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While the title is about lightbulbs this looks like the same principle as using a laser to measure the vibrations on the surface of a window in order to listen

by mikece 6y ago

While the title is about lightbulbs this looks like the same principle as using a laser to measure the vibrations on the surface of a window in order to listen to the audio inside a room (something that's been science fact since at least the early 90s). I don't see why the laser or optical sensor couldn't be measuring vibrations of something inside the room: a clear line of sight and a mylar balloon might be the perfect tool for such passive surveillance trick.

braythwayt 6y ago
"Ok, we want to know Raganwald's age. Point a laser at the mylar Happy Birthday balloons and let's listen in on the singing. Take notes! Are you one, are you two, are you three..." Um, chief? "Shhh! I'm listening! Are you fifty-one, are you fifty-two..." Chief! "Be quiet, damn you. Ok, he just turned 58. Did you get that?" Yes, chief. I got that. When I pointed the laser at the balloons, I could clearly see a "five" balloon, and an "eight" balloon, and while Raganwald has some very old-fashioned ideas about programming, I don't think he's eighty-five. "Good work. Now make me another coffee."
- artsyca 6y ago
  This is the comment I'd like to end my HN career on. Goodnight for now and very pleasant dreams.
  - deleted 6y ago
    [deleted]