Your mobile device comes equipped with a crucial feature to safeguard your privacy in places like hotels and accommodations, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb. This advanced capability relies on the integrated Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor within its depth sensor technology. This cutting-edge sensor has the remarkable ability to detect the presence of concealed microphones or cameras within your surroundings. This technology proves invaluable not only when you’re staying outside your home but also within your own abode, although the scenario of someone you live with installing such intrusive devices without your knowledge might seem like a plot out of a movie.
Despite its primary function of distinguishing subjects from backgrounds in photos taken with portrait mode, the ToF sensor has a wide array of potential applications. Among these is the ability to unveil the presence of hidden microphones or cameras in your temporary lodgings—a practice that not only breaches your privacy but is also against the law. Nonetheless, some proprietors of accommodations resort to such illicit tactics.
The new LAPD application that detects hidden cameras
Researchers from the National University of Singapore and Yonsei University have been dedicated to developing methods for identifying concealed devices using the ToF sensors present in numerous Xiaomi smartphones. The mechanism behind this technology is elegantly straightforward: these sensors emit and capture infrared waves, with accompanying software gauging the distances of objects based on the gathered data.
Moreover, these researchers have managed to devise a Lens and Photography Detection (LAPD) system that adeptly recognizes telltale reflections emanating from camera lenses. This additional feature significantly enhances the ease of detecting such devices. Their system is underpinned by machine learning, steadily refining its accuracy through iterative testing, yielding a notably high success rate.
While this breakthrough holds immense potential, it’s important to note that no mobile application has yet been developed to harness this technology for object recognition. Although the technology has been created and is presently undergoing testing, it hasn’t yet made its way to the application stores of smartphones. While it’s true that several Xiaomi phone models feature this technology, it’s not an exclusive attribute and could potentially be embraced by other brands in the future.
The researchers have diligently worked towards establishing a tool capable of scanning rooms for concealed cameras, and their testing has demonstrated considerable success. However, it’s worth mentioning that the current ToF sensors lack the requisite resolution and precision for such an application. It’s conceivable that in the coming years, as camera technology makes significant strides in these aspects, this concept could indeed become a reality.
Mobile phones that include this sensor in their cameras
When it comes to Xiaomi smartphones, a wide array of recent models boasts this feature, spanning from the Xiaomi Mi 9 to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which is also equipped with this particular sensor. This technology isn’t confined solely to Xiaomi; it’s also integrated into models from various other manufacturers, some of which are listed below:
- Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Huawei P30Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
- HONOR View 20
- LG G8 ThinQ
- OPPO RX17 Pro
- Nokia 9 PureView
- Google pixel 4
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
Notably, the most recent offerings from Samsung have opted for alternative technologies, forgoing the inclusion of this sensor. To determine if your phone is equipped with this sensor, it’s advisable to delve into the camera specifications. This can involve perusing your phone’s manual or conducting an online search for the model’s specifications, possibly by using the keyword “ToF.”