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

  • 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.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.