Mandrake Face Recognition Spy Camera Tested in Australia

[jei@zor.hut.fi]

Way to go UK!

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From: The Sunday Telegraph
Date: 21st Feb 1999


Spy camera test

By Sarah Harris
The Sunday Telegraph, 21st Feb 1999.


A computerised surveillance system which can pick out unwanted
criminals from a crowd may soon be operating in Australian
airports, and train and bus depots.

The Mandrake system- described as the best tool in crimefighting
since the introduction of DNA technology-is under investigation
by several law enforcement and security agencies. The system
operates in much the same way as normal security cameras, but
instead of relying on humans to monitor the footage, surveillance
images are sent back to a computer for analysis.

The computer compares those filmed with a database of photographs
of criminal suspects and known offenders at a rate of 250 per
second. When it registers a match, it sends the signal to the
operator. While the camera keeps recording the scene, the
target's photo is captured at the bottom of the screen next to
the Mandrake's nominated match.

Mandrake's manufacturer, the UK-based Software and System, boasts
it is accurate and untiring.

Marketing director Patricia Oldcorn said: "Unlike a human
surveillance team, Mandrake can work for hours on end without
getting tired and it can also see through disguises that may fool
a human being.


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