A man in the Seminole Heights section of Tampa shot and killed four strangers over a period of a few weeks. Security cameras helped authorities observe the gait of his walking motion, one of several methods now being used to identify criminals and certain other individuals.
While the Tampa man's own miscue led to his arrest, human gait is used in Beijing and Shanghai with cameras up to 165 feet away.
Yesterday we focused on DNA. Today, other methods of identification:
Face. A camera measures eye socket, nose, chin and other features, sometimes in 3-D. Airport security, marketing firms and smartphone features use facial recognition.
Ear. Sound rays and light rays map the shape and size of the outer ear. Ears someday may replace employee badges and hospital bracelets.
Iris. Near-infrared light reveals patterns in the iris, even through eye glasses and contact lenses...as used by security and border control at airports. India is collecting iris data on all 1.3 billion citizens.
What would you think of the USA doing that?
Retina. Infrared light shows retinal blood vessels in patterns that can't be faked. The FBI and CIA verify insiders with retina scans.
Veins. Near-infrared light reveals veins in the hand or face, and blood flow can be tracked. This and other methods - voice, odor, hand scans - are not particularly effective.
Smithsonian
Jimmy
No comments:
Post a Comment