including mill and lathe, basic electronics and mechanics. Fabricated prototype imaging devices. Machined lens barrels and optics fixtures. Technical glassblowing for lab glassware fabrication.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, 1999
M.S. Physiological Optics, University of California, Berkeley, 1991
B.A. Computer Science, Oberlin College, 1987

Patents

13 Granted US Patents
7,190,805 Method of and system for edge watermarking of an image
7,187,412 Pointing device for digital camera display
7,165,268 Digital signatures for tangible medium delivery
7,133,148 Digital camera for image device calibration
7,061,532 Single sensor chip digital stereo camera
7,050,978 System and method of providing evaluation feedback to a speaker while giving a real-time oral presentation
6,970,156 Collapsible computer mouse
6,882,755 Image transmission for low bandwidth region of interest
6,781,069 Method and apparatus for virtual interaction with physical documents
6,590,764 Palmtop computer stand
5,920,653 Multiple spatial channel printing
5,822,469 Post-filter for improving halftone image sharpness
5,822,458 Precomputing and encoding compressed image enhancement instructions

48 Published US Patent Applications
20070110420 Image capture system having an adjustable focal length and related method
20070097252 Imaging methods, cameras, projectors, and articles of manufacture
20060283962 Data encoding pattern
20060279639 Method and system for deblurring an image based on motion tracking
20060268345 Method and system for detecting image defects
20060228003 Method and apparatus for detection of optical elements
20060226337 Digital image denoising
20060210191 Artifact reduction in a digital video
20060204128 System and method for correcting image vignetting
20060187308 Method for deblurring an image
20060187234 System and method for blending images
20060170816 Method and system for automatically adjusting exposure parameters of an imaging device
20060169021 Method and apparatus for calibration of a motion sensing device in a portable apparatus
20060115182 System and method of intensity correction
20060115181 System and method of aligning images
20060115178 Artifact reduction in a digital video
20060115174 Blur estimation in a digital image
20060114994 Noise reduction in a digital video
20060114358 Artifact reduction in a digital video
20060093234 Reduction of blur in multi-channel images
20060092314 Autofocus using a filter with multiple apertures
20060072176 Creating composite images based on image capture device poses corresponding to captured images
20050226531 System and method for blending images into a single image
20050168589 Method and system for processing an image with an image-capturing device
20050151860 Image sensing device and method
20050146634 Cameras, optical systems, imaging methods, and optical filter configuration methods
20050146622 Pointing device for digital camera display
20050094006 Imaging apparatuses, image data processing methods, and articles of manufacture
20050063583 Digital picture image color conversion
20040252202 Image data processing methods, imaging apparatuses, and articles of manufacture
20040218069 Single image digital photography with structured light for document reconstruction
20040218062 Digital video imaging devices and methods
20040202443 Remote high resolution photography and video recording using a streaming video as a view-finder
20040179121 System and method for displaying captured images according to imaging device position
20040119869 Dual sensor camera
20040085455 Pointing device for digital camera display
20040066457 System and method for remote controlled photography
20040017937 Robot having an imaging capability
20030206183 Method of digitally distorting an image while preserving visual integrity
20030202678 Method of and system for edge watermarking of an image
20030202007 System and method of providing evaluation feedback to a speaker while giving a real-time oral presentation
20030142374 Digital camera for image device calibration
20030122846 Method of processing an image for display and system of same
20030090865 Palmtop computer stand
20030077002 Image transmission for low bandwidth with region of interest
20020158921 Method and apparatus for virtual oversized display using a small panel display as a movable user interface
20020140835 Single sensor chip digital stereo camera
20020079143 Method and apparatus for virtual interaction with physical documents