Scientists at Cornell University have developed a technology called “PoseSonic” that combines micro sonar and artificial intelligence to create accurate echo profile images of smart glasses wearers. This innovation has the potential to enhance privacy, reduce costs, and improve functionality.
Smart glasses have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world, but concerns about privacy and affordability have hindered their widespread adoption. However, a recent study by scientists at Cornell University offers a promising solution. By replacing optical cameras with sonar-based technology, these researchers have developed a groundbreaking system called “PoseSonic.” This technology utilizes micro sonar and artificial intelligence to accurately track the movements of smart glasses wearers, providing a range of benefits including improved privacy, affordability, and functionality.
PoseSonic: A Sonar-Based Tracking System
The PoseSonic technology developed by the scientists at Cornell University combines micro sonar, powered by CHIRP technology, with artificial intelligence. CHIRP technology is a miniaturized version of the technology used to map oceans or track submarines. By capturing sound waves that are inaudible to humans, the micro sonar creates an accurate echo profile image of the wearer. This image is then processed by an AI model that estimates the 3D positions of nine body joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and nose.
Advantages Over Camera-Based Tracking
Current augmented reality (AR) smart glasses on the market rely on optical cameras to track the wearer’s movements. However, continuous video recording drains the battery quickly and raises privacy concerns. In contrast, PoseSonic’s acoustic-based tracking system offers several advantages. Firstly, it is more cost-effective, with the researchers creating a working prototype for less than $40. Additionally, the use of microphones and speakers consumes less power than cameras, allowing PoseSonic to run on smart glasses for over 20 continuous hours. Furthermore, the sonar-based system is unobtrusive and privacy-conscious, as it only processes the sound waves it produces itself to build the 3D image, reducing the risk of data interception.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The researchers envision numerous practical applications for acoustic tracking in smart glasses. One potential use is recognizing upper body movements in day-to-day life, such as eating, drinking, or smoking. By accurately tracking these movements, PoseSonic could provide valuable insights into the wearer’s behavior. Another application is monitoring the wearer’s movements during exercise, allowing for more detailed feedback beyond just step count and calorie consumption. Future iterations of this technology could provide users with a comprehensive assessment of their body’s movements during physical activity.
Conclusion:
The development of PoseSonic technology by scientists at Cornell University represents a significant step forward in the evolution of smart glasses. By replacing optical cameras with sonar-based tracking, these researchers have addressed key concerns surrounding privacy and affordability. The use of micro sonar and artificial intelligence allows for accurate tracking of the wearer’s movements while reducing power consumption and the risk of data interception. As this technology continues to advance, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with smart glasses, opening up new possibilities for enhanced privacy, affordability, and functionality.
Leave a Reply