Digest of Papers. First International Symposium on Wearable Computers
Wearable computers can now merge seamlessly into ordinary clothing. Using various conductive text... more Wearable computers can now merge seamlessly into ordinary clothing. Using various conductive textiles, data and power distribution as well as sensing circuitry can be incorporated directly into wash-and-wear clothing. This paper describes some of the techniques used t o build circuits f r o m commercially available fabrics, yarns, fasteners, and components.
Digest of Papers. First International Symposium on Wearable Computers
While wearable computers are empowering fashion accessories, they bring with them a tangle of war... more While wearable computers are empowering fashion accessories, they bring with them a tangle of wares which connect their parts. As these subsystems begin to decouple and operate on less power, it becomes possible to wirelessly distribute their required data and power using to the wearer's body. We have demonstrated systems that transmit and receive both data and power, and are working t o combine the two.
Proceedings of the 24th annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology, 2011
This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was... more This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was developed to enable this interaction. Through this research, I extend the tabletop tangible interaction modalities which have been confined to 2D surfaces into 3D space above the surface. Users are invited to place and move a levitated object in the mid-air space, which is analogous to placing objects on 2D surfaces. For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions.
In collaboration with the Auto-ID Center, ThingMagic LLC has developed a unique multi-band RFID t... more In collaboration with the Auto-ID Center, ThingMagic LLC has developed a unique multi-band RFID tag reader reference platform. This reader has been designed to read tags conforming to the the Auto-ID Center's emerging EPC specifications at both the 13.56MHz (HF) and 902 - 928MHz (UHF) frequency bands. The hardware architecture consists of a general purpose analog front end up/downconverter for
CHI 98 Conference Summary on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1998
This paper presents a series of physical computer interfaces and computational devices that are c... more This paper presents a series of physical computer interfaces and computational devices that are constructed from electronic fabrics and conducting threads. We introduce two types of textile keyboards, a piecework switch matrix and a capacitive embroidered keypad. We discuss these fabric sensors in a variety of applications. We give examples of computational clothing using this technology. This clothing shows how digital technology can be imbedded into the world around us. We argue that creating computational devices with new and unexpected materials gives designers the creative freedom to radically change the appearance and "feeling" of such devices.
Wash-and-wear multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on fabric substrates, using cond... more Wash-and-wear multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on fabric substrates, using conductive textiles and suitably packaged components. Fabrics are perhaps the first composite materials engineered by humanity; their evolution led to the development of the Jacquard loom, which itself led to the development of the modern computer. The development of fabric circuitry is a compelling closure of the cycle that points to a new class of textiles which interact with their users and their environments, while retaining the properties that made them the first ubiquitous "smart material". Fabrics are in several respects superior to existing flexible substrates in terms of their durability, conformability, and breathability. The present work adopts a modular approach to circuit fabrication, from which follow circuit design techniques and component packages optimized for use in fabric-based circuitry, flexible all-fabric interconnects, and multilayer circuits. While maintaining close compatibility with existing components, tools, and techniques, the present work demonstrates all steps of a process to create multilayer printed circuits on fabric substrates using conductive textiles.
We describe a novel wearable energy-harvesting system based on the phenomenon of contact electrif... more We describe a novel wearable energy-harvesting system based on the phenomenon of contact electrification: when two materials are brought into contact and then separated, they are often found to be charged. By patterning circuits out of textiles with specific electronic properties, we can collect and channel these transferred charges to power-harvesting circuitry. As a demonstration of this principle, we have designed and built a garment to display the wearer's ongoing level of physical activity by powering strings of LEDs using only the energy generated in the garment's motion. Finally, the methods we describe are not limited to textiles but are applicable to material computing in general.
Highly durable, flexible, and even washable multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on... more Highly durable, flexible, and even washable multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on textile substrates, using conductive yarns and suitably packaged components. In this paper we describe the development of e-broidery (electronic embroidery, i.e., the patterning of conductive textiles by numerically controlled sewing or weaving processes) as a means of creating computationally active textiles. We compare textiles to existing flexible circuit substrates with regard to durability, conformability, and wearability. We also report on: some unique applications enabled by our work; the construction of sensors and user interface elements in textiles; and a complete process for creating flexible multilayer circuits on fabric substrates. This process maintains close compatibility with existing electronic components and design tools, while optimizing design techniques and component packages for use in textiles.
As the Internet continues its exponential growth (with increased commercialisation of its latent ... more As the Internet continues its exponential growth (with increased commercialisation of its latent value), the user profile is also changing. Many of the newer hosts are personal machines and a good number connect via dialup or other slow links. We examine some factors that motivate or mandate "thin" (low-bandwidth) connections to the Internet. We notice different motivations in the west and in developing countries, yet there are underlying technical similarities. This helps us draw a profile of today's typical user. We use these observations to make a case for some techniques and methods that could make Internet practical and adequately efficient even at the end of a tether. We are exploring the application of these methods to routine Internet use, from a site in India (a software development laboratory, multiuser LAN) and from mobile computers (e.g., HP100LX and Gateway Handbook) in the US. In each case the user sits at the end of a relatively thin link. We consider transparent caching and replay of application protocols to be a useful and practical way to implement transaction spoofing, in a manner transparent to the application, user, and network. Cache effectiveness can also be improved by prefetching. Progressive encoding exploits the ability of the user to judge the value of an information object based on a preview of certain fragments, and diminishes most of the inconveniences associated with casual Internet browsing from the end of a Thin Wire. We suggest that such encoding methods apply not only to graphic image files, but also to large arc hive files and real time communication. Filtering and relevance feedback have been recognised as effective tools in overcoming information overload. We find that Usenet surfing lends itself to a some filtering methods particularly well because of its nature.
We describe theoretical and practical aspects of the particle trap as an inertial sensor. The ins... more We describe theoretical and practical aspects of the particle trap as an inertial sensor. The insight motivating this approach is that a trapped particle acts like a mass on a spring, but the restoring forces are provided by electrostatic fields. Exquisitely machined physical mechanisms can be replaced by carefully tuned mechanical physics. Such inertial sensors could be simpler to build yet exhibit superior performance because their operating parameters can be dynamically Of my mentors at the Media Lab I am incredibly grateful to Neil Gershenfeld, for always finding time to work with his students and encouraging their (and his!) crazy ideas, even as he built our little physics lab into the Center for Bits and Atoms; Susan Murphy-Bottari, for making our group feel like family and run like Swiss clockwork, along with the help of Mike Houlihan; Joe Paradiso for his quiet wisdom, his offhanded deep insights into physics, and his passion for electronic music; and Scott Manalis for his clear sight and carefully calibrated challenges. I must also thank Sandy
Digest of Papers. First International Symposium on Wearable Computers
Wearable computers can now merge seamlessly into ordinary clothing. Using various conductive text... more Wearable computers can now merge seamlessly into ordinary clothing. Using various conductive textiles, data and power distribution as well as sensing circuitry can be incorporated directly into wash-and-wear clothing. This paper describes some of the techniques used t o build circuits f r o m commercially available fabrics, yarns, fasteners, and components.
Digest of Papers. First International Symposium on Wearable Computers
While wearable computers are empowering fashion accessories, they bring with them a tangle of war... more While wearable computers are empowering fashion accessories, they bring with them a tangle of wares which connect their parts. As these subsystems begin to decouple and operate on less power, it becomes possible to wirelessly distribute their required data and power using to the wearer's body. We have demonstrated systems that transmit and receive both data and power, and are working t o combine the two.
Proceedings of the 24th annual ACM symposium on User interface software and technology, 2011
This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was... more This thesis presents a concept of mid-air tangible interaction and a system called ZeroN that was developed to enable this interaction. Through this research, I extend the tabletop tangible interaction modalities which have been confined to 2D surfaces into 3D space above the surface. Users are invited to place and move a levitated object in the mid-air space, which is analogous to placing objects on 2D surfaces. For example, users can place a physical object that represents the sun above physical objects to cast digital shadows, or place a planet that will start revolving based on simulated physical conditions.
In collaboration with the Auto-ID Center, ThingMagic LLC has developed a unique multi-band RFID t... more In collaboration with the Auto-ID Center, ThingMagic LLC has developed a unique multi-band RFID tag reader reference platform. This reader has been designed to read tags conforming to the the Auto-ID Center's emerging EPC specifications at both the 13.56MHz (HF) and 902 - 928MHz (UHF) frequency bands. The hardware architecture consists of a general purpose analog front end up/downconverter for
CHI 98 Conference Summary on Human Factors in Computing Systems, 1998
This paper presents a series of physical computer interfaces and computational devices that are c... more This paper presents a series of physical computer interfaces and computational devices that are constructed from electronic fabrics and conducting threads. We introduce two types of textile keyboards, a piecework switch matrix and a capacitive embroidered keypad. We discuss these fabric sensors in a variety of applications. We give examples of computational clothing using this technology. This clothing shows how digital technology can be imbedded into the world around us. We argue that creating computational devices with new and unexpected materials gives designers the creative freedom to radically change the appearance and "feeling" of such devices.
Wash-and-wear multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on fabric substrates, using cond... more Wash-and-wear multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on fabric substrates, using conductive textiles and suitably packaged components. Fabrics are perhaps the first composite materials engineered by humanity; their evolution led to the development of the Jacquard loom, which itself led to the development of the modern computer. The development of fabric circuitry is a compelling closure of the cycle that points to a new class of textiles which interact with their users and their environments, while retaining the properties that made them the first ubiquitous "smart material". Fabrics are in several respects superior to existing flexible substrates in terms of their durability, conformability, and breathability. The present work adopts a modular approach to circuit fabrication, from which follow circuit design techniques and component packages optimized for use in fabric-based circuitry, flexible all-fabric interconnects, and multilayer circuits. While maintaining close compatibility with existing components, tools, and techniques, the present work demonstrates all steps of a process to create multilayer printed circuits on fabric substrates using conductive textiles.
We describe a novel wearable energy-harvesting system based on the phenomenon of contact electrif... more We describe a novel wearable energy-harvesting system based on the phenomenon of contact electrification: when two materials are brought into contact and then separated, they are often found to be charged. By patterning circuits out of textiles with specific electronic properties, we can collect and channel these transferred charges to power-harvesting circuitry. As a demonstration of this principle, we have designed and built a garment to display the wearer's ongoing level of physical activity by powering strings of LEDs using only the energy generated in the garment's motion. Finally, the methods we describe are not limited to textiles but are applicable to material computing in general.
Highly durable, flexible, and even washable multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on... more Highly durable, flexible, and even washable multilayer electronic circuitry can be constructed on textile substrates, using conductive yarns and suitably packaged components. In this paper we describe the development of e-broidery (electronic embroidery, i.e., the patterning of conductive textiles by numerically controlled sewing or weaving processes) as a means of creating computationally active textiles. We compare textiles to existing flexible circuit substrates with regard to durability, conformability, and wearability. We also report on: some unique applications enabled by our work; the construction of sensors and user interface elements in textiles; and a complete process for creating flexible multilayer circuits on fabric substrates. This process maintains close compatibility with existing electronic components and design tools, while optimizing design techniques and component packages for use in textiles.
As the Internet continues its exponential growth (with increased commercialisation of its latent ... more As the Internet continues its exponential growth (with increased commercialisation of its latent value), the user profile is also changing. Many of the newer hosts are personal machines and a good number connect via dialup or other slow links. We examine some factors that motivate or mandate "thin" (low-bandwidth) connections to the Internet. We notice different motivations in the west and in developing countries, yet there are underlying technical similarities. This helps us draw a profile of today's typical user. We use these observations to make a case for some techniques and methods that could make Internet practical and adequately efficient even at the end of a tether. We are exploring the application of these methods to routine Internet use, from a site in India (a software development laboratory, multiuser LAN) and from mobile computers (e.g., HP100LX and Gateway Handbook) in the US. In each case the user sits at the end of a relatively thin link. We consider transparent caching and replay of application protocols to be a useful and practical way to implement transaction spoofing, in a manner transparent to the application, user, and network. Cache effectiveness can also be improved by prefetching. Progressive encoding exploits the ability of the user to judge the value of an information object based on a preview of certain fragments, and diminishes most of the inconveniences associated with casual Internet browsing from the end of a Thin Wire. We suggest that such encoding methods apply not only to graphic image files, but also to large arc hive files and real time communication. Filtering and relevance feedback have been recognised as effective tools in overcoming information overload. We find that Usenet surfing lends itself to a some filtering methods particularly well because of its nature.
We describe theoretical and practical aspects of the particle trap as an inertial sensor. The ins... more We describe theoretical and practical aspects of the particle trap as an inertial sensor. The insight motivating this approach is that a trapped particle acts like a mass on a spring, but the restoring forces are provided by electrostatic fields. Exquisitely machined physical mechanisms can be replaced by carefully tuned mechanical physics. Such inertial sensors could be simpler to build yet exhibit superior performance because their operating parameters can be dynamically Of my mentors at the Media Lab I am incredibly grateful to Neil Gershenfeld, for always finding time to work with his students and encouraging their (and his!) crazy ideas, even as he built our little physics lab into the Center for Bits and Atoms; Susan Murphy-Bottari, for making our group feel like family and run like Swiss clockwork, along with the help of Mike Houlihan; Joe Paradiso for his quiet wisdom, his offhanded deep insights into physics, and his passion for electronic music; and Scott Manalis for his clear sight and carefully calibrated challenges. I must also thank Sandy
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