Researchers Have Found A Way To 'See' Around Corners With Digital Camera Technology

Engineers/Researchers at Boston University have created technology that allows digital cameras to capture images of things it can't see by analysing light that bounces off walls. 

Vivek Goyal and a team of researchers from Boston University have developed a computer algorithm that, when combined with a digital camera, allows them to see what's around a corner by, essentially, turning a wall into a mirror.

The algorithm analyses what Vivek describes as a penumbra (a partially shaded outer region of a shadow cast by an opaque object) on a wall. 

"By inputting the dimensions and placement of the object, the team found that their computer program can organise the light scatter and determine what the original scene looks like." Says Boston University. 

Currently, the research has used images on LCD screens and patterns made from paper to test the technology but the team say there's no reason why the same method couldn't be used with people and other objects. The surrounding room is also rather dark, too, as the algorithm struggled to work when light levels were higher. 

Of course, real-world applications for the technology are a long way off but the research team are still excited with the proof of concept. 

The news was published in a paper earlier this week, which you can read more about on the Nature website.

(Via The Guardian)