Heard elsewhere... National Institute of Standards and Technology announces the release of NIST Special Database 18 Mugshot Identification Database (MID) NIST Special Database 18 is being distributed for use in development and testing of automated mugshot identification systems. The database consists of three CD-ROMs, containing a total of 3248 images of variable size, compressed with lossless compression. Each CD-ROM requires approximately 530 megabytes of storage compressed and 1.2 gigabytes uncompressed (2.2 : 1 average compression ratio). There are images of 1573 individuals (cases), 1495 male and 78 female. The database contains both front and side (profile) views when available. Separating front views and profiles, there are 131 cases with two or more front views and 1418 with only one front view. Profiles have 89 cases with two or more profiles and 1268 with only one profile. Cases with both fronts and profiles have 89 cases with two or more of both fronts and profiles, 27 with two or more fronts and one profile, and 1217 with only one front and one profile. Decompression software, which was written in C on a SUN workstation [1], is included with the database. NIST Special Database 18 has the following features: + 3248 segmented 8-bit gray scale mugshot images (varying sizes) of 1573 individuals + 1333 cases with both front and profile views (see statistics above) + 131 cases with two or more front views and 89 cases with two or more profiles + images scanned at 19.7 pixels per mm + image format documentation and example software is included Suitable for automated mugshot identification research, the database can be used for: + algorithm development + system training and testing The system requirements are a CD-ROM drive with software to read ISO-9660 format and the ability to compile the C source code written on a SUN workstation [1]. Cost of the database: $750.00. For ordering information contact: Standard Reference Data National Institute of Standards and Technology Building 221, Room A323 Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Voice: (301) 975-2208 FAX: (301) 926-0416 email: srdata@enh.nist.gov All other questions contact: Craig Watson craig@magi.ncsl.nist.gov (301)975-4402 [1] The SUN workstation is identified in order to adequately specify or describe the subject matter of this announcement. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor does it imply that the equipment is necessarily the best available for the purpose.