Spy Review

“What have you got, eyes in the back of your head?”

Well, maybe not humans, but the new “Digital Window” camera sure comes close to making the old saying a reality. Scallop imaging security cameras, they’re called.

It is named after the shells of scallop species that have upwards of a 100 eyes, which don’t actually see, but rather detect motion from all directions, as a defensive device, telling the scallop when to close its shell.

Made by Tenebraex, a Boston based company specializing in military optical equipment, the new camera takes images from five image sensors, approximately the equivalent of five cell phone cameras. Each with a 40-degree view, when combined, the five views make up around 180 degrees.

This is not the first commercial system that has 180 degree views but the Digital Window is by far the least expensive and should revolutionise the technology by cutting costs. By utilising two sets, you can attain a full 360 degree view.

It has been awarded US Patent No. 7,262,789 and other patents are pending.

With an Ethernet powered box it features a seven megapixel, 15 frames per second, 180º view. Because of its range of view, it doesn’t have to move, so you never know when you are being watched. You’re ALWAYS being watched.

With its situational awareness capability, it’s a bit like having the ability to be aware of what’s going on around you at all times. The system also has great close-up views which not all traditional security cameras do without distorting the images to some degree. Of course, that would be dependent on the quality of the cameras, but there are very few on the markets available at the moment that provide great clarity in close-up. We have seen CCTV cameras used in streets, car parks, stations, shops which produce blurry views when used in close-up.

Another great aspect of this is that it operates without needing to zoom around thus always having an ‘eye’ on a given area. This is one of the negative aspects of traditional cameras used in shops which can point away thus giving shoplifters, for example, the ability to take the camera out, so to speak, before doing their deeds.

George Orwell must be doing a full 360 in his grave at this news. Surveillance will never be the same when this low cost baby hits the streets. Consider London and the way it is today. This is only going to further facilitate the “viewed attitude.”

The Digital Window is expected to retail sometime in 2009.