Scientists are working at developing wallpaper surveillance cameras that are capable of wrapping around corners and still capturing credible snapshots.

Researchers at Columbia University are spearheading the new technology, which would remain hidden while in use, even as the equipment captures high quality images and video.

"We are exploring ways to capture visual information in unconventional ways," said Shree Nayar, a professor of computer science at Columbia.

Cameras Allow for a 360 View

Word is the cameras would also allow for the spread of the instrument's material, paving the way for cameras to wrap around objects such as a car or pole or to be positioned in rooms not occupied by the owner to offer 360 views of the surroundings.

With crime and terrorism on the rise in many parts of the country, security cameras have become a crucial part of everyday life for many.

"While a sheet-shaped imaging device is not in and of itself new, the component and sensors required to make it image properly were far too rigid and lacked the flexibility to bend them", said the scientists associated with the project.

Researchers found by flexing the sheet it becomes far easier to dramatically widen the field of the camera's view, allowing for the capture of much wider images and for the device to be wrapped around a particular object.

The camera is described as composed of a series of lenses positioned over a sheet of deformable silicone. But researchers found created the new technology wasn't as easy as simply placing regular lenses over the surface-because, as the material is deformed, the spots that are captured begin to overlap in complex ways.

Smaller Surveillance Equipment an Ongoing Trend

The creation is also in keeping with an ongoing trend where smaller, thinner and less expensive surveillance cameras have become the norm of the day.