Algorithm Turns Everyday Objects Into Microphones

When you speak, sound waves from your voice trigger tiny vibrations in the objects around you, causing a houseplant or a candy wrapper to tremble. Those movements are imperceptible to the naked eye. But using high-speed video, researchers have been able to map those vibrations and actually recreate the sounds that caused them—turning everyday objects into what they call “visual microphones.” Abe Davis, lead author on a paper describing the research, explains.