Wi-Fi Signals Can Now Be Used to Identify People Through Walls
Christopher Magsambol — October 28, 2015 — Tech
Researchers at MIT have found a way to use Wi-Fi signals to identify an individual's silhouette, even through walls.
The technique used is called 'RF-Capture', and the system can be trained to identify different people solely based on different silhouettes. In order to detect individuals through walls, a small device transmits wireless signals on one side of the wall, which propagate through it, and are reflected by bodies on the other side. The device captures the reflections before passing it on to the software. Although only a small amount of information is given through the reflections, it is able to stitch them together and create a human silhouette.
The team at MIT hopes that this simple way of using WiFi signals can be used to increase safety. An example given would be to install this technology at a grandparent's house, where a fall can be observed, automatically prompting a 911 call.
The technique used is called 'RF-Capture', and the system can be trained to identify different people solely based on different silhouettes. In order to detect individuals through walls, a small device transmits wireless signals on one side of the wall, which propagate through it, and are reflected by bodies on the other side. The device captures the reflections before passing it on to the software. Although only a small amount of information is given through the reflections, it is able to stitch them together and create a human silhouette.
The team at MIT hopes that this simple way of using WiFi signals can be used to increase safety. An example given would be to install this technology at a grandparent's house, where a fall can be observed, automatically prompting a 911 call.
Trend Themes
1. Wi-fi-based Silhouette-tracking - Using Wi-Fi signals to identify individuals through walls, this trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities in home security systems and elder care technology.
2. Rf-capture Technology - The development of RF-Capture technology offers disruptive innovation opportunities in surveillance systems and law enforcement applications.
3. Enhanced Safety Monitoring - The ability to detect falls and emergencies through Wi-Fi signals presents disruptive innovation opportunities in healthcare monitoring systems and assisted living facilities.
Industry Implications
1. Home Security Systems - Wi-Fi-based silhouette-tracking technology can revolutionize home security systems by providing enhanced monitoring capabilities and real-time threat assessment.
2. Surveillance Systems - The integration of RF-Capture technology into surveillance systems enables advanced tracking and identification of individuals, opening disruptive innovation opportunities in areas like law enforcement and public safety.
3. Healthcare Monitoring - The use of Wi-Fi signals to detect falls and emergencies offers disruptive innovation opportunities in healthcare monitoring systems, enabling timely responses and support for individuals in need.
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