Scientists at Cornell University have developed a technology called PoseSonic that utilizes sonar and artificial intelligence to track the movements of wearers of augmented reality glasses. This innovation could enhance accuracy, privacy, and reduce production costs.
The future of smart glasses may see a shift from optical cameras to sonar technology, according to a recent study conducted by scientists at Cornell University. The researchers have developed a technology called PoseSonic, which combines micro sonar with artificial intelligence to create an accurate echo profile image of the wearer. By utilizing sonar-based tracking, these smart glasses could offer improved accuracy, privacy, and affordability compared to current camera-based solutions.
PoseSonic: A Revolutionary Approach to Smart Glasses
The PoseSonic technology developed by scientists at Cornell University harnesses micro sonar powered by CHIRP technology, which is commonly used for ocean mapping and submarine tracking. The micro sonar captures sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear, enabling the creation of an accurate echo profile image of the wearer. This technology offers unique advantages over camera-based sensing solutions, making it a promising future sensing solution for wearables.
Enhanced Privacy and Affordability
Current augmented reality smart glasses rely on cameras to track the wearer’s movements, along with wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. However, continuous video recording drains the battery quickly and raises privacy concerns. In contrast, acoustic-based tracking using sonar is more cost-effective, efficient, unobtrusive, and privacy-conscious. PoseSonic’s use of microphones and speakers, along with a microprocessor, Bluetooth module, battery, and sensors, allows for a working prototype to be created for less than $40. This cost could be further reduced when manufactured at scale, making the technology more accessible and affordable.
How PoseSonic Works
PoseSonic’s speakers emit sound waves that are inaudible to humans, which bounce off the wearer’s body and return to the microphones. The microprocessor then generates a profile image based on these sound waves. An AI model estimates the 3D positions of nine body joints, including the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and nose. Unlike other wearable systems, PoseSonic’s algorithm can work on any user without the need for specific training. By utilizing audio equipment instead of cameras, PoseSonic can run on smart glasses for over 20 hours continuously, offering extended battery life.
Privacy and Data Security
The use of sonar technology in smart glasses provides advantages in terms of privacy. PoseSonic’s algorithm processes only the sound waves it produces itself to build the 3D image, eliminating the need for capturing images or using other sounds. This data can be processed locally on the wearer’s smartphone, reducing the risk of interception and breaches of privacy. By avoiding the need to send data to a public cloud server, PoseSonic ensures greater data security and privacy for users.
Future Applications and Potential
The researchers behind PoseSonic envision two practical use cases for acoustic tracking in smart glasses. Firstly, it could recognize upper body movements in everyday life, such as eating, drinking, or smoking. This technology could also track the wearer’s movements during exercise, providing detailed feedback on body movements beyond just step count or calories burned. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize behavior monitoring and assessment during physical activities.
Conclusion:
The development of PoseSonic technology by scientists at Cornell University represents a significant step forward in the evolution of smart glasses. By utilizing sonar-based tracking instead of cameras, these glasses offer improved accuracy, privacy, and affordability. With the ability to process data locally and extended battery life, PoseSonic paves the way for future wearable devices that seamlessly integrate augmented reality and unobtrusive tracking capabilities. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for enhanced user experiences and behavior monitoring are vast.
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