Google and UC Berkeley researchers create AI that can remove shadows from images

Researchers with the University of California Berkeley and Google Research have published a new paper detailing an AI that can remove unwanted shadows from images. The algorithm focuses on two different types of shadows -- ones from external objects and ones naturally resulting from facial features -- and works to either remove or soften them in order to maintain a natural appearance. Whereas professional images are often taken in a studio with proper lighting, the average snapshot of a person is taken'in the wild' where lighting conditions may be harsh, causing dark shadows that obscure parts of the subject's face while other parts are covered with excessive highlights. The newly developed AI is designed to address this problem by targeting those unwanted shadows and highlights, removing and softening them until a clearer subject remains. The researchers say their tool works in a'realistic and controllable way,' and it could prove useful for more than just images captured in casual settings.