September 13th, 2023
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara have developed a method of sensing the outlines of still objects that are out of sight. This new Wi-Fi-based technique, dubbed Wiffract, can even sketch out objects in an adjacent room. No AI is used here, just pure physics and math, but perhaps the tech could be enhanced in the future by leveraging Deep Learning.
To test Wiffract RF imaging, the researchers decided to see how accurately they could trace letters of the alphabet that were out of view. With only Wi-Fi and complex math that analyzes the incidental RF waves reflected by object edges, motionless objects that are out of view can be sketched out.
You can see the outlines generated by Wiffract and the corresponding concealed letters in the image above. You can watch the embedded video for more background on the scientific method behind this technique. However, we can explain that the aforementioned Keller Cones are central to the new imaging technique. These cones occur when RF waves, like Wi-Fi signals, hit object edges.
