FujiFilm has a new technology for searching pictures, which is called "Face Search." It works just like it sounds.

The basic process consists of highlighting a face in o­ne picture, pressing "search," and the software will display other pictures that feature the same person.

I'd like to see this in action myself before investing any money o­n a product because it features this technology. Scanning images for particular objects never has had great results, and reminds me too much of Blade Runner.

At Photokina 2004, FujiFilm displayed the "F-NEXT IMAGE VIEWER" portable photo viewer, which seems pretty standard. It features a 3.6" QVGA screen, 2GB capacity, and CF slot. But that's not important.

What is important is the inclusion of a new image searching function called "Face Search." Faces pictured in images stored inside the hard drive will be recognized, and the technology allows for searching images in which the same person is pictured.

Although there is already similar technology existing for PCs that will create the same results, FujiFilm has said this technology has been developed to face-search a large volume of pictures PC-less. While it can search for patterns other than faces, FujiFilm's point of view is "people occur most commonly in family pictures," so the face searching is key.

Furthermore, since the photo view is an experimental unit, there are not yet plans for commercialization - but FujiFilm has said they are aiming for a price around 20,000 yen.

"Face Search" process (thanks to DC Watch for these pics)


1. Choose an image from the thumbnail display that pictures the person you wish to search for.


2. Choose search mode...


3. o­nly the faces are highlighted, so choose which person it is you wish to search for.


4. o­nly images picturing the designated person will be displayed.

Inspired by:
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/other/2004/10/01/183.html