Google has just brought a Photo Recognition firm called Neven Vision.
"Neven Vision, a photo recognition firm whose background is in biometrics, for an undisclosed sum. The technology is to be incorporated into Google’s Picasa to improve search of personal photo collections. The company has a strong mobile bent that Google neglects to mention in its post."
The technology that Neven Vision uses for visual recognition is claimed, by Neven Vision, to be the best in the industry.
"Computer Vision, also known as Machine Vision, is a field of technology engaged in teaching computers to "see" and understand visual imagery. Neven Vision is primarily focused on the subset of computer vision known as visual sensing, which is the automated extraction of information about objects or scenes in one or more images.
Neven Vision’s computer vision technology is the fastest in the industry and represents leading accomplishments in this field. Several U.S. patents have been granted to Neven Vision for its unique inventions. U.S. government and independent observers have recognized the underlying technology as most advanced with respect to accuracy, speed and efficiency.
The core building blocks of the company’s vision-enabled products and services are our patented face and object recognition engines. Below is a simple representation of how each of these engines work.
It’s been suggested that the purchase of Neven Vision by Google will enhance Google’s Picasa to improve search of personal photo collections, by GigaOM.
I think it’s more than just for Picasa - by puchasing Neven Vision Google is purchasing a defense contractor of a vital technology that will only grow in demand as more money is put into security.
And if you think further - Neven Vision’s technology would also help Google Images and Google Maps and Google Earth. We can even argue that Nevin Vision’s technology could also work on Froogle’s feeds becasue many Foogle items have photos.
