Christina Tong

Title: Christina Tong: Innovator in Augmented Reality Lighting Estimation

Introduction

Christina Tong is a prominent inventor based in Pleasanton, CA (US). She has made significant contributions to the field of augmented reality through her innovative patents. With a total of 2 patents, her work focuses on enhancing lighting estimation techniques for various applications.

Latest Patents

One of Christina's latest patents is titled "Learning illumination from diverse portraits." This invention involves techniques for estimating lighting from portraits by generating a lighting estimate from a single image of a face. It utilizes a machine learning (ML) system that employs multiple bidirectional reflection distribution functions (BRDFs) as a loss function. The ML system is trained using images of faces formed with HDR illumination computed from LDR imagery. The technical solution includes training a lighting estimation model in a supervised manner using a dataset of portraits and their corresponding ground truth illumination.

Another notable patent is "Compute amortization heuristics for lighting estimation for augmented reality." This patent describes systems, methods, and computer program products that obtain a scene lighting estimation captured at a first time period for at least one image of a scene rendered in an Augmented Reality (AR) environment. The implementation includes determining a second image measurement associated with the scene at a second time period and triggering calculations for lighting estimation updates based on the determined function.

Career Highlights

Christina Tong is currently employed at Google Inc., where she continues to push the boundaries of technology in augmented reality. Her work has garnered attention for its innovative approach to lighting estimation, which is crucial for creating realistic AR experiences.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Christina has collaborated with notable individuals in her field, including Chloe LeGendre and Paul E Debevec. These collaborations have further enriched her work and contributed to advancements in augmented reality technologies.

Conclusion

Christina Tong is a trailblazer in the field of augmented reality, with her patents showcasing her expertise in lighting estimation techniques. Her contributions at Google Inc. and collaborations with other innovators highlight her commitment to advancing technology.