Cited By
View all- Waghmare A(2024)Extending the Senses of Ubiquitous DevicesAdjunct Proceedings of the 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology10.1145/3672539.3686712(1-5)Online publication date: 13-Oct-2024
WatchLink: Enhancing Smartwatches with Sensor Add-Ons via ECG Interface
Article No.: 14, Pages 1 - 13
Abstract
We introduce a low-power communication method that lets smartwatches leverage existing electrocardiogram (ECG) hardware as a data communication interface. Our unique approach enables the connection of external, inexpensive, and low-power "add-on" sensors to the smartwatch, expanding its functionalities. These sensors cater to specialized user needs beyond those offered by pre-built sensor suites, at a fraction of the cost and power of traditional communication protocols, including Bluetooth Low Energy. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we conduct a series of exploratory and evaluative tests to characterize the ECG interface as a communication channel on commercial smartwatches. We design a simple transmission scheme using commodity components, demonstrating cost and power benefits. Further, we build and test a suite of add-on sensors, including UV light, body temperature, buttons, and breath alcohol, all of which achieved testing objectives at low material cost and power usage. This research paves the way for personalized and user-centric wearables by offering a cost-effective solution to expand their functionalities.
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Index Terms
- WatchLink: Enhancing Smartwatches with Sensor Add-Ons via ECG Interface
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October 2024
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Published: 11 October 2024
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UIST '24
UIST '24: The 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology
October 13 - 16, 2024
PA, Pittsburgh, USA
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View all- Waghmare A(2024)Extending the Senses of Ubiquitous DevicesAdjunct Proceedings of the 37th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology10.1145/3672539.3686712(1-5)Online publication date: 13-Oct-2024
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