System to block digital cameras developed
21 June 2006
by Richard Conan-Davies
A prototype device that can block digital-camera function in a given area has been developed by researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology. It uses off-the-shelf equipment to scan for, find and neutralize digital cameras by detecting the reflectivity and shape of the image-producing sensors used in digital cameras. The system would flash a thin beam of visible white light directly at the CCD overwhelming the sensor, effectively blinding it. A camera's image sensor is retroreflective, a type of corner reflector, which means it sends light back directly to its origin rather than scattering it. This principle can be used to easily detect cameras in Leading the project, Gregory Abowd, explained that "We're at a point right now where the prototype we have developed could lead to products for markets that have a small, critical area to protect," The system would be useful for movie theatres to stop pirates from videoing films for later distribution, or preventing sensitive areas such as shopping malls or government buildings. |
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