Abstract: A machine is disclosed that is capable of locating human faces in video scenes with random content within two minutes, and capable of recognizing the faces that it locates. The machine uses images obtained from a video camera and is insensitive to variations in brightness, scale, focus, and operates without any human intervention or inputs. When a motion detection feature is included, (one of its options), the location and recognition events occur in less than 1 minute. One embodiment of the system uses: a camera, a Micro-Vax computer, an analog-go-digital A/D converter, and a hard copy print out to process video scenes with random content using an original computer program to locate human faces and identify them. In operation, the camera converts the video scenes into an analog electrical signal, which is converted into digital and forwarded to the computer.