If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to receive the latest Architectradure's articles in your reader or via email. Thanks for visiting!
My work “Electromagnetic Field Detector Bracelet” has been accepted as a video. The video will be presented at Ubicomp in Seoul South Korea during the one minute madness Monday 22nd and during the video reception 17:15 - 19:00!
Abstract of the work
We present the design of a cost-effective wearable sensor to detect and indicate the strength and other characteristics of the electric field emanating from a laptop display. Our bracelet can provide an immediate awareness of electric fields radiated from an object used frequently. Our technology thus supports awareness of ambient background emanation beyond human perception. We discuss how detection of such radiation might help to “fingerprint” devices and aid in applications that require determination of indoor location.
Come see me to talk about this work! If you cannot make it, here is the video:
Motivation
Today, many people fear electromagnetic fields. They believe that ambient fields can negatively influence their health. Perhaps, by visualizing the presence of common electromagnetic (EM) fields, users might feel in control of difficult-to-perceive information and transcend their fear, beginning the process of recognizing and moving beyond fear. An analogy might be found in the cheap RF power meters that are sold to enable people to gauge radiation leakage from their microwave ovens. Conversely, providing users with blind data could increase their paranoia when low-level field leakage from common appliances is visualized. Clearly, people need to be educated in how to properly interpret this data. Regardless of one’s belief on the health impact of background EM fields, visualizing the unseen in this way always leads to fascinating and playful exploration. All devices emit background signals (electrostatically, magnetically, acoustically, and optically) that are characteristic of particular devices and also sometimes indicate that device’s mode of operation. Indeed, government contracts mandate that computers and displays used in highly classified work be kept in shielded rooms (SCIFs) to thwart espionage that monitors such background leakage fields.
The “Electromagnetic Field Detector Bracelet” has been accepted as a video for Ubicomp 2008, Seoul South Korea!
Press on Engadget and Make Magazine.
Posted by Cati Vaucelle @ Architectradure
Technorati Tags: , bracelet, consumer, culture, DIY, electromagnetic field, EMF, fashion, Media Lab, MIT, mobile, project, technology
Mmm to be honest I do not know exactly how to use it, but I find interesting your idea to visualize the invisible.
Are the schematics for this design available?
a potential device to turn into wireless charging device for cellphone and other mobile devices
I show a closeup of my circuit design in the video!
Cati, very interesting project. I agree with you when you highlight the impotance of making people aware of what is “invisible” to us. We see people with much fear and concern without real undestanding what’s going on. Projects like yours makes us more aware of things, and empowers us to make choices about our lives.
PS: loved the accent. :-) I assume that’s you. Nice to hear the voice behind the words.