Whisper: An acoustic-based proximity detection system

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OverAir specializes in proximity technologies using Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC is a new wireless technology that enables data transmission between two objects when they are within inches of each other. Smartphones & tablets enabled with NFC can exchange data with other NFC devices, or read information from smart tags embedded in posters, stickers and other products. Despite its increasing popularity, legacy devices and non-smartphone devices such as TV monitors are not equipped with NFC transceivers. This limits the applicability of NFC-based proximity solutions. To overcome this barrier, OverAir has identified acoustic communication as an alternative to NFC due to the ubiquity of speakers and microphones in consumer devices. The main objective of this project is thus, to develop a robust acoustic-based proximity detection technique that can interface with OverAir's existing solutions for retailers and conventions. The researcher will address issues including, limitation of speakers and microphone on commodity devices, robustness to ambient noise, coexistence of multiple devices in the vicinity, and prevention of eavesdropping in close collaboration with OverAir.