Pushing Acoustic Sensing from the Laboratory to Real World: Theories, Applications, and Practical Problems

Date: Jan 22, 11:45am–12:45pm

Abstract: With the proliferation of voice assistants, speakers and microphones are essential components in billions of smart devices that people interact with on a daily basis, such as smartphones, smart watches, smart speakers, smart home appliances, etc. By transferring them into acoustic radars, we have successfully demonstrated the possibility of extending their primary use from simple audio playing and voice-based interactions to multifarious sensing applications, including gesture tracking, vital sign monitoring, and eye blink detection. In this talk, I will introduce how we identify and address the fundamental technical challenges and practical real-world problems, which not only resolve existing system limitations but also
facilitate the creation of new applications. In particular, I will present how we develop novel theories to enhance the capabilities of acoustic signals for long-range sensing. Then I will demonstrate our groundbreaking work on “listening” eye blinks using commodity smartphones, which has significant implications for Human-Computer Interaction, drowsy driving prevention, and eye disease detection. Furthermore, I will share insights into the practical problems encountered when transitioning acoustic sensing systems from laboratory settings to real-world environments. At last, I will conclude my talk with future prospects in the realm of sensing for the common good.

Biographical Sketch: Dong Li is a final-year Ph.D. candidate in the Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, under the supervision of Prof. Jie Xiong. Before that, Dong received his M.Eng. in Software Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and his B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. His research interests include Mobile and Wireless Sensing, Internet of Things, Human Computer Interaction, and Smart Health. The primary goal of his research is to develop innovative sensing and computing systems that can help humanity in healthcare equity, wealth distribution, and environmental sustainability by making them more
affordable and accessible to the average user worldwide. His research work has been published in various high-impact venues such as MobiCom, SenSys, IPSN, UbiComp, and HotNets.

Location and Zoom link: 307 Love, or https://fsu.zoom.us/j/91440977835