Hakuhodo launches image-recognition app platform

The platform was developed with image recognition software called 'Gaziru', from Japanese electronics giant NEC. It has improved the accuracy of recognising images of objects, regardless of the angle from which they are photographed, including identifying ads.

The Kokoku Plus app also records a GPS location and time stamp for each picture, so the information sent by advertisers can be varied based on where and when an ad is encountered. It requires no registration or personal information from users to operate.

The app uses image-matching technology with an online database of ads to send relevant offers or data back to the user.

Kokoku Plus has already been launched in Japan with support from Japanese advertisers including Daihatsu, Hitachi, and Suntory. It will be rolled out across the Asia-Pacific region in the next few weeks, according to the agency.