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U.S. authorities cite Web cams as a serisous threat
Many airports and other critical infrastructure permit on-line viewing of the premises; some even allow a pan and zoom feature; security experts worry that such may make an opportune method of reconnoisance
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DARPA seeks next generation hemispherical optical sensor arrays
Winning research proposal will sport a 120-degree field of view and a speed of 60 frames per second; ability to take images in the visible, near-infrared, and shortwave-infrared optical spectra is critical; organic and inorganic materials will be considered; DARPA encourages industry collaboration
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Terrorists use Google Earth to plan attacks
British troops in Iraq find satellite maps in insurgent safehouses; precise geographic coordinates inadvertently assist America’s enemies; governments continue to negotiate with Google over coverage
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ICRC delivers first responder vehicles to Michigan National Guard
Heavy-duty truck is first to incorporate IRCS’s national guard vehicle information system for interoperability and networking; flexible communications, NBS detection, and nighttime surveillance among the features of this interesting vehicle
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Israel Aircraft Industries to launch new missile-hunting UAV
With a wingspan of 110 feet, the Eitan UAV is designed for high altitide, long-haul flights; attached cameras and missiles intended to stop ballistic missiles on the launching pad; trial flights begin this week
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Bureau of Land Management to deploy UAV to Idaho
Agency hopes to use the unnamed craft to keep track of vegetation and recreational areas; monitoring land-use permits a major impetus; local libertarian object to government interference
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Hafmynd sells two GAVIA AUVs to undisclosed militaries
Icelandic firm a leader — ask Frost and Sullivan — in autonomous underwater vehicles; U.S. Navy SPAWAR just one previous customer for this disruptive technology; vehicle’s sensor flexibility a major selling point
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HISS Cyber Tracker goes solar
GPS vehicle tracking and monitoring system no longer requires a dedicated power source; improvement expands company’s access to the RV market, among others; full production expected by the end of the year
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Chicago security planners go too far
City residents draw the line on public surveillance when it is incorporated into public art; Crown Fountain installation removed; Americans remain ambivalent about public CCTV
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West Virginia city offers CCTV rebates for downtown businesses
Concerned about vandalism, city offers shopkeepers a $1,500 rebate on prenegotiated four-camera systems; unique arrangement allows police full access to the cameras and attached DVRs
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ViaLogy and Boeing develop detection system emulating bugs' eyes
The most advanced science-based companies try to emulate to vision architecture of humble insects and reptiles in order to improve precise detction applications
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SF deploys license plate scanners to fighting parking scofflaws
Onboard system is programmed to locate cars sporting five or more outstanding parking tickets; violators immediately get the boot; emerging technology finds many friends in law enforcement
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New vortex generators to help UUVs dock
Squid and octopi inspire Colorado researchers to develop a more effective design for unmanned underwater vehicles; no need to trade litheness for docking stability; enhanced craft can even parallel park
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Marines abandon Dragon Eye UAV for the Raven B
Although the Dragon Eye has seen its share of successes, high cost and inability to handle strong winds sent the Marines back to the drawing board; AeroVironment’s Raven B, already popular with the Army, looks to take up the mission at lower cost
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Northrop to supply Navy with two Fire Scout UAV helicopters
$16.2 million contract modification a good sign for this intriguing craft; based on the Schweizer Model 333 manned helicopter, Fire Scout is especially suited for reconnaissance, mine detection, and as a communications node for future warfare applications
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