Colloquium "Pervasive technologies and applications for environmental monitoring and human computer feedback interaction"

Abstract:
In electronics and informatics big steps have been made towards providing technologies needed to build pervasive and ubiquitous applications. To develop such applications, a broad knowledge and multidisciplinary approach are needed because pervasive applications do not exist on their own, but should be immersed in environment or worn by humans. As the typical background of information technologists is focused on the technologies, interactions with natural scientists or physicians is not only suggested, but rather mandatory. Two applications will be presented, one for the field of human computer feedback interaction, one about environmental monitoring: a) Kinematic sensors to enhance performance in sport, in collaboration with physicians and psychologists. We use sound feedback generated through smart-phones, coupled with off-the-shelf kinematic devices. b) Monitoring of physical quantities in glacial environment, in collaboration with geologists and earth scientists. We use a system composed of an Automatic Weather Station (AWS), augmented through the installation of a satellite link to enable remote communication. From the installation we gathered knowledge about the problems related to embedded systems and communication in harsh environments. To better understand the energetic behavior and evolution of the AWS, we started developing a simulator for the system, that is currently being further expanded and tested.

CV:

Daniel Cesarini (http://www.danielcesarini.eu) received his M.Sc. degree in Computer Engineering in 2010 from University of Pisa, Italy. In November 2010 he joined the Department of Information Engineering University of Pisa as a research assistant working within the “FiDo” project on a fall detection system for elderly people using wireless accelerometers. In January 2011 he enrolled the Information Engineering PhD program of “Leonardo da Vinci” PhD School, University of Pisa, under the supervision of Prof. Marco Avvenuti. His main research activities are in the area of wireless sensors and mobile sensing. In particular, Daniel is interested in the development of pervasive applications in the field of human computer interaction and environmental monitoring. Since autumn 2011, he collaborates with Prof. Klaus Mattes and Dr. Nina Schaffert from University of Hamburg, Germany, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movements. With this group he is working on integrating kinematic sensors and pressure sensor matrix aimed at enhancing sports performance and rehabilitation through audio feedback. In summer 2012, he participated in the installation of a satellite link on an Automatic Weather Station on Italian Alps, within a national project. Since October 2010, he is a laboratory lecturer in Operating Systems course of the Computer Engineering program at University of Pisa. He co-advised more than 20  B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.