Owlet

Abstract

Miniaturization is an inherent trend in ubiquitous computing. Insect-scale robots add new capabilities to disaster management, tiny headphones are emerging as complete computing devices, and small wearable health monitors can track vital signs around the clock. Advancements in sensing technologies play a pivotal role in this development. Spatial sensing at this form factor, however, is a skill yet to be mastered, particularly at low-frequency signals like audible sounds. Traditionally, spatial sensing requires sampling in both time and space using an array of microphones, which comes with a strict size requirement and multiplies its power requirement. In this article, we explore the possibility of an alternative design for spatial sensing for miniaturized and power-constrained devices.