LOS ALTOS, Calif. - In-Q-Tel, the CIA-backed venture firm, confirmed Tuesday it is investing in PixLogic, a software start-up that has invented a program that can scan millions of digital images and identify items that might pose security threats.

PixLogic is a Los Altos-based 10 person startup which recently won U.S. Patent 6,563,959 to cover its new image-searching technology.

The company's mathematical formula analyzes the raw pixels in a digital file, detects patterns in those pixels and later matches patterns against a database of known images.

What the CIA has in store for the technology is not being publicly revealed.

"The CIA does not want us to speculate at all on how they are using the software," said Bob McKee, vice president for business development for PixLogic.

The software ultimately could be used to help authorities scan digital pictures or videos for threats, or allow Web browsers to find such images on the Internet.

McKee said the program still has difficulty matching faces consistently because people can disguise themselves with facial hair or glasses.

PixLogic his also looking to sell its software to commercial photography firms, media companies and film studios.

Financial terms of In-Q-Tel's investment were not disclosed.

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle