Panopticon Captures Every Movement in 3D

Panopticon Captures Every Movement in 3D

I still remember the days of the introduction of analog cameras and video cassette recorders (VCRs) when that was top-of-the-line technology used for security. Well, needless to say, the industry has come a long way since then with the additions of things like infrared, IP, noise reduction, motion activation, etc. Even motion capture technology has come a long way in just the past few decades.

In the motion picture industry, the latest usages of motion capture required sticking hundreds of tiny markers on a human actor’s body to track movements and create an accurate digital replica. But, can you image the power of security if motion could be captured accurately without markers.

Scientists at Carnegie Melon University have been toying with this and have developed a system of 360-degree cameras similar to the one used in the movie The Matrix. Panoptic Studio is an enormous spherical dome outfitted with 480 video cameras, all pointing inward, to track the movements of people or objects in the center of the dome. The detail captured is extraordinary.

Not all cameras are activated all the time; the system relies on software that highlights a single moving target to figure out the best viewing angles. Then the software activates only a few relevant groups of cameras at a time.

Although still in the early days of development, the Panoptic Studio’s results have been promising as researchers have gotten the system to retrace over 100,000 different points without markers over hundreds of video frames with greater accuracy than other motion capture techniques.

I wonder if there is where we’re heading with security. Can you imagine cameras in cities across the U.S. with this type of capture capability? Vandals, villains, robbers and such wouldn’t stand a chance.

(Images from The Verge and The Register.)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.