funsec mailing list archives
Re: Worst Invention Ever
From: "Rob, grandpa of Ryan, Trevor, Devon & Hannah" <rMslade () shaw ca>
Date: Fri, 05 May 2006 10:08:00 -0800
Date sent: Fri, 5 May 2006 00:12:25 -0400 From: "Dude VanWinkle" <dudevanwinkle () gmail com>
We could soon see a new kind of display screen from computer maker Apple one that simultaneously takes pictures while showing images.
When you look into the Web, the Web looks back into you ...
The clever idea is to insert thousands of microscopic image sensors in-between the liquid crystal display cells in the screen. Each sensor captures its own small image, but software stitches these together to create a single, larger picture.
I didn't see details of the sensors, but I assume it could be done in the same way that arrays of radio-telescopes work, or, even more dangerously, in the same way that phased array radar works (although I doubt you'd be able to adjust the timing finely enough for that. Still, technology does advance ...) OK, security implications (even though I've put OT in the subject line). Remember when Apple came out with voice-recognition Macs, and people were running around offices, sticking their heads into co-workers cubicles, and yelling "Computer! Shutdown! Yes!" as an office prank? (I wonder if someone will get around to creating a virtual keyboard or pointing device, based on the computer "watching" your gestures? Anyone want to bet against it happening?) Or, even more recently, the malware that could be used to remotely bug an office by turning on the microphone on the computer and streaming the audio? The intention stated in the patent is to use the screencam for videoconferencing, and so, presumably, the software used to stitch together the image will be tuned for someone sitting directly in front of, and close to, the screen. However, there is nothing to say that the software can't be patched so that someone can pan around the room. And then, of course, there will be those in management who will want to use it for "employee monitoring," which has a number of issues whether or not we get into privacy concerns or considerations of informed consent ... ====================== (quote inserted randomly by Pegasus Mailer) rslade () vcn bc ca slade () victoria tc ca rslade () computercrime org Fantasy is not our crutch, it's arcane. http://victoria.tc.ca/techrev/rms.htm _______________________________________________ Fun and Misc security discussion for OT posts. https://linuxbox.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/funsec Note: funsec is a public and open mailing list.
Current thread:
- Worst Invention Ever Dude VanWinkle (May 04)
- Re: Worst Invention Ever Rob, grandpa of Ryan, Trevor, Devon & Hannah (May 05)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- Re: Worst Invention Ever Fergie (May 04)
- Re: Worst Invention Ever Dude VanWinkle (May 05)