The internet is a pool of information and knowledge openly available to all. The possibilities are endless. This information is aided by a platform wherein you input your keywords to be able to get what you are searching for. Google is a multinational, publicly-traded organization built around the company’s hugely popular search engine. One of the top search engines in the world, Google today is quite a popular brand as it serves many functions over the internet. Their search engine aids with gaining information, either literary or graphic. For searches made about images, Google has innovated a new technology for a super-resolution image named “zoom and enhance”. This is developed by Google Brain and DeepMind, two of Alphabet’s deep learning research arms.The new technology essentially uses a pair of neural networks, which are fed an 8 x 8-pixel image and are then able to create an approximation of what it thinks the original image would look like.
This neural network does not magically enhance the image, just to be clear. These are only predictions of what the image may best look like. There are two neural networks involved. These are named the conditioning network and the prior network. The conditioning network is the rough skeleton of the process where it basically maps out the pixels of the 8 x 8-pixel image into a similar looking but higher resolution image. Here, the Google software downsizes high resolution photos to match the 8×8 source image. The second part of the process is the “prior network,” which takes the image and adds more details by using other, already existing images that have similar pixel maps. They use the implementation of PixelCNN in processing the image. When these parts have done their parts, the two of them combine forming a better resolute image. The transformation is quite amazing actually as the rendered images are quite close to the original. These, however, are not reliable sources for legal cases as these can give false findings.
Video Courtesy of Youtube:
These processed images called “hallucinations” are just best guesses. These can be used in surveillance and forensics but should not be regarded as real evidence as this can only give us a lead. This new advancement is Google’s way of advancing their services to the public. Google has gone a long way in the information technology timeline. They have emerged competitively, able to address the needs of their audience. The many platforms they created, the many innovations they have added to better their service is a goal for the company to continue to achieve. The internet has a wide database readily available for exploration. Almost all of the answer to your concerns and uncertainties can be found on the web. As social media has opened the doors to information sharing via social sites and the like, there is vulnerability to the information shared. It would still be best to think twice on what you plan to put out in the open for you can never get it back. Once data is sent, it is broadcasted around the world and you no longer have control over it.
Author : KC Curay
