New research has revealed that Wi-Fi signals can now be used to measure and decode images of objects in your home. The technique works by recording the reflections caused by the interruption of Wi-Fi signals by surrounding objects.

Decoding Still Objects, 3D Texts, and Body Shapes

A team of researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara, led by electrical and computer engineering professor Yasamin Mostofi, developed a technique called Wiffract. This technique can pick up on still objects, 3D texts, and even body shapes using Wi-Fi signals. The researchers were able to decode an image of motionless objects from the other side of walls using this method.

How Wi-Fi Reflections Work

The research explained that Wi-Fi reflections create a unique shape when they hit a sharp curved edge, which then diffracts into another specific shape known as a Keller cone. This unique shape of the Wi-Fi reflections allows for the measurement and decoding of images.

Privacy Concerns

While this new technique is fascinating, it also raises some privacy concerns. As anyone who has access to the Wi-Fi signals and knows how to implement Wiffract could potentially create a detailed map of a home. In another experiment, the researchers were able to detect the shape of people's bodies within a room using three transmitters and three receivers. Yasamin Mostofi emphasized the importance of privacy discussions as these systems are developed further in the future.

Potential for Smart Home and Security Devices

Despite the privacy concerns, Wiffract has the potential to enhance smart home and security devices and applications. Mostofi believes that further advancements in this technique could lead to better devices and applications that rely on Wi-Fi signals.