NEC Working On Advanced Face Recognition Technology
NEC is working on face recognition technology that helps detecting human faces even if they have aged substantially or gained weight over the years. In a benchmark test [PDF] conducted by the US Department of Homeland Security, the technology boasted 92% accuracy from a 1.6 million person criminal database, and 95% accuracy from a 1.8 million person database consisting of visa applicants.
The percentage of error stood at just 0.3% in the test based on the criminal database, while second-ranking Cognitec Systems (from Germany) had an error rate of 2.5%. NEC’s solution was ranked first overall in the benchmark test.
NEC says they largely focus on an individual’s eyes, mouth, or nose, while largely ignoring certain other features, for example the eyebrows. The Nikkei (Japan’s leading business daily) tested the technology just recently if it’s able to recognize the face of an NEC researcher through photos that were taken in 1987 and 2010 (it was, the pictures on the left are the ones that were used).
NEC now expects the technology to be used for crime investigations or immigration control, for example.
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NEC Working On Advanced Face Recognition Technology
Leaked iPod Cases Show New iPod Nano Design
We’ve already seen a few pieces of the new iPod touch, which, though it may not be a carbon copy of the iPhone 4 minus the phone, it’ll probably follow the example of previous devices in providing similar functionality. The new Nano, though — we’ve had some speculation based on the tiny touchscreen leaked a while back, but I was skeptical of the usability of such a wee thing. But these leaked cases seem to indicate that yes, the new Nano is a tiny, touchable square.
The tiny cases suggest a square-faced device with space on the back for a clip. It looks to be the right size for a 3cm square touchscreen, and while my doubts remain about the usefulness of such a thing, it still is a fun idea and I’m excited to see what Apple has done to make it usable.
Guess we’ll find out on the first!
[via Electronista]
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Leaked iPod Cases Show New iPod Nano Design
Eco-friendly rechargeable batteries target the military
Being in the military does have its advantages, as you will often find yourself not only in the forefront of the battle (assuming you're a grunt), but will also be able to play with the latest technology - we're talking about the US military here. Among the many new developments include a wearable lithium ion battery that was developed based on the use of a common virus. Boasting a high-performance level, these rechargeable batteries are able to offer enough juice for portable electronic devices and can be worn right smack into fabrics such as uniforms or ballistic vests. The batteries themselves come with cathodes made out of iron-fluoride material which can deliver power without affecting performance by a mile, and with the use of the M13 bacteriophage virus, said batteries are also eco-friendly. Nice to know they produce less heat as well to prevent your family jewels from catching fire just in case the action gets hot and heavy.
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Eco-friendly rechargeable batteries target the military
250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle tipped on 4GB packaging
Well, well -- what have we here? We already knew that Microsoft was planning to ship a 4GB Xbox 360 bundle that included Kinect, and now it seems as if the Big M will also package its forthcoming motion sensor with the 250GB 'box. Based on the packaging of a 4GB bundle over in Australia, it definitely looks as if consumers will have a more capacious option if buying an Xbox 360 for the first time with Kinect, but we're all waiting with bated breath to hear the official confirmation (or denial, but mostly just confirmation) from Ballmer's crew. Anytime now, folks....
250GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle tipped on 4GB packaging originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Bee Eye Design For Robotic Vision
Scientists have developed an artificial eye for robots based on the eyes of bees that will allow robots to see. Rather than mounting multiple cameras, space- and weight-constrained robots could rely on a single, wide-angled camera through the use of a catadioptric imaging system, relying on mirrors and lenses.
According to NewScientist, the setup works with a dome-shaped mirror placed about 20 millimeters in front of the camera's CCD chip with a lens in the center: "The lens focuses light from in front of the camera onto the CCD to create an image with a 110-degree field of view. At the same time, the convex face of the mirror captures a reflection of the world behind the camera and focuses this light onto the CCD, widening the field of view to 280 degrees."
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‘Foldit’ Lets Gamers Unintentionally Make Scientific Breakthroughs
Foldit may seem like a relatively straightforward game, but the scientific theory behind it is anything but. Created by Washington University's Seth Cooper, the game requires players to deconstruct the complex, three-dimensional structures of various proteins -- a task typically left to biochemistry PhD students or researchers. Foldit, though, allows even novices to enter the world of protein architecture, thanks to its intuitive game controls, colloquial language and clear tutorials. Instead of wrapping their minds around arcane scientific concepts, users simply have to "tweak," "freeze," "wiggle" and "shake" the shapes that appear before them. As Discover reports, only one-eighth of Foldit players actually work in a scientific field, and a full two-thirds have had no biochemistry training beyond high school.
According to Cooper, the game is designed to "attract the widest possible audience... and encourage prolonged engagement." That's why, for example, he added a competitive element to the game, by scoring users based on the stability of their final protein structures, and ranking them against fellow gamers. Foldit also has a social aspect, as users can chat with each other, and collaborate on different puzzles.
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'Foldit' Lets Gamers Unintentionally Make Scientific Breakthroughs originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
GoPro bringing high-def helmet cams to the masses, launching $180 HD Hero 960
If you want high-def footage from your lid you have more choices than ever, but if you're on a budget there just aren't that many. The 720p ContourHD is currently the best value at around $230, but we've received word from GoPro that the company is looking to under-cut that with the upcoming $180 HD Hero 960. We have scant few details about this new model, set for release this fall, but based on the name we're guessing it'll fall short of the current HD Hero's 1080p and offer a maximum of 960p, which should be plenty of pixels for most extremophiles. We also have to figure it will continue with its predecessors boxy stylings, but we'd certainly be happy to see a somewhat sleeker redesign.
GoPro bringing high-def helmet cams to the masses, launching $180 HD Hero 960 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Fan-Made Oregon Trail Movie Trailer Based on the Educational Video Game
Based on the hit educational video game enjoyed in schools worldwide, this fan-made Oregon Trail trailer shows a family embarking "on an impossible journey into the untamed American West" in 1864. Video after the break.
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Fan-Made Oregon Trail Movie Trailer Based on the Educational Video Game
Saab To Jump Into Electric Game With 2011 Test EVs
Saab, not exactly the first company I think of when I think of cutting edge electric vehicles, is determined not to be left behind by the electric renaissance that’s starting… any time now, just wait for it. They’re rolling out a test fleet of EVs based on the upcoming 9-3 model, but wouldn’t give a date for actual production. Chances are it’ll be quite a while.
They’re working with American battery producers and Swedish engine designers to “electrify” (electrificate?) portions of the fleet as well as putting out an all-electric one at some point in the future. Sounds good to me.
Video: The Oregon Trail – Official Trailer
“They’ll learn quickly the trail is no game, *dramatic pause* it’s survival.” Yep, it’s based on the original game and nope, it’s not real. Just a faux trailer made for your amusement.
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Video: The Oregon Trail – Official Trailer