Chinese Scientists Develop Camera That Can Capture Thousands of Faces in

Chinese Scientists Develop Camera That Can Capture Thousands of Faces in 'Perfect Detail'

The new system may advance the country’s widespread use of surveillance technology in public spaces.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Sep 25, 2019

Chinese researchers have developed a camera system capable of capturing thousands of faces in a stadium in perfect detail and send that facial data to the cloud, according to a report from the China News Service.

The AI-enabling 500-megapixel cloud system aims to allow operators to locate a particular person in an instant through taking panoramic photos. The scientists at Fudan University in Shanghai and the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Changchun say the resolution of the system is five times the 120-million pixel resolution of the human eye.

In addition, the report found that the system could detect and identify faces or other objects based on its massive data collection in order to find targets. That outcome is possible if the system works in tandem with AI, facial recognition tech, real-time monitoring and cloud computing technology.

People around the world would be able to log into the cloud data center to access the tool, according to Zeng Xiaoyang, one of the scientists who developed the system. He said it is designed for public security purposes in order to monitor crowds in real time, according to The Global Times.

Security experts in China expressed excitement at the potential military and public security implementations the system could have. China is already one of the most widely surveilled countries in the world thanks to widespread video surveillance systems deployed by the government.

Even Zeng, the scientist who helped to develop the system, said that the camera provoked privacy concerns. He said laws and regulations should be put in place to “standardize” the application of the camera, according to The Global Times.

But critics say that the country is moving ahead with surveillance technology in ways that limit its people’s freedoms, and they don’t see it slowing down now.

“China is aggressively restricting people's freedom of movement within the country. CCTV cameras and face recognition have a big role to play in that," Paul Bischoff, the editor of Comparitech, told the South China Morning Post after his publication released a report on the world’s most surveilled cities.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • 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.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.