RECOGNITION/MONITORING/SATELLITE

SYSTEMS
(6.14-6.16)
 1.Recognition Systems

A recognition system is a computer application that can

automatically identify an object or person.
The recognition system can automatically process the data without
a human operator being present , which saves time and money.
1.1. RFID used in Passport Control

The latest passports called e-passports , contain an RFID chip inside the passport.
When the passport is opened and placed on a scanner next to the automatic barrier, the data
on the RFID chip is read.
The system runs a face recognition check using a camera and compares this with your
photograph encoded on the chip in your passport.
The system uses certain facial characteristics to produce a match and then performs some
checks to make sure you are eligible to enter the country, and if you are , the gates opens
automatically
One advantage is a more rapid flow at security check points. RFID allows Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) officers to access information on a traveler in advance of his or her
arrival at the inspection booth. This helps to keep traffic moving steadily
1.2 RFID used for contactless payments

Contactless payment systems are credit cards and debit cards , smartcards or other
devices that use radio frequency identification for making secure payments.
The embedded chip and antenna enable consumers to wave their card or fob over a
reader at the point of sale to make payment.
The payment system is available only for low value payments where its designed to
replace having to carry cash.
 2.Monitoring and tracking systems

ICT systems are able to monitor and track people and vehicles .
Many people are worried that all these systems can be used to check up on us and
erode our privacy.
Other people see these systems as necessary evil as they are an important tool in the
fight against crime and terrorism.
2.1 Automatic Number plate recognition system

How does Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) System work?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are used to read the number
plates on cars in a number of applications.
We will see how ANPR can be used in a car park for automatic entry and exit of cars.

Step 1
A sensor detects a vehicle and sends a signal to a microprocessor to instruct a camera
to capture an image of the front of the vehicle (often an infrared camera is used to
give a clearer image and for use at night).
Step 2
An algorithm (set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem solving
operations) is used to locate and isolate the number plate from the image taken by
the camera.  
This algorithm also takes into account the size of the number plate and any damage
or orientation ——————->   3ACD123
The brightness and contrast of the number plate is first adjusted (this ensures that
the characters can be clearly read). ————->    3ACD123
Each character on the number plate is then segmented —->     3ACD123
Each character is then recognized using optical character recognition (OCR)
software.  
The characters are converted into a string of editable text by the software.
This text string is then stored in a database.
Step 3
Once all this has happened, the car park barrier is raised, and the motorist/driver is
issued with a ticket.  
The ticket shows the date and time of entering the car park.

Step 4
When the motorist returns to the car park, they insert their ticket into a machine
which calculates the car park charges.  The payment is registered in the database.
The motorist then drives to the exit barrier and the ANPR system again reads the
number plate and checks its database.  If the number plate is recognised (and
payment has been made), the exit barrier is raised.
2.2 Public Monitoring/tracking

Your web browsing activity is recorded by internet service provider, and it is possible to
identify the computer from which an email or message is sent.
It is almost impossible to remain anonymous on the internet.
Most websites use cookies.
What are Cookies and their uses?

Cookies are small files or code that are stored on the user’s computer.  
They are sent by a web server to a user’s computer.
 Each cookie is effectively a small look-up table containing pairs of (key, data) values, e.g., (surname, Diesell) and
(song, classical).  
Once the cookie has been read by the code on the web server or user’s computer, the data can be retrieved and used to
customise the web page for each individual.  
These are often referred to as user preferences.
 E.g., when a user buys a shirt online, the cookies remember the type of t-shirt the user chose or bought and the web page
will then show a message such as ‘Customers who bought Polo t-shirts’  also bought Nike t-shirts‘.
The data gathered by cookies forms an anonymous user profile and does not contain personal data such as passwords or
date of birth.  
Cookies are a very efficient way of carrying data from one website session to another, or even between sessions on
related websites.
 They remove the need to store massive amounts of data on the web server itself.  
Note: Use of secure servers is always advised.  
 Making purchases from a secure web server ensures that a user’s payment or personal information can be translated into
a secret code that’s difficult to break.
 What is Spyware and Key logging?

Spyware or Key logging software are applications that capture data by monitoring key presses on the
user’s keyboard.
 The gathered data is then sent back to the person who sent the software.
Spyware gives the originator access to all the data entered using a keyboard on the user’s computer.  
To overcome this problem, use anti-spyware software's to reduce the risk.  
Banks often use drop-down menus where the user enters certain characters from the password using a
mouse or touch screen.  
the required characters are also changed every time the user
logs into their account to stop hackers getting the full password.
When entering a password, e.g., using a pointing device
(or touch screen) to select characters from a drop-down menu can reduce the risk.
2.3 What are Employee call monitors?

Employees call monitoring allows managers to listen to employee’s telephone calls

for the following reasons:
it allows a company who are concerned about security to monitor all calls
if the workforce move around, it can be used to make sure they correctly represent
the company whilst out of the office
to improve the employees performance (e.g., at a call centre)
can be used as a training tool
allows the manager/supervisor to join in a call where necessary.
There are three types of call monitoring:
monitor:  this allows the manager/supervisor to listen in on calls (the line is muted
so that neither the employee or the other person being called is aware of their
presence)
whisper:  this allows the manager to speak to employees to help them with a call
(only the employee can hear the manager/supervisor’s voice)
barge:  this allows the manager/supervisor to be heard by both the employee and the
other person in the call)
 3. Satellite systems

Satellite Systems are essential part of communication systems. In this section you will
be looking at the uses of some satellite systems
3.1 Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) systems are used to determine the exact location
of a number of modes of transport (e.g., airplanes, cars, ships, etc).  
Cars usually refer to GPS as satellite navigation systems (i.e. satnav).
Satellites surrounding the Earth transmit signals to the surface.
 Computers installed in the mode of transport receive and interpret these signals.  
Knowing their position on Earth depends on very accurate timing (atomic clocks
are used in the satellites which are accurate within a fraction of a second per day).
 Each satellite transmits data indicating its position and time.
The computer on board the mode of transport calculates its exact position based on
the information from atleast three satellites.
Advantages
It removes errors (can warn drivers about one-way streets, street closures, etc).
The system can also give useful information such as location of restaurants, petrol
stations, service areas.
The driver need not consult paper maps, so it is far safer.
The system is able to estimate the time of arrival.
It is also possible to program in the fastest route, route to avoid towns, etc.
The system can warn the driver about the location of speed cameras (again aiding
safety).
Disadvantages

If incorrect starting point or ending point is keyed in the system, it will give
incorrect information.
If the maps are not kept up to date, they can give incorrect instructions.
Loss of satellite signals can cause problems.
Unless the system is sophisticated, road closures, due to accidents or road works,
can cause problems.
3.2 What is Geographic Information System (GIS)

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a computer system that allows us to map,

model, query and analyse large amounts of data according to their location.
The technology combines maps with computer graphics and databases.
Essentially GIS enables the following:
Combination of information into easily understood maps
performance of complex analytical calculations and then presentation of the results
in the form of maps, tables or graphics (or a combination of all three)
geographers, scientists and engineers are able to see the data in several different
ways in order to see patterns and relationships.
Uses

Teachers can use GIS in their geography, engineering or science classes.

Environmentalists and Biologists use GIS to  protect animal and plant life in
vulnerable areas (which meet a certain criteria after carrying out a search on the
database).
Emergency services use GIS to send the closest emergency personnel to a location.
3.3 Media Communication Systems
Communication media refers to methods of delivering and receiving
data/information using telecommunications.
There are various media available to send and receive information (e.g., copper
cable, fibre optics and Wi-Fi).
The satellite system is used to transmit data from one part of the planet to another.  
Due to the often-great distances, cables would be too costly and there is also the
problem of signal deterioration over long distances.
Satellite systems are used to transmit telephone, internet and television data around
the world.
END