Scientists at Cornell University have developed a technology that replaces optical cameras in smart glasses with sonar, offering improved accuracy, privacy, and cost-effectiveness.
The future of smart glasses may see a significant shift in technology, with researchers at Cornell University introducing a groundbreaking development. Their creation, called “PoseSonic,” combines micro sonar and artificial intelligence (AI) to track the wearer’s movements. This innovative approach aims to enhance accuracy, privacy, and affordability, potentially revolutionizing the smart glasses industry.
Sonar-based Technology for Enhanced Sensing
The PoseSonic technology utilizes micro sonar powered by CHIRP technology, commonly used for ocean mapping and submarine tracking. By capturing sound waves that are inaudible to humans, the micro sonar creates an accurate echo profile image of the wearer. This technology offers unique advantages over current camera-based sensing solutions, according to Cheng Zhang, an assistant professor at Cornell and co-author of the study.
Benefits of Acoustic-based Tracking
Current augmented reality (AR) smart glasses rely on cameras to track the wearer’s movements, alongside wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. However, continuous video usage drains the battery quickly and raises privacy concerns. In contrast, acoustic-based tracking offers a more cost-effective, efficient, unobtrusive, and privacy-conscious alternative. By using microphones and speakers, PoseSonic bounces sound waves off the wearer’s body and back to the microphones, generating a profile image that can estimate the 3D positions of various body joints.
Cost-effectiveness and Battery Efficiency
The researchers successfully created a working prototype of PoseSonic for less than $40, suggesting that manufacturing costs could be further reduced at scale. In comparison, the ill-fated Google Glass, developed a decade ago, cost $152 to produce. Additionally, PoseSonic’s audio equipment requires less power than traditional cameras, allowing smart glasses to run for more than 20 hours continuously. This improved battery efficiency ensures extended usage without frequent recharging.
Privacy Advantages of Sonar-based Tracking
Sonar-based tracking offers enhanced privacy compared to camera-based solutions. The algorithm used in PoseSonic processes only the sound waves it generates, rather than capturing images or utilizing external sounds. This means that the data can be processed locally on the wearer’s smartphone, reducing the risk of interception and unauthorized access. By avoiding the need to send data to a public cloud server, PoseSonic prioritizes user privacy.
Practical Applications and Future Potential
Acoustic tracking in smart glasses opens up various practical applications. For instance, it can recognize upper body movements in daily activities such as eating, drinking, or smoking. Additionally, it can track the wearer’s movements during exercise, providing detailed feedback on body motion beyond basic step count or calorie consumption. This technology has the potential to help users monitor their behavior and gain deeper insights into their physical activity.
Conclusion:
The of sonar-based technology in smart glasses represents a significant step forward in terms of accuracy, privacy, and affordability. PoseSonic, developed by scientists at Cornell University, utilizes micro sonar and AI to track the wearer’s movements, offering a more efficient and privacy-conscious alternative to camera-based solutions. With the potential for extended battery life, reduced manufacturing costs, and enhanced privacy protection, this technology could pave the way for the next generation of smart glasses. As the future of wearables continues to evolve, PoseSonic’s innovative approach holds great promise for everyday users and fitness enthusiasts alike.
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