Inclusiveness and diverse representation of skin tones in smartphone imaging technology are critical issues for underrepresented users in emerging markets around the world. TECNO’s “Universal Tone” technology, an advanced AI-powered multi-skin tone imaging technology, is the brand’s response to this challenge. The new #ToneProud campaign aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in smartphone imaging. We had the opportunity to chat with Elva Zhou, Director of Image Quality Testing and Evaluation (IQA) Department at TECNO’s Image Quality Testing Lab, to discuss the technology, its importance, and its value to users. Zhou emphasizes that TECNO’s Universal Tone technology was developed with the goal of capturing accurate and appropriate representations of the color and texture of each skin tone in smartphone photography. She identifies a number of challenges to overcome in this innovative endeavor and explains why other technologies are failing to meet users’ needs. In particular, she highlights the limitations of current technologies in terms of accuracy, citing limited or biased databases, as well as an insufficient ability to adapt to difficult lighting conditions or diverse skin tones.
Capturing a diversity of skin tones has always been a major challenge for imaging technology. In the early days of photography, work and film were primarily calibrated for lighter skin tones. This has influenced the development of photographic technology, making the accurate capture of darker skin tones and minority skin tones an ongoing challenge.
Today, in the era of AI, the representation of skin tones in mobile imaging faces new challenges. Smartphone camera technologies have integrated advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to help optimize hardware and debug imaging. However, AI itself faces challenges due to limited or biased databases. Zhou thus emphasizes the need to continuously train and improve AI imaging systems to ensure fairer and more accurate representation of skin tones.
What sets TECNO’s Universal Tone technology apart from other smartphone imaging technologies is that it is not limited to imaging but is a comprehensive system that solves the problems encountered in multi-tone skin capture. It considers the entire spectrum of human skin tones to ensure inclusivity from the start.
TECNO Universal Tone’s technological innovation prioritizes underrepresented skin tones in mobile imaging technology, especially for emerging markets in Africa, including Nigeria. It has built the industry’s largest inclusive skin tone database and developed an advanced skin tone restoration and calibration algorithm to address the issue of inaccurate skin tone representation.
In conclusion, TECNO’s Universal Tone technology represents a significant step forward towards a more fair and equitable representation of skin tones in smartphone imaging.,[‘This innovation demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, providing a more authentic and representative photography experience for all users, regardless of their skin tone. By fostering inclusive research and development and a deeper scientific approach, TECNO is positioning itself as a pioneer in promoting equal representation in the mobile technology space.’]