An algorithm for your blind spot

The CSAIL team's imaging system, which can work with smartphone cameras, uses information about light reflections to detect objects or people in a hidden scene and measure their speed and trajectory -- all in real-time. Specifically, researchers shine cameras on specific points that are visible to both the observable and hidden scene, and then measure how long it takes for the light to return. But by observing the scene over several seconds and stitching together dozens of distinct images, the system can distinguish distinct objects in motion and determine their speed and trajectory. The team was surprised to find that CornerCameras worked in a range of challenging situations, including weather conditions like rain.