Crime

Will These Next-Gen Surveillance Cameras in Calif. Detect Crime Before It’s Even Committed?

San Francisco Subway to Receive Surveillance Cameras That Could Preemptively Stop Crimes

BRS Labs surveillance technology tracks unusual behavior. (Image: BRS Labs video screenshot)

If you’ve seen the 2002 science-fiction film “Minority Report,” you’re familiar with the idea of predicting and stopping crimes before they even happen. Now, a decade after the movie came out, we’re one step closer to making this sort of preemptive crime fighting a reality.

BRS (Behavioral Recognition Systems) Labs is deploying surveillance cameras with technology that can detect certain behaviors in San Francisco subway systems. According to Fast Company, the San Francisco‘s Municipal Transit Authority’s contract is for 12 subway stations to be outfitted with the cameras that use algorithms to target potentially criminal behavior. Here’s how it works:

Servers connected to security cameras observe locations for weeks at a time and then establish a baseline of “normal” behavior based on this timespan; anomalous activities afterwards (loitering, abandoned packages, abnormally high/low numbers of passengers) trigger an alert. No tripwires or programming of initial parameters are required.

[...]

In an interview with Fast Company, BRS Labs President John Frazzini said that the company’s AIsight behavior recognition product relies on 11 patents related to computer vision technology and surveillance imagery. BRS’s patents primarily deal with the intersection between computer vision and machine learning; video footage grabbed by MUNI cameras will be automatically translated into code for real-time processing. Clips of anomalous activity are dispatched to MUNI employees automatically; SMS text message alerts are also sent to staffers’ mobile phones.

[...]

Another unique aspect of BRS’s product is the fact that it heavily relies on timestamps and time recognition. Behavior and objects are coded according to the times of day or days of the week in which they most frequently occur; the velocity, acceleration, and path of customers passing through a station are analyzed as well. Spatial anomalies and classification anomalies are taken into account as well.

San Francisco Subway to Receive Surveillance Cameras That Could Preemptively Stop Crimes

AISight Operator Console (Image: BRS Labs)

Each of the 12 stations involved will include 22 of these next-generation “Big Brother” cameras. So far, the AISight technology, which according to Fast Company is mostly used for preventing terrorist activities, installed in other areas has been shown to reduce muggings and “subway perverts.”

San Francisco Subway to Receive Surveillance Cameras That Could Preemptively Stop Crimes

(Image: BRS Labs video screenshot)

Earlier this year, BRS Labs received a patent for its AISight 3.0 video surveillance software platform, which according to the press release “accepts video streams from standard cameras, detects and tracks subjects, characterizes their appearances and properties, classifies them, learns the patterns of behavior they exhibit, remembers those patterns, recognizes behaviors that deviate from those patterns, and alerts the user about those events in real time.”

“The video surveillance technology we have invented is distinctly and materially different from the simple recognition capabilities found in video analytics solutions currently available from a number of vendors in the physical security market,” Frazzini said in a statement. “Generally speaking, video analytics software receives video data from cameras, and issues alerts based on very specific and narrowly defined human programmed rules that have failed to provide operational value in the video surveillance market. In strong contrast to those limited and deteriorating solutions, the patented technology of BRS Labs does not require any human pre-programmed rules, thereby providing an inherently scalable enterprise class software platform to the video surveillance market.”

In addition to installing the equipment in San Francisco, other BRS clients include government, tourist attractions, military bases, and private industry. Some of them are the City of Houston, Boeing, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Fast Company also notes that it appears a pilot program using BRS Labs technology will also be installed at the new World Trade Center.

(Related: ‘Never been done before’: A peek at the technology that will guard the World Trade Center)

Even with the potential to thwart terrorist plots and other more petty crimes, Mobiledia notes that as other forms of “Big Brother” have been met with public backlash, so too could this technology “come at a great cost to public privacy.”

What are your thoughts?

If you have never seen Minority Report, check out this futuristic look at crime fighting from the film’s trailer:

[H/T Daily Mail]

Comments (55)

1 2
  • waterboy659
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:25am

    thats all we need more cameras,,,,, before you know it they will be watching us in our homes

    Report Post »  
    • West Coast Patriot
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:42am

      You people are really sheeple aren’t you. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
    • West Coast Patriot
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:11am

      All of you sheeple need to listen to your shephard. Fox News has finally come out and said what Paul supporters have wanted to hear all this time. You people have been so adamant about discounting us as to call us names, tell us we are irrellevant and the sort, but now your shephard is telling you that we are a force that will change the GOP and all it is. The GOP of today is the news of yesterday. I hope and pray that all of you can wake up to the dire straits that we are in and come together to form a new perfect union filled with liberty and hope for our future generations that they will be able to continue to experience individual freedom. We all have to look at our childrens future as we continue down the worlds path, and I hope we do not give in to progressive socialistic ideals, no matter how much they disguise it. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/06/05/why-gop-cant-afford-to-ignore-ron-paul-and-his-many-fans/#ixzz1wwpBKNp7

      Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
  • waterboy659
    Posted on June 6, 2012 at 12:17am

    thats all we need more cameras…… before you know it they will be watching you in your home

    Report Post »  
  • MAMMY_NUNN
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 11:22pm

    What the camera’s have a easier editing software ?
    If there is no crime edit it in.

    Report Post »  
  • theblazerunner
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:17pm

    ICE Agent Explains Obama’s Social Security Number Reserved for Connecticut Applicants
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clPZfjPf-Cg

    Report Post » theblazerunner  
  • THXll38
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Another example of a dystopian society slowly coming in effect. Gotta love precrime tactics.

    Report Post » THXll38  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:39pm

      Right on- there’s nothing like profiling, is there? Unless, of course, it’s profiling a person from a terroristic country whose shole aim is destroy America.

      Report Post »  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:53pm

    No! These Gestapo cameras are not there to stop crime, they are there to snoop!

    Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 1:37am

      Now where would you get an idea like that? ;) (pulling tongue from cheek)

      Report Post »  
  • inferno
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 6:32pm

    This is already being done in department stores and casinos. It was only a matter of time before it was done in areas of public access. Once a person is under observation by ground cameras, the images will then be transmitted to a drone flying overhead by local police departments, which then will be returned to units on the fround.

    Report Post »  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:12pm

      Yes, and the “thought police” can’t be far behind now.

      Report Post »  
    • copey99
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:32pm

      Right thought police, are we overreacting just a bit? Ill believe that when a polygraph test is an admission of guilt. Must be more fun to through wild theories out there than be realistic.

      Report Post »  
    • copey99
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:38pm

      *throw*

      Report Post »  
  • copey99
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:16pm

    So how is this like Minority Report? Seems to me the cameras are just highlighting objects or actions that are taking place, so it is easier for the security guard to identify. Basically like a motion sensor camera. When something is dectected by a motion sensor camera it is highlighted on the screen, this way it is easier a security guard to notice. Then the guard can see if it is stray dog or tresspasser.

    Report Post »  
    • Perspective
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:32pm

      Apparently you didn’t read the article. “accepts video streams from standard cameras, detects and tracks subjects, characterizes their appearances and properties, classifies them, learns the patterns of behavior they exhibit, remembers those patterns, recognizes behaviors that deviate from those patterns, and alerts the user about those events in real time.”

      Report Post » Perspective  
    • copey99
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:04pm

      So again it is something that a person could do on their own, just a computer making it easier by highlighting a selected area. You dont think security guards notice peoples routines, faces, behaviors? How is this like Minority Report?

      Report Post »  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:24pm

      I, too, fail to see the connection. Minority Report is about precognitive mutants that are able to see the future… This article is about a computer algorithm that brings attention to abnormal behavior in security footage. Not really the same at all.

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • FreedomPurveyor
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:25pm

      I guess that was a little redundant

      Report Post » FreedomPurveyor  
    • copey99
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:33pm

      No freedom your cool atleast i know im not the only one ready to run wild with a conspiracy theory.

      Report Post »  
    • Noah_fing-whey
      Posted on June 6, 2012 at 7:23am

      Yeah you’re right Copeless. They article didn’t even mention Tom Cruise. There is no similarity here folks. Not thing to see. Just move on and smile for the camera.

      Report Post »  
  • Perspective
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:12pm

    Oh yeah,me being crazy is beside the fact.

    Report Post » Perspective  
  • Perspective
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:11pm

    I’ve said many times that there is a conspiracy to keep the American people locked in place,static. Think about the TSA. The things you must submit to in the sake of safety(we all know the quote so I won’t repeat it) that are DEGRADING. A population that cannot move freely is so much easier to control.I’ve written much about the advent of cameras in our life. Most people are on camera AT LEAST 50% of the time they are out of their homes.Any science fiction fan worth their salt will tell you quite a bit of it comes true. George was right, just a little early.Now you will be convicted in the eyes of the law as guilty before you have done anything. Talk to your friends and neighbors.Make a simple defense plan. Don‘t think it can’t happen because it can.Food,water and ammo,nuff said. Remember,walking is a form of transportation so don’t be surprised when the TSA shows up at your door.

    Report Post » Perspective  
  • de31372
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:51pm

    This is scary stuff. With the deployment of this technology, the government will be able to exert previously unimagined control over the activities and movements of the citizenry. Such a system, ostensibly designed to prevent crime, can just as easily be used to identify and target specific groups.

    Are you ready? http://www.bigrede.com

    Report Post »  
  • West Coast Patriot
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:41pm

    IT STARTS, The time has come for all good men to come to the aid of their party. To all Ron Paul Delegates and Alternates! Go to this website, sign up for free, give your testimony to the lawsuit being prepared: http://www.toolsforjustice.com/elections-campaigns/legal-remedy-presidential-primary-voting-rights/

    Another link to Lawyers for Ron Paul for more information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/188334154612254/

    It is time to put some of these establishment thugs on trial and in jail. Watch the GOP start to squirm now. This lawsuit will be the start of opening up the convention to unbinding the delegates so they can vote for anyone they want on the first round.
    Go Ron Paul

    Report Post » West Coast Patriot  
  • black9897
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:27pm

    For our safety. Of course. Can’t wait till they put some in our bedrooms. I will feel really safe then.

    Report Post » black9897  
  • TheEDGE
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:19pm

    Wonder if they’ll be able to crack down on some of the rampant peeing that has been happening in SF? Doubt it.

    Report Post » TheEDGE  
  • republic2011
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:06pm

    That’s profiling.. I thought the liberals were dead against that. Guess it is ok when you put the cameras in Suburbia.

    Report Post »  
    • MK2
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 9:45pm

      As long as it‘s not a rag head it’s not profiling

      Report Post »  
  • deeberj
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:01pm

    The article said: so too could this technology “come at a great cost to public privacy.”

    Anyone that thinks we have privacy in public is a sheeple. We don’t even have privacy in our homes and on our own property anymore with drones that can fly and peek everywhere.

    Report Post » deeberj  
    • armyofnibiru
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:07pm

      from minority report to stephen hawkings {watching the watchbirds}.they better check the library of CONgress ,i think they used the constitution for toilet paper.

      Report Post »  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:52pm

    Now that everybody knows the drill, we can all slightly deviate from the accepted recorded patterns and make allowances for paths and movements related to the prerecorded input. Walk backwards and skip to the lou my darlin till the camera cows come home.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:51pm

    PREVENTIONISM… is the Liberal… Wet Dream… and without a Criminal Act, it is UnConstitutional!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • FaithfulFriend
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 5:01pm

      And that‘s why they’re making just about everything a criminal act. Tyranny via the law abiding is the smoothest way to achieve tyranny.

      Report Post » FaithfulFriend  
  • HKS
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:48pm

    OH NO, It’s the machine.

    Report Post » HKS  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:45pm

    Gee, isn’t this “PROFILING”???

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:27pm

    “accepts video streams from standard cameras, detects and tracks subjects, characterizes their appearances and properties” I wonder if the software recognizes hoodies? Racist computers!

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • brntout
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:48pm

      Wonder what happens if there is a majority report?

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:55pm

      Hi Gonzo
      “accepts video streams from standard cameras, detects and tracks subjects, characterizes their appearances and properties, classifies them, learns the patterns of behavior they exhibit, remembers those patterns, recognizes behaviors that deviate from those patterns, and alerts the user about those events in real time”

      That’s the same sentence that caught my eye. If it remembers, then compares movements, how can it detect a first time threat? Do terrorist have to walk by normally a few times and then do something abnormally? Very weird….

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • TheEDGE
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 4:27pm

      Do they really want a bunch of video of people peeing? Oh yeah, it’s San Fransicko.

      Report Post » TheEDGE  
  • Silversmith
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:26pm

    As much as this promises, it will eventually be used as yet another excuse to harass and abuse the citizenry.

    Do things for yourself, be decent to each other, help others when you can, and things will take care of themselves.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
    • noczars
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:47pm

      Very well said! I also believe in Karma. Karma has come back to roost on several of our Congress Members and I do believe Karma will come back on the epa; doj; and other governement invaders of The People.

      Report Post » noczars  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:22pm

    One more step in complete control under Obama. He will stop at nothing to ensure his dictatorship, and will consider all people guilty; how soon until summary executions under his laws are carried out for just being ‘perceived’ as guilty of a crime that has not even been committed?

    California will be the future of America unless they are stopped.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • cessna152
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:19pm

    We need to use these on our government, but they are the ones committing all the crimes.

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:25pm

      Excellent point .. put them in Congress, the White House .. federal and state office buildings … etc.

      Report Post »  
    • AzThunder
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:49pm

      Great idea, but the crime activity there would crash the system!

      Report Post » AzThunder  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 7:52pm

      My first act of Tyranny would be: to place an Electrical Discharge Collar… upon each person in Government, the Media, Education, & Unions… which would be triggered whenever they Lied!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • AzThunder
      Posted on June 5, 2012 at 8:01pm

      @LUKERW

      We’re going to need a LOT of COAL generating plants to keep those batteries charged

      Report Post » AzThunder  
  • Magyar
    Posted on June 5, 2012 at 3:19pm

    If you’re WHITE yes, if black NO, if HISPANIC certainly!

    Report Post »  
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