A challenge from the Pentagon, holding a restoration and decipherment contest of documents cut by the shredder

America'sNational Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)I am holding a contest competing for restoration and decipherment of the material which was shredded finely by the shredder. Up to 50,000 dollars (about 3.91 million yen) will be paid to the winner. Challenge reception has already begun on the official website, the deadline is set to 23:59 local time December 4. The above image is part of the question being asked.

DARPA Shredder Challenge


◆History of the Shredder Document Restoration Contest

ByGregwest98

In the materials seized by the Department of Defense, there are some things that have been cut after being shredded for a long time. Up to now, restoration was done in such a way that it takes a lot of time with respect to such materials. But it is too annoying and time consuming, so it seems that this contest was held to find a way to recover more quickly and easily.

To recall the method of restoration from the public generally means that there is an increased risk that confidential documents that should be correctly disposed should be deciphered. The Pentagon is also fully aware of the danger and is seeking innovative technology that threatens the confidentiality of defense, which is the purpose of this contest.

◆Question contents
It is an issue to decipher the five documents put on the shredder, and five documents can download ZIP files from the site. It contains a TIF image file and a text file, and it will decipher it based on it.

The document is a commercial shredder purchased for this contest and is cut one at a time. Since it is artificially mixed afterwards, it means that the document constituting one page is not necessarily one type. Also, there are some places where letters on the blades blush letters as they are shredded. Besides, in order to make it impossible to completely restore it, it is in a state that it is difficult to restore it considerably, removing some fragments or mixing a few unrelated documents.

Download Puzzles - DARPA Shredder Challenge


◆Eligibility for entry

BySundaykofax

Because I am openly recruited on the Internet, I think that it is a recruitment for the whole world, in fact the participation qualification is set. Its contents areIndividuals or organizations over the age of 18 who have permanent resident status in the USA. Registration through the website by November 28 is a prerequisite. The winner will be required to prove eligibility and age before the prize is awarded.

Those who do not qualify for entry even if they meet the above conditions are "those working for the US government at the 2011 fiscal year, their spouses and families", and "DARPA staff, family members, and contractors" . In other words, government officials and their friends can not participate.

Unfortunately we can not apply from Japan, but download itself is possible. It seems that it can be said that it is a perfect theme for those who want to enjoy the feeling of uncovering national secrets.