We live in an era where computer applications are no longer constrained by the close proximity of big and expensive computers, but extend to larger common spaces due to the ubiquity of sensors and computing resources, and their ever decreasing sizes and costs. This computing evolution has fueled emerging concepts of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart environments with applications such as context-aware computing, personal and environment informatics, mental and physical health monitoring, and accessibility for the elderly and handicapped. However, smart environments can only be as smart as what they sense – they rely on accurate and reliable sensing technologies.
In this talk, I will cover my dissertation work where I tackle challenges in existing ubiquitous sensing through developing wide-area sensors – sensors that can blanket an entire room or building for interactivity as well as activity sensing. Specifically, I will focus on three systems based on capacitive sensing, electromagnetic sensing, laser vibrometry and self-powered radio broadcast.
Yang Zhang is currently a 4th year PhD student at Human-Computer Interaction Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a Qualcomm Innovation Fellow. His research spans across 1) developing wide-area sensing technologies for IoT applications, 2) advancing Electric Field Tomography for interactivity, and 3) enhancing smart devices to extend interactions beyond touchscreens. His research was awarded 1 best paper and 4 honorable mention awards at CHI and UIST, and featured on Engadget, The Wall Street Journal, and MIT Technology Review. More information can be found on his website: https://yangzhang.dev