Can Criminals Be Recognized By The Way They Walk?

We've all heard of facial recognition being used to identify potential criminals. (Heck, some researchers are even using nose shape as an identifier.) But this is the first time I've read about "gait recognition" software.

Chris Bregler, a professor at New York University, is heading up a team that is exploring if security threats can be detected by looking for people's unique patterns of movement. How, for example, might someone walk if he or she is carrying a heavy bomb in a briefcase? Much differently than someone wearing high heels or a man who simply weighs more and has grown accustomed to balancing that weight.

During their research, Bregler's team used motion-capture technology (the same kind used in Harry Potter) to ID certain movement "signatures." Using that info, they are creating software, called GreenDot, that can detect people's motion signature--as well as their emotional state, cultural background and more.

Although the research has a long way to go--it may be up to 10 years before authorities are able to spot criminals from afar using this type of technology--the possibilities are fascinating.

Of course, this is the type of research that often gets privacy advocates up in arms. So, what do you think? Is "gait recognition" simply too much? Or is it just what we need to protect ourselves from suicide bombers and other criminals?