Digital camera & digital photography resources
for professional & amateur photographers

FACE DETECTION: THE LATEST ADDITION TO FUJIFILM’S REAL PHOTO TECHNOLOGYMEANS BETTER PEOPLE PICTURES – AUTOMATICALLY

A Technology Backgrounder

Valhalla, NY, July 12, 2006 – The advanced Face Detection Technology system built into Fujifilm’s new FinePix S6000fd digital camera is based on the Image Intelligence technology found in Fujifilm’s Frontier Digital Lab Systems, used by photofinishers to produce large volumes of top-quality photo prints. Face Detection is a selectable option the camera user can turn on whenever human subjects are the focal point of a picture.

Once Face Detection is activated, it automatically identifies faces in the scene and prioritizes them in as little as 0.05 seconds. It simultaneously displays a green rectangle around the top-priority face, and a white one around other faces before the picture is taken. Using this information, the FinePix S6000fd is able to focus more precisely on the main subjects and execute the best possible exposure.

The end result is sharper, more natural looking people pictures. Since Face Detection is an integral part of Fujifilm’s Real Photo Technology system, it also is linked to Fujifilm’s i-Flash intelligent flash system, for the proper exposure of flash pictures taken indoors and in low light.

How does Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology differ from other such systems?
Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology is distinguished by its advanced structural design. There is an LSI (large-scale integrated circuit) embedded within the FinePix S6000fd for the sole purpose of running the Face Detection Technology. This hardware-based set-up provides several advantages over a separate, peripheral program within the camera, most notably the ability to quickly identify up to 10 faces simultaneously.

What are the application advantages of Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology?
Even if the subject is off to one side, the FinePix S6000fd, with Face Detection Technology activated, will automatically focus on the person rather than trees in the background or objects in the foreground that may happen to fall in the center of the frame. Since the system is capable of evaluating and scoring up to 10 faces at once, it will automatically provide the best possiblefocus.

Fujifilm’s Face Detection Technology also helps in delivering the most flattering exposure of the main subject by basing the exposure on the priority faces. No more dark, underexposed faces just because the main light happens to be behind the subjects or the background is too light or too dark.

Advanced Face Detection and i-Flash: A perfect combination
What happens when flash is needed? The sophisticated i-Flash system built into Fujifilm’s FinePix S6000fd works together with Face Detection Technology to deliver more accurate flash exposures too. First, the Face Detection system identifies the priority subject and calculates its distance from the camera. Then it hands off the automatic flash exposure decision to the i-Flash system, which adjusts the power output accordingly. Result: Fewer occurrences of washed-out faces of people positioned close to the camera or underexposedpictures of subjects farther away.

Real Photo Technology: Better pictures all the time
Face Detection is just the latest addition to Fujifilm’s Real Photo Technology. This integrated system includes Fujifilm’s 6th generation Super CCD sensor, the state-of-the-art Fujifilm RP II image processor, Fujinon lenses optimized for outstanding performance in capturing digital images, Picture Stabilization that combines higher light sensitivities with faster shutter speeds to reduce blur, and the i-Flash system.

About Fujifilm
Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc. is a subsidiary of Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. and delivers technology solutions to meet the imaging and information needs of retailers, consumers, professionals and business customers. As a global leader in digital imaging, Fujifilm pioneered the development of digital medical systems, and today is the leader in digital minilab systems. The company was ranked number 15 for U.S. patents granted during 2004, employs more than 75,000 people worldwide and in the year ending March 31, 2006, had global revenues of $22.8 billion.

In the United States, Fujifilm is a leader in delivering high quality, easy-to-use imaging and information solutions in the following categories: Digital Imaging Systems, Film and Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media, Motion Picture Film, Graphic Arts and Printing Systems and Medical Imaging and Diagnostics Systems. Fujifilm is an environmentally friendly, humane enterprise and an exemplary corporate citizen.

For more information on Fujifilm products, consumers can call 800-800-FUJI or access the Fujifilm USA Web site at www.fujifilmusa.com.

Consumers also can receive news and information direct from Fujifilm USA via RSS. Subscription is free at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

Report this to a moderator | IP: Logged