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Surveillance Cameras Get Smarter

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the walk-without-rhythm-and-you-won't-attract-the-one dept.

kog777 writes to mention that the IB Times is taking a look at where surveillance camera technology is headed. Soon researchers tell us that cameras will be available that not only record, but are able to interpret what they see. "The advancements have already been put to work. For example, cameras in Chicago and Washington can detect gunshots and alert police. Baltimore installed cameras that can play a recorded message and snap pictures of graffiti sprayers or illegal dumpers. In the commercial market, the gaming industry uses camera systems that can detect facial features, according to Bordes. Casinos use their vast banks of security cameras to hunt cheating gamblers who have been flagged before."

9 of 186 comments (clear)

  1. Gunshots by Threni · · Score: 5, Funny

    > For example, cameras in Chicago and Washington can detect gunshots and alert police

    Can they tell the difference between gunshots and recordings of gunshots played back on people's mobile phones? I think we're about to find out!

    1. Re:Gunshots by maxwell+demon · · Score: 2, Funny

      There's an easy solution to get the crime rate to zero: Just legalize all actions! Sure, it will not prevent those actions (quite the opposite), but since they are no crimes any more, no crimes will be committed. :-)

      --
      The Tao of math: The numbers you can count are not the real numbers.
    2. Re:Gunshots by Profane+MuthaFucka · · Score: 1, Funny

      Probably not a .22, since that's pretty light. And this girl's head was shielded by my balls. Good thing I was born with three.

      --
      Fascism trolls keeping me up every night. When I starts a preachin', he HITS ME WITH HIS REICH!
  2. Re:resistance is futile by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    The scifi authors got it wrong. First of all, the term 'big brother' is a blatant sexism terminology that should be banned, since surveillence is independent of gender. Secondly, unlike the 1984, the technology is so cheap these days, it is accessible by almost everyone. If you think all these 'authorities' are trying to get you, grab a digital camera and SPY THEM BACK AND POST THEM IN THYTUBE! I am so sick and tired of people who whine about how the Orwellian fantasy are becoming true when those are the same people carrying technologies to combat against such scenarios.

  3. Re:The Wii is amatuer to what a camera system can by Tarlus · · Score: 4, Funny

    "You wear different colored gear on your head, upper arms, lower arms, chest, upper legs, lower legs, and your sword. You wear a light VR helmet. Inside the room spawns monsters that you have to fight off with your sword..."

    Well, there's kind of a line between the sleek elegance of the Wiimote, and just flat-out looking like an idiot. :P

    --
    /* No Comment */
  4. oh goodie by band-aid-brand · · Score: 3, Funny

    This has made firecrackers much MUCH more entertaining. *runs off to buy stock in black cat fireworks co.*

  5. If only.. by hack++slash · · Score: 4, Funny

    I could've done with some smart surveillance cameras on my property last night, some fucker stole my two mountain bikes :(

    But the joke's partly on them, one of them was waiting to be junked, brakes shot, chain twisted, chainrings bent, tyres bald, bottom bracket does a very loud SKREEEEEEEE sound when you try and pedal and it weighed half a ton. The other was from Halfords.

    --
    To do something right, you often have to roll up your sleeves and get busy.
  6. Re:Car Stereos by inviolet · · Score: 2, Funny

    A tiny phone speaker isnt going to do it, but some of those thumper stereos they have in those neighborhoods just might set them off.

    It is true -- a thumper stereo can set off even a very advanced gunfire detector... but in a different way than you are thinking:

    • Car equipped with "thumper stereo" drives through a sensor-equipped neighborhood.
    • Quiet, mild-mannered WASP (like me) hears the stereo and so finally crosses the annoyance threshold.
    • WASP opens fire on car.
    • Gunfire sensor detects the sound and notifies the police.
    • Police arrive, survey the scene, and photograph the bullet-riddled car (including the now-destroyed thumper stereo).
    • Evidence is presented to a jury of the WASP's peers, which is statistically certain to include at least one person who has lived near a car equipped with thumper stereo.
    • Jury deliberates for ten minutes and then declars the incident to be "Very, very, very, very justifiable homicide".
    --
    FATMOUSE + YOU = FATMOUSE
  7. Re:Doubt it. by feepness · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you want a pistol shot, use a rifle. If you want a rifle shot, use a shotgun. If you want a shotgun blast, use a Howitzer.

    Crap, I need a Howitzer recording... anyone got a spare atomic weapon?