Samsung reveals AI-based Moon photo detection system

Amid “fake” Moon controversy, Samsung shared an explanation of the AI-powered Moon photo detection system it has used since the Galaxy S21. The company also revealed that users can take a natural shot of the Moon by turning off the Scene Optimizer feature.

Starting the Galaxy S21 series, Samsung applied the AI-based Scene Optimizer feature in the Galaxy Camera app. Using deep learning and AI, this feature upscales the Moon shot and adds further details with processing to deliver a crispy and vibrant shot in Space Zoom.

“Samsung continues to improve Scene Optimizer to reduce any potential confusion that may occur between the act of taking a picture of the real moon and an image of the moon.” Said Samsung.

The Korean tech giant explains, if you have Scene Optimizer turned on, AI detects when you’re taking a clear photo of the Moon at 25X zoom or above. As soon as the camera detects the Moon, the technology lowers the brightness, and captures multiple frames (to produce a bright, low-noise picture).

Later, the AI-based feature uses a neural network to enhance the detail using a high-resolution reference image for comparison. The company also cited that the feature will not work if you either take a snapshot of the obscured Moon or use an image that clearly wasn’t taken on Earth.

“If users wish to take a picture without the support of AI, users can easily deactivate Scene Optimizer by heading to: Camera → Camera Settings → Scene Optimizer → Off“

Samsung may have felt explanation necessary during huge fake criticism of its pro-grade camera technology. A Reddit user shared his experience of experimenting with Moon shot using a Galaxy smartphone, which created critical controversy against Samsung.

With Scene Optimizer turned on, the Reddit user took a shot of a download and blurred image of the Moon, displayed on the monitor. The feature detected the appearance of the Moon and added details and sharpness to the shot to make it crispy as it does in real shots.

Naturally, anyone will call this kind of experience cheating but the reality is that Samsung revealed this technology after the release of the Galaxy S21 series. AI and machine learning technologies are being used in almost all aspects of the tech industry, and if a camera using it, it should not be any controversy.

Samsung AI deep learning for Moon detection:

The Brightness Control Process: