Snapchat Could Feature Filters That Recognize the Objects in Your Photos

Soon, the next time you’re snapping a picture of your morning coffee, you might see a Starbucks ad overlaid on top of it.

In February of last year, Snapchat filed a patent application for “object recognition-based photo filters.” The patent application was published by the patent office earlier this month, according to The Verge.

The patent hints at technology that can detect specific objects within a photograph. It could then provide filters and even ads based on those objects.

For example, if you’re taking a picture of the Empire State Building, then Snapchat could detect it and add filters that could add King Kong to the skyscraper based on your perspective, according to the patent.

And that’s just one example. The patent describes other uses for the technology, including filters of a restaurant’s menu becoming available when you’re snapping their food, and nutrition fact filters when the app recognizes a specific product.

Additionally, the patent says that the filters could include audio and visual effects — similar to some of Snapchat’s already existing facial recognition filters.

“The addition of labels, drawings and other artworks to photographs provides a compelling way for users to personalize, supplement and enhance these photographs,” the patent reads.

But while Snapchat might says that the primary goal of the tech is to “personalize,” the company isn’t letting that distract them from brainstorming ways of monetizing object-recognition filters.

A figure included in the patent shows how a snap of a coffee could trigger a coupon filter that could be redeemed in-store, according to Business Insider.

It’s important to note that the company hasn’t officially announced this type of object-based recognition yet — and the feature might still be a ways off.

As The Verge notes, it’s just a patent application, which means that nothing about the feature is currently set in stone.