Biometrics Advantage
February 29th, 2008
The technologies that measure and analyze human physical and/or behavioral characteristics for the purpose of authentication, identification and screening are collectively known as biometric surveillance. Physical characteristics would include fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, DNA, facial patterns and hand measurements. On the other hand, the signature, gait, voice and typing patterns are all behavioral biometric characteristics.
Biometrics has inherent advantages over standard and identification and validation systems. Passwords tend to be forgotten, guessed and may possibly be used by someone else having questionable intentions. The fact that biometrics require the presence of the person being authenticated greatly reduces the risk of fraud.
Complementing the CCTV Chain
February 28th, 2008
With the strong influence of digital technology, a wide range of connections, viewing, recording, storage and control products are available to complete the closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) chain. Internet protocol and wireless technologies are now more commonly used to ensure optimal end-to-end interconnections in almost any distance. The latest compact flat-screen monitors provide high resolution, multi-image and multi-screen display to facilitate image viewing with the maximum visual information.
The Internet protocol shows the most promise for future development regarding CCTV surveillance systems. This is due to its inherent scalability, flexibility and functionality plus the low cost of ownership. Another key area where innovation in application can be of real use is in video content analysis.
The Bugs
February 27th, 2008
Surveillance device or bugs are devices that require a communications channel and usually involve a radio transmitter. Its original purpose was to relay sound but has since progressed to broadcasting of even TV pictures courtesy of the miniaturization of electronics, specifically the incorporation of miniature video camera.
The recent trend in the development of surveillance devices is inclined towards concurrent development of popular electronic devices. A very good example of this is the insertion of recording devices, cameras and communications devices into ipods and laptops. The scenario is very similar to that seen in movies, where surveillance agents pretend to listen to music or use laptops while near their targets. The only difference is that it’s true to life.
IT Services
February 27th, 2008
As much as a person might know about computers and technology, setting up wireless systems in your home and other tasks can prove to be difficult. This is when IT support and services can come in handy. One can find terrific IT advice and services from productsandservices.bt.com. BT offers their services over the phone as well as through BT Home IT Visits. Among the services available is computer repair. This company can truly help you with any of your computer repair needs.
You can book an appointment with one of the engineers and get face to face help with your computer troubles. They can help you set up a wireless network, install a new operating system, and make the most of your home operating system. It is good to know that your computers and devices are in good hands. It is also always important to have your computer checked out to make sure that it is running okay.
The Intelligent Camera
February 24th, 2008
The closed-circuit television camera or CCTV has improved tremendously over time. Cameras come in many types depending on the features involved such as compact, fixed and direction-controllable. The more sophisticated models can capture an entire dynamic range of scenes regardless of light conditions. This feature can be very important to specific areas such as poorly lit train stations or the railway track itself.
Advances in technology have provided various options for maximizing the use of this intelligent camera including miniaturization, motion detection, day/night operation, backlight compensation, dynamic noise reduction as well as remote and automatic lens control. The wide range of accessories available has likewise given options for mounting, weather-proofing and resistance to tampering impacts and hazardous substances.
DNA as a Criminal Justice Tool
February 19th, 2008
The use of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA to solve crimes is fast becoming a powerful tool due to the incredible accuracy of results when biological evidence is present. In the same manner that it is used to identify the criminal, it can also be used to clear suspects and exonerate persons that have been mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes.
Crimes can be solved with the use of DNA technology in two ways. A sample of the person’s DNA can be compared to evidence from the crime scene in cases where there is an identified suspect. Otherwise, biological evidence from the crime scene can be analyzed and compared to offender profiles in DNA databases. A match helps identify the perpetrator if he/she has already a record on file. A no-match at the very least encourages investigators to pursue other possibilities.
Unofficial Weather Forecasting
February 16th, 2008
Thousands of people in all parts of the world are engaged in the profession of weather forecasting. Before advanced weather forecasting technology, people who live in the open such as sailors and farmers had acquired considerable skill in foretelling weather for short periods of time. This was done by watching the sky and the movements of the barometer and the wind vane. However, the most that can be done by any individual without the help of official services or technological instruments are to predict the weather for a few hours or at the most, a day ahead.
Amateur forecasting made liberal use of signs such as dry weather is likely to occur if the sky and ground mists clear quickly after the sunrise or a clear sky and low humidity indicate the possibility of low temperatures at night. The need for ways that could produce more accurate forecasting was quite evident.
The Electric Aircraft Takeoff
February 13th, 2008
The introduction of the E-plane ended the inability to use an electric motor as the energy source for a manned airplane. The first E-plane was a compact two-seat carbon composite plane powered by Toyota Prius batteries and a 100-hp motor. It had an impractically short range, very much similar to the earliest electric cars. The plane’s range was expected to increase dramatically once it flew on fuel-cell alone.
A fuel-cell airplane is a lot quieter and more efficient wherein the propeller would be the only source of noise. The plane will be able to fly for at least an hour on two pounds of hydrogen. NASA studies suggest that cheaper fuel cells is the most viable alternative to heavy piston engines if the automotive industry would be more open to fuel cell cars.