Watch the video: As in the spy film – researchers can create 3D models of the room from the reflection in the eye.
Eyes can mirror their surroundings. According to researchers, the reflective nature of the human eye is an underestimated source of information. Because you can see in them what the world around us looks like, which can be an advantage in one area or another.
Using the latest technologies, a 3D image can now even be created based on this mirror image.
By mapping what is reflected in the eyes of a person who is moving, the surroundings can be represented as a 3D model from different angles, even if the surroundings are otherwise not visible in the footage. In other words, the eyes show what’s behind the camera.
The researchers report that they also face some challenges due to the nature of the eye. The iris and the image reflected in the eye must be separated and the position of the eye must be precisely estimated in order to create an exact image.
This is only possible because the corneal geometry is approximately the same in all healthy adults.
In tests, it has already been possible to construct 3D images of toy aliens and a dog.
It is currently unclear whether the reconstructions are actually accurate.
The technology is currently being further developed and tested. A possible use in the future would be conceivable for police and investigative authorities.