This phone accessory spots hidden cameras in 5 seconds — SweepLED prototype uses LED reflections and could cost only $7

SweepLED, an LED-powered phone accessory developed by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), can detect hidden cameras within seconds, according to a team of scientists. The portable device, which costs approximately $7 to manufacture, uses 15 LED lights and AI processing to identify camera lenses by analyzing the light that gets reflected back.

The SweepLED is attached to the back of a phone and works by turning its LEDs on and off while recording video. The device compares the reflection patterns against each other, allowing it to spot hidden cameras with 94% accuracy in just five seconds per object. Professor Jun Han from the KAIST team explains the importance of this research in creating a practical, low-cost detection technology that can be easily used by non-experts, as previous solutions required users to manually search for bright spots.

Hidden cameras in public spaces, such as Airbnb and hotel rooms, changing rooms, and restrooms, pose a serious threat to personal safety and privacy. With SweepLED, users can quickly and efficiently identify any potential threats, ensuring their privacy is protected. The researchers have tested the device on 30 different objects, confirming its high skill at identifying hidden cameras in various housings, like clocks or mirrors.

Although it is still a prototype, the team believes that the cost of manufacturing SweepLED will be around $7, making it an affordable solution for those concerned about being spied on during their travels.