FotoNation Showcases Face Detection and Red-eye Fix for Phones
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Karen Cheung Published on March 07, 2007 Comment on this |
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March 7, 2007 – As camera megapixel count grows on cell phones, users are looking for new ways to make their camera phone pictures better. Software developer FotoNation showcased their latest technology for camera phones at the recent 83rd Photo Marketing Association (PMA), demonstrating software for built-in face recognition and red-eye correction for improved portrait pictures. With their technology already embedded in 60 million digital cameras such as Samsung, Sanyo, Kodak, and Pentax point-and-shoots, FotoNation’s FaceTracker and Red-Eye Detection and Correction could be applied to mobile devices, said FotoNation representatives at PMA.
“Cell phones have strong processors and higher quality now,” said FotoNation CEO Eran Steinberg. “We will see more digital camera tools in cell phones. It’s a natural progression,” he said.
Face detection acts as a priority recognition system to auto focus and properly expose faces. Traditionally, standard cell phones have been restricted to less than perfect image quality, but with the implementation of improved camera sensors and flashes on phones, cell phone pictures are looking up.
FotoNation’s FaceTracker software promises to properly focus and expose up to nine faces in a scene. FaceTracker recognizes frontal faces and profiles, based on lighting conditions and skin tone. The software follows the faces, even moving ones, highlighted by a colored box on the screen. The software promises sharp and well-lit portraits.
Anticipating that more cell phone manufacturers will use flashes with stronger strobes, FotoNation also offers their Red-Eye Detection and Correction. The red-eye fix could be built in the cell phone.
Although demonstrated on the Nokia N93, N73, and N80, according to a company press release, the FotoNation FaceTracker and Red-Eye Detection and Correction could be installed on any mobile phone, according to Steinberg. FotoNation has not officially announced any partnering mobile manufacturers.
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