NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

For release: 06-05-03
Photo release #: 03-091

CROOKS, CRIMINALS AND SADDAM BEWARE!
NASA-developed technology helping put lawbreakers behind bars

Large 1890 x 3000 (300)
Medium 454 x 720 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

VISAR can reveal valuable clues from videos taken in extremely low light. The single frame (left) taken at night, was brightened, enhancing details and reducing noise, or "snow." To further overcome the video's defects in one frame, scientists at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., used VISAR software to add information from multiple frames to reveal a person. To create the clarified image (right), images from less than a second of videotape were added together. (NASA/MSFC)

Large 1890 x 3000 (300)
Medium 454 x 720 (72)
Thumbnail 100 x 100 (72)

Video made with a handheld camcorder from police cars chasing criminals can result in shaky footage, making license plates unreadable (bottom). When NASA scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., enhanced the video with the VISAR software, they produced a clear, sharp image, (top) allowing the license plate to be read. (NASA/MSFC)

Contact Jerry Berg Media Relations Dept. (256) 544-0034

E-mail Get releases sent directly to you! Contact: Betty Humphery