A team of experts at the University of Illinois (USA) has developed a program that enables computers equipped with webcams to detect user dissatisfaction through shoulder movements. Meanwhile, a train station in Japan is set to implement facial recognition cameras in place of traditional tickets.
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The software can detect if users are shrugging, even if one shoulder is covered. (Source: NewScientist) |
The software from the University of Illinois monitors unusual gestures in the shoulders and face to identify user confusion or disinterest. It is designed to be sophisticated enough to avoid being deceived, for instance, even if a user covers one shoulder with paper as shown in the illustration.
In the future, this technology could be used to detect eye movements, hand gestures, facial expressions, and other mood indicators through various body parts.
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Facial recognition camera at the station. (Source: EnGadget) |
Another seemingly “strange” idea is that the Kasumigaseki Station in Tokyo (Japan) will soon suspend its FeliCa RFID payment system for a few hours to test a biometric camera system. These cameras will take photographs of passengers’ faces, match them with tickets, analyze facial expressions, and convert this information into a unique barcode.
While many users express concerns about legality and privacy as Kasumigaseki implements this technology, the Japan Times suggests it could serve as a “new powerful tool” to help the country combat terrorism and crime.
T.N.
