Post-Doctoral Research Visit F/M Reconstruction algorithms of the deformed voice in diving equipment via automatic control methods

Created in 2008, the Inria center at the University of Lille employs 360 people, including 305 scientists in 15 research teams. Recognized for its strong involvement in the socio-economic development of the Hauts-De-France region, the Inria center at the University of Lille maintains a close relationship with large companies and SMEs. By fostering synergies between researchers and industry, Inria contributes to the transfer of skills and expertise in the field of digital technologies, and provides access to the best of European and international research for the benefit of innovation and businesses, particularly in the region.

For over 10 years, the Inria center at the University of Lille has been at the heart of Lille's university and scientific ecosystem, as well as at the heart of Frenchtech, with a technology showroom based on avenue de Bretagne in Lille, on the EuraTechnologies site of economic excellence dedicated to information and communication technologies (ICT).

This postdoc offer is a collaboration between the VALSE team (Inria) and the start-up   52 Hertz.

About the Inria Center at the University of Lille

The Inria Center at the University of Lille, created in 2008, is located at two sites: one on the University's campus at La Haute-Borne and one amid the EuraTechnologies entrepreneurial ecosystem. The center has 15 project teams and employs over 360 people, including scientists and research and innovation support staff from 38 nationalities. Its scientific priority areas are data science, Software engineering, and cyber-physical systems.

About the VALSE team 

The VALSE team studies the problems arising in analyzing distributed, uncertain, and interconnected dynamical systems with the design of estimation and control algorithms using the concepts of finite-time/fixed-time/hyperexponential convergence and stability. The main idea is to separate and hierarchize in time, space-distributed control, and estimation processes, greatly simplifying their analysis and the design for large-scale solutions.

For additional information on the VALSE team, please see   https://team.inria.fr/valse/

Novice scuba divers quickly discover the "world of silence" underwater, where communication relies mainly on hand signals. Through training, they learn about twenty essential signs that promote safety and clear communication with instructors during dives. However, this panel of signs focuses on diving safety, offering limited information for diver observation or enjoyment. Despite the essential communication, scuba diving accidents are common and vary in severity, classifying them as extreme sports.

The lack of easy communication solutions may also lead to considerable frustration, especially when instant sharing is expected. Experienced divers, in particular, struggle to exchange information while observing marine life or exploring wrecks quickly and often use slates to write short messages. For professional divers, there are significant challenges with existing communication technologies, which are usually overly complex and bulky.

An underwater communication system could effectively address these limitations, but designing such advanced equipment poses various technical challenges due to the constraints of the underwater environment. 52 Hertz has innovatively developed an advanced underwater communication device designed to tackle these persistent underwater communication challenges. Their device seamlessly integrates with existing regulators, ensuring necessary treatments can be effectively done on board. Its efficient design and well-planned functionality promise to significantly enhance underwater communication.

The aim of this postdoc is to develop and implement speech reconstruction algorithms that effectively address the particular challenges posed by underwater environments and device usage limitations.

 This postdoctoral research will develop new algorithms that use control theory methods to enhance the intelligibility of the distorted voice when using diving equipment. It can be described in specific missions designed to achieve this goal. These missions include filtering noise associated with breathing, addressing the deformation of bilabial consonants, examining the pressure and density of inhaled gases, and understanding how depth affects voice frequency during emission.

The young researcher will be expected to exchange with the partners 52 Hertz and IFREMER Brest.

• PhD in Applied Mathematics or Automatic Control
• A strong background in filtering, observation and identification of dynamic systems 
• A background in Matlab and C programming languages will be an advantage
• Interest in practical problems

• Subsidized meals
• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking and flexible organization of working hours
• Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage

 2788€ per month