Scientists United States developed a camera that can take pictures of objects located in hidden places just around the corner.
The prototype was created by scientists at the Institute Massachusetts Technology and have applications in activities search and rescue.
The device builds a basic picture of their environment - including hidden objects around the corner - by collecting small amounts of light that bounce off objects in the scene.
"It's like X-ray vision without the X-ray surround (...) but the problem rather than pass it," said Professor Ramesh Raskar, a member of the team. For Professor Shree Nayar, the Columbia University
This work conducted a "very interesting line of research," while noting that it is unclear to what extent can record scenes that are not directly.
Reflection of light
Raskar recalled that when he began research on this camera three years ago, many said it would be "impossible", but later, when working with students the idea became reality.
In this system, uses a laser light to shoot a scene. Thus, particles of light are scattered and then reflected on surfaces such as walls and floor.
If a corner, some light is reflected around then go bouncing off objects - or people - hidden behind the wall.
Some of these particles will be reflected back to the camera sensor.
Timing
The system is also sensitive to the time it takes the particles to be reflected, and uses it to calculate distances of objects in the area, helping to build the target image.
Technology correspondent Jonathan Fildes BBC explained that this method is also used by tools used by the military.
To build an image of a scene that is not watching, the experimental device would have to repeat the process of launching the laser and the collection of reflections on several occasions.
It then uses complex algorithms to build a 3D model of the photographed area that includes objects that can be hidden in the corner.
"In the same way that a CT can reveal what is inside the body through several X-ray images at different positions, we can recover what is beyond the line of sight by the brightness of the laser at different points in a reflecting surface, "said Professor Raskar.
Looking ahead
For now, the device only works in the laboratory and may be confused in complex scenes, but its creators consider it "a very important first step."
Moreover, according to Professor Nayar this camera can have multiple applications in the future. "You can generate a map before going to a dangerous place like a fire in a building," he said.
However, the team that developed the model initially planned to use the system to build an advanced endoscope, if things work well, could be ready in two years.
"That would be something the size of a room. The construction of a portable computer may take longer."
