OTTAWA, May 18, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- BlueBear Network International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BLBR) announced today it is developing ImageMatcher, an image matching application, which allows law enforcement officials to electronically compare and catalogue entire images extracted from video and photographic evidence seized in anti-pornography or child exploitation cases.
"BBNI is dedicated to helping law enforcement identify and convict exploiters of children and the creators of child pornography," says Andrew Brewin, President and CEO of BlueBear Network International, Inc. (BBNI). "Through the creative application of biometrics, image processing, distributed search and secure instant messaging, we continue to put more tools in the hands of law enforcement."
BBNI will integrate the ImageMatcher with its LACE application allowing investigators to perform secure, distributed searches of other image databases managed by other investigators. LACE links and catalogues facial images extracted from videos and photographs and allows police Child Exploitation Units to search each others databases for common suspects, victims and witnesses. LACE further helps by tracking, cataloguing and linking evidence for court purposes.
ImageMatcher processes video clips and photographs, creating biometric like templates that are used to identify unique images and compare changes in location, characters and lighting. Before ImageMatcher, investigators had no way to electronically compare images with those from evidence seized by other agencies, relying solely on instinct or information from sources to 'suggest' other agencies that may have related information. Makers of child pornography could slip through the cracks by making minor changes to lighting or other scenes. BBNI fills those cracks by integrating ImageMatcher with its exclusive distributed search and information sharing technology.
"Police in Toronto, Ontario were able to identify both the victim and the person suspected of taking the photos by publishing pictures of the room used," stated Andrew Brewin, referring to a recent case involving the Toronto police, FBI, Florida State police and anti-child pornography groups. "Using ImageMatch and LACE, investigators will be able to instantly check child pornography databases anywhere in the world to find a match and save exploited children."
About Bluebear Network International, Inc.
Bluebear Network International, Inc. (Pink Sheets:BLBR) is a Nevada registered company based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. BBNI develops and markets the world's first system that uses biometrics (face recognition and AFIS) and text records to securely and simultaneously search and share biometric and records information among linked police and integrated justice databases. BBNI's system responds to worldwide police and government requirements for the timely and effective information search and sharing in homeland security and law enforcement. The company has established strong strategic relationships with several large manufacturers, software and consulting firms. For more information, visit http://www.bluebearnetwork.com/.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Securities Litigation Improvements Act of 1996. The words "believe, expect, estimate and project" and similar expressions define forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. BBNI undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are currently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated in, or underlie the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties to which forward-looking statements are subject include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to meet its projected growth, the effects of government regulation, competition and other material risks.