computer security researchers from the National University of Singapore and Yonsei University (South Korea), ToF or Time of Flight sensors to detect spy cameras. For the uninitiated, a ToF sensor can bring 3D to our footage. In fact, its role is to measure the distance between the sensor and a particular object/person/point of the decor. And to do this, will calculate the time it takes for a light pulse to hit an object and return to the sensor.
For several years, ToF sensors have been democratized in our smartphones. Apple uses this technology in these integrated LiDAR sensors in the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Samsung has equipped the Galaxy S20+ with a ToF sensor, just like Huawei in the P30 Pro. In most cases, these sensors are used for augmented reality applications. Provides depth information to 2D images.
And to be exact, researchers Sriram Sami, Bangjie Sun, Sean Rui Xiang Tan, and Jun Han have found a way to leverage ToF sensors to identify spy cameras that might hide in a hotel, bathroom, or AirBnb, for example. In an article entitled “LAPD: Detection of spy cameras using a smartphone’s ToF sensors“They describe their work in detail.
Use ToF sensors to detect spy camera lens reflections
Why are you asking me about LAPD? There’s no affiliation with the LAPD here, the LAPD said, “Laser Assisted Photo Detection“A technique for detecting small hidden lenses by checking for unusually intense reflections in a confined space.
“Small spy cameras concealed and placed in sensitive places such as hotel rooms and toilets pose an increasing threat to the privacy of individuals around the world. For example, more than 6,800 such cases were reported in one year in South Korea alone.” justify the researchers
According to their experiments with the help of 379 participants, systems reached 88.9% detection rate, compared to 62.3% for the K18, a commercially available signal detector. Researchers want and are thinking about turning their innovation into a mobile app that everyone can access. currently publishing LAPD source code. “Attackers have the power to plant hidden cameras anywhere, and the public is often helpless. That’s why we’re doing this work and hope spy camera detection becomes more common.” Sriram reassures Sami.
Source: Record