Aware surfaces : large-scale, surface-based sensing for new modes of data collection, analysis, and human interaction

Abstract

This thesis describes the design and construction of pressure sensing matrices for capturing human location and activity data from large surfaces in a space such as the floors, walls, tabletops, countertops, and furniture. With the ability to operate either alone or connected to others in an assembly, each sensor module is 0.3m x 2m, contains 512 force sensitive resistors, and has a refresh rate of about 8Hz. Each module was made with conductive inkjet printing and PCB fabrication, creating a low-profile sensing surface with robust signal-collecting circuitry. Several experiments were conducted on an assemblage of three modules to assess parameters such as response time, sensitivity, measurement repeatability, spatial and pressure resolution, and accuracy in analyzing walking data as compared to a camera. Applications that could employ such a system are explored and two visualizations were prototyped that could ambiently provide data and trends to a user.