The Technology
Look's Optical Processing Engine (OPE) accelerates image recognition using two main components: image characterization and image search. The characterization is done using patented hardware for optical image processing while searching is accomplished using software-based GPU accelerated search algorithms.
The Characterization
Using the latest in FPGA hardware combined with a patented optical processing system, Look Dynamics' OPE performs high-speed feature extraction of logical object information from digital images and videos by reducing the images into an extremely compact set of rotational-pixels, called rixels. For every x,y location in the image the rixels represent both light energy and orientations of that light energy. This rotational information is key to feeding the search algorithms.
The Search
Look Dynamics has harnessed the power and parallelism of today's latest GPU-based graphics cards to dramatically decrease image search times. Look's proprietary search algorithms use the rixel information to determine the relationships between image structures. Using user-supplied targets, these relationships are exploited to increase accuracy of matches and decrease search times.
The System
The characterization and search components are independently scalable giving the system even greater flexibility to adapt to the user's needs. Where certain applications might have multiple analysts working on a single stream of video, one Optical Processor can handle the characterization load while a multiple GPU system can handle the multiple user search queries. Another application might require the simultaneous characterization of thousands of large-format digital images but a small search target population; multiple Optical Modules can easily work in parallel and feed a single search system. Many combinations are possible thanks to seamless integration between characterization and search systems.