Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The Straight Story

(48,121 posts)
Wed Jun 19, 2013, 01:57 PM Jun 2013

Privacy glasses screw with facial recognition systems

Foiling facial recognition systems that identify people based on photographs may be as simple as wearing a special set of glasses equipped with near-infrared LEDs powered by a battery pack. The LEDs are arranged around the nose and eyes. The human eye can't pick up the near-infrared, but a camera sees it as bright light, enough to obscure the face and confuse facial recognition software.

Researchers with the National Institute of Informatics and Kogakuin University in Japan developed the special privacy visor to counteract photographs and facial recognition software that could invade privacy. Details on the glasses were released late last year, but a prototype got a public showing at a recent open house.

In their current form, the glasses aren't exactly high-fashion. They look more like safety goggles created for some long-lost retro "Tron" fan-movie and would make quite a stunning statement if paired with an anti-drone hoodie or burqa.

Though there's been no word on when the glasses could see commercialization, eventually this technology could be shrunken down into a better-looking and more portable package. Still, the concept isn't perfect. Some cameras aren't affected by the near-infrared light, so the researchers are also looking into reflective material that could have a similar effect. The ultimate solution may involve a combination of technologies working together for privacy.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57590060-1/privacy-glasses-screw-with-facial-recognition-systems/

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Privacy glasses screw with facial recognition systems (Original Post) The Straight Story Jun 2013 OP
Forget the glasses. Just wear this when you go out: Buzz Clik Jun 2013 #1
Why would I want to dress up like Rush Limbaugh when I go out? Scootaloo Jun 2013 #2
Free meals? Autograph hounds? The ladies? Buzz Clik Jun 2013 #3
wear this instead tabbycat31 Jun 2013 #7
I think I'd give the burka a miss. dipsydoodle Jun 2013 #4
Brought to you by Moronic Products, LLC. MineralMan Jun 2013 #5
Not very private unless everyone is wearing them. hunter Jun 2013 #6
Oh, Japan! Lasher Jun 2013 #8
Those glasses will also keep you from getting laid. FSogol Jun 2013 #9
For some reason, this triggers a memory of Wesley Snipes's comment in the comedy Major League AnotherMcIntosh Jun 2013 #10

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
5. Brought to you by Moronic Products, LLC.
Wed Jun 19, 2013, 02:10 PM
Jun 2013

Calling attention to yourself is a specialty at Moronic Products. Order Now!

hunter

(38,317 posts)
6. Not very private unless everyone is wearing them.
Wed Jun 19, 2013, 02:11 PM
Jun 2013

I am Spartacus!

Otherwise they just round up the guys wearing the privacy glasses.

Oppressive governments fall when the majority of people oppose them non-anonymously.

Want to change things? Get out there without a mask.

 

AnotherMcIntosh

(11,064 posts)
10. For some reason, this triggers a memory of Wesley Snipes's comment in the comedy Major League
Wed Jun 19, 2013, 02:28 PM
Jun 2013


After Charlie Sheen (as Rick Vaugh) put on a pair of ugly glasses, James Gammon says,
"They look good. Besides, seeing is the most important thing, son."

Just before Charlie Sheen looks in the mirror, Wesley Snipes says,
"I don't think it's that important."
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Privacy glasses screw wit...