Augmented Reality is technology that superimposes virtual content on the real world, typically shown through a see-through head mounted display (HMD) or handheld device. AR has successfully been used for many applications and provides new opportunities for remote collaboration and communication. With the growing availability of commercial HMDs such as Google Glass and the Oculus Rift, more possibilities in the field of AR have opened up. However, interaction with AR content shown on HMDs is still not very well explored. This master's thesis investigates the possibilities of a combined use of head mounted and hand held displays (HHD) for interaction in AR conferencing experiences. Prior research in communication, AR collaboration and HMD-HHD interaction is reviewed before presenting new interaction methods. Two different HHD interfaces and cuing methods were created to support file sharing in an AR conferencing application. A formal evaluation compared four different combinations of the interfaces and cuing methods. The results showed a significant difference between the different conditions where in particular one condition performed better than the others. The results were used to create a set of basic design guidelines for future research and application development.

This dissertation explores the use of irony in networked wearable technology art as a strategy to emphasise the complexity of conjunction between techno-organic human and the techno-organic world. The research addresses the relationship between technologically enhanced human and networked hybrid environment, and speculates on the impact of technological enhancements to the subjective construction of Umwelt through ironic interventions. The project employs both artistic practice and critical theory. The practice-based part of the dissertation is comprised of three wearable technology artworks produced during the study. These concrete artefacts employ irony as a means to expose the techno-organic relationship between humans and their environment under scrutiny. The works highlight the significance of technological modifications of the human for the formation of subjective worldview in an everyday hybrid environment. The theoretical part navigates between the fields of art, design, technology, science and cultural studies concerning the impact of technology and networks on human experience and perception of the world. In the background of this research is biologist Jakob von Uexküll’s concept of the Umwelt, which is a subjective perception created by an organism through its active engagement with the everyday living environment. This dissertation focuses on the Umwelt that is formed in an interaction between hybrid environment and the technologically enhanced human, the Hybronaut. 4 Hybrid environment is a physical reality merged with technologically enabled virtual reality. The Hybronaut is an artistic strategy developed during the research based on four elements: wearable technology, network ability, irony and contextualised experience for the public. Irony is one of the prominent characteristics of the Hybronaut. Irony functions as a way to produce multiple paradoxical perspectives that enable a critical inquiry into our subjective construction of Umwelt. The research indicates that ironic networked wearable technology art presents an opportunity to re-examine our perception concerning the human and his environment.

"The public in general and educational communities are aware of the importance of elementary math education in students' lives, as it establishes a cognitive and motivational foundation to reach higher levels of schooling. However, students usually learn passively in traditional instructivist modes, and tend to get bored and disengaged. In contrast, games can be a useful way to assist education and engage students. This thesis reports on a novel game learning environment for mathematics learning, the Tangrams Race, which attempts to inspire students to learn math, by combining traditional outdoor games and wearable technology in the form of Cyber Watches. The Tangrams Race, a physical game designed for elementary school students to play outdoors, is examined and tested in two studies to show that the game-based learning environment and the technology can enhance learning gains and inspire students interest to learn mathematics."

In our current environment virtually any information, including health-related data, can be readily accessible due to the ubiquity of smart devices and health monitoring smart device accessories, such as activity, sleep, heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure tracking devices. However, currently available self-monitoring devices are restricted to extra-corporeal data, leaving many important physiological parameters such as glucose, hormone, and electrolyte level changes uncharted. Of notable interest in the area of self-monitoring is that of blood glucose levels in the pre-diabetic population. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices utilised by diabetics are invasive and cost prohibitive for general consumers and therefore uncommonly used pre-diagnosis. These devices are thus unlikely to enable the lifestyle changes and administration of the appropriate adjustments in a timely manner to pre-diabetics, which may prevent the progression to diabetes. This dissertation discusses and demonstrates the development of a minimally invasive wearable device for the continuous sensing of glucose, with Bluetooth wireless connectivity to enable data transfer to a smart device. Three major components of this device are: 1) microneedles, which serve to penetrate the skin to access the underlying dermal interstitial fluid, and to immobilise the glucose sensor; 2) fluorescent glucose sensor, which senses glucose in the dermal interstitial fluid whilst being immobilised to the microneedles; and 3) wearable fluorescence detection system, which interrogates and evaluates the light signal generated by the microneedle sensing platform. The microneedles are unique compared to the previous microneedle sensing devices, in that the sensing moiety can be chemically integrated into the microneedles to allow for continuous fluid sampling and analyte monitoring to take place simultaneously in situ. Glucose sensing is enabled by modular fluorescent sensors, consisting of glucose receptors, a reporting fluorophore, and an immobilisation site. The wearable fluorometer is 5.1 x 3.2 x 1.9 cm in dimension, is battery-powered, has an adjustable dynamic range, and exhibits fluorescence detection capability comparable to that of the gold standard microplate reader device. In vitro and in vivo assessments demonstrate that the microneedle sensing platform and the detector are able to perform their intended functions, and more importantly, can be integrated compatibly into the final envisioned system. Beyond the intended overall application of continuous glucose monitoring, each component and their fabrication methods have the potential to be utilised for the continuous monitoring of other health metrics. When these components are assembled, the end product is a wearable continuous sensing system that is easy to use, almost painless, minimally invasive, and overall, accessible in terms of convenience and cost to the general consumer.

As more data are observed over time, investigating the variation across time has become a vital part of analyzing such data. In this dissertation, we discuss varying-coefficient models and functional data analysis methods for temporally heterogenous data. More specifically, we examine two different types of temporal heterogeneity. The first type of temporal heterogeneity stems from temporal evolution of relational pattern over time. Dynamic networks are commonly used when relational data are observed over time. Unlike static network analysis, dynamic network analysis emphasizes the importance of recognizing temporal evolution of relationship among observations. We propose and investigate a family of dynamic network models, known as varying-coefficient exponential random graph model (VCERGM), that characterize the evolution of network topology through smoothly varying parameters. The VCERGM directly provides an interpretable dynamic network model that enables the inference of temporal heterogeneity in dynamic networks. Furthermore, we introduce a method that analyzes multilevel dynamic networks. If there exist multiple relational data observed at one time point, it is reasonable to additionally consider the variability among the repeated observations at each time point. The proposed method is an extension of stochastic blockmodels with a priori block membership and temporal random effects. It incorporates a variability among multiple relational structures at one time point and provides a richer representation of dependent engagement patterns at each time point. The method is also flexible in analyzing networks with time-varying networks. Its smooth parameters can be interpreted as evolving strength of engagement within and across blocks. The second type of temporal heterogeneity is motivated by temporal shifts in continuously observed data. When multiple curves are obtained and there exists a common curvature shared by all the observed curves, understanding the common curvature may involve a preprocessing step of managing temporal shifts among curves. We explore the properties of continuous in-shoe sensor recordings to understand the source of variability in gait data. Our case study is based on measurements of three healthy subjects. The in-shoe sensor data we explore show both phase and amplitude variabilities; we separate these sources via curve registration. We examine the correlation of temporal shifts across sensors to evaluate the pattern of phase variability shared across sensors. We apply a series of functional data analysis approaches to the registered in-shoe sensor curves to examine their association with current gold-standard gait measurement, so called ground reaction force.

Over the last few years, there have been striking developments in wearable computing. Among all the different forms of wearable devices, Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) are deemed the first seamless solution to enabling workers with real time contextual information and allowing companies to integrate with existing back-end systems. The hands-free feature that come along with the HMDs is also believed a great advantage over many traditional technologies. However, few studies had discussed the impact of different design characteristics of head mounted displays on task performance. This study aimed to find out how different display positions of Head Mounted Displays may affect the performance of workers performing guided repair and maintenance tasks. A set of car maintenance tasks were performed by 20 participants with task guidance presented at four Display Conditions: above-eye HMD, eye-centered HMD, below-eye HMD and the traditional paper manual. Time and errors were measured and discussed, as well as other user experience related measurements.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / In this paper, we proposed a wearable technology model to control and monitor hypertension during pregnancy. We enhanced prior models by adding a series of health parameters that could potentially prevent and correct hypertension disorders in pregnancy. Our proposed model also emphasizes the application of real-time data analysis for the healthcare organization. In this process, we also assessed the current technologies and systems applications offered in the market. The model consists of four phases: 1. The health parameters of the patient are collected through a wearable device; 2. The data is received by a mobile application; 3. The data is stored in a cloud database; 4. The data is analyzed on real-time using a data analytics application. The model was validated and piloted in a public hospital in Lima, Peru. The preliminary results showed an increased-on number of controlled patients by 11% and a reduction of maternal deaths by 7%, among other relevant health factors that allowed healthcare providers to take corrective and preventive actions. / Revisión por pares

With the introduction of the technological age, increasing mechanisation has led to labour saving devices which have all-but engineered physical activity out of our lives and sedentary behaviour has now become the default behaviour during waking hours. Interventions that previously focused on improving levels of physical activity are now attempting to concurrently increase levels of physical activity and decrease time spent in sedentary behaviour. One method that has shown promise in interventions to increase physical activity and healthy eating in adults is the behaviour change technique of self-monitoring. There is now a robust set of literature indicating self-monitoring as the most promising behaviour change technique in this area. Self-monitoring is tied inherently into the recent rise in wearable technology. These new devices have the ability to track a variety of behavioural and physiological parameters and immediately make the information returnable to the user via connected mobile applications. The potential pervasive nature of these technologies and their use of robust behaviour change techniques could make them a useful tool in interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. Therefore the overall purpose of this three study dissertation was to identify and validate technology that can self-monitor sedentary behaviour and to determine its feasibility in reducing sedentary behaviour. Study 1 Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the characteristics and measurement properties of currently available self-monitoring devices for sedentary behaviour and/or physical activity. Methods: To identify technologies, four scientific databases were systematically searched using key terms related to behaviour, measurement, and population. Articles published through October 2015 were identified. To identify technologies from the consumer electronic sector, systematic searches of three Internet search engines were also performed through to October 1st, 2015. Results: The initial database searches identified 46 devices and the Internet search engines identified 100 devices yielding a total of 146 technologies. Of these, 64 were further removed because they were currently unavailable for purchase or there was no evidence that they were designed for, had been used in, or could readily be modified for self-monitoring purposes. The remaining 82 technologies were included in this review (73 devices self-monitored physical activity, 9 devices self-monitored sedentary time). Of the 82 devices included, this review identified no published articles in which these devices were used for the purpose of self-monitoring physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour; however, a number of technologies were found via Internet searches that matched the criteria for self-monitoring and provided immediate feedback on physical activity (ActiGraph Link, Microsoft Band, and Garmin Vivofit) and sedentary behaviour (activPAL VT, the LumoBack, and Darma). Conclusions: There are a large number of devices that self-monitor physical activity; however, there is a greater need for the development of tools to self-monitor sedentary time. The novelty of these devices means they have yet to be used in behaviour change interventions, although the growing field of wearable technology may facilitate this to change. Study 2 Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the criterion and convergent validity of the LumoBack as a measure of sedentary behaviour compared to direct observation, the ActiGraph wGT3X+ and the activPAL under laboratory and free-living conditions in a sample of healthy adults. Methods: In the laboratory experiment, 34 participants wore a LumoBack, ActiGraph and activPAL monitor and were put through seven different sitting conditions. In the free-living experiment, a sub-sample of 12 participants wore the LumoBack, ActiGraph and activPAL monitor for seven days. Validity were assessed using Bland-Altman plots, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). T-test and Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance were also used to determine any significant difference in measured behaviours. Results: In the laboratory setting, the LumoBack had a mean bias of 76.2, 72.1 and -92.3 seconds when compared to direct observation, ActiGraph and activPAL, respectively, whilst MAPE was less than 4%. Furthermore, the ICC was 0.82 compared to the ActiGraph and 0.73 compared to the activPAL. In the free-living experiment, mean bias was -4.64, 8.90 and 2.34 seconds when compared to the activPAL for sedentary behaviour, standing time and stepping time respectively. Mean bias was -38.44 minutes when compared to the ActiGraph for sedentary time. MAPE for all behaviours were < 9%, and the ICC were all > 0.75. Conclusion: The LumoBack has acceptable validity and reliability as a measure of sedentary behaviour. Study 3 Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the use of the LumoBack as a behaviour change tool to reduce sedentary behaviour in adults. Methods: Forty-two participants (≥25 years) who had an iPhone 4S or later model wore the LumoBack without any feedback for one week for baseline measures of behaviour. Participants then wore the LumoBack for a further five weeks whilst receiving feedback on sedentary behaviour via a sedentary vibration from the device and feedback on the mobile application. Sedentary behaviour, standing time, and stepping time were objectively assessed using the LumoBack. Differences in behaviour were determined between baseline, week 1 and week 5. Participant engagement with the LumoBack was determined using Mobile app analytics software. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in behaviour between baseline and the LumoBack intervention period (p > 0.05). Participants engaged most with the Steps card on the LumoBack app with peaks in engagement seen at week 5. Conclusion: This study indicates that using the LumoBack on its own was not effective in reducing sedentary behaviour in adults. Self-monitoring and feedback may need to be combined with other behaviour change strategies such as environmental restructuring to be effective. General Conclusion This thesis found that there are currently an abundance of technologies which self-monitors physical activity but a lack of devices which measuring sedentary behaviour. One such device, the LumoBack, has shown to have acceptable validity as a measure of sedentary behaviour. Whilst the use of the LumoBack as a behaviour change tool did not elicit any significant changes, its ability to be a pervasive behavioural intervention and the use of user-defined nudging can make the LumoBack, and other similar low cost, valid objective sedentary behaviour self-monitors key components in multi-faceted interventions.

The global wearable technology market is forecasted for strong growth over the next five years with revenue expected to reach $14 billion in 2016 and grow to $34.2 billion by 2020 (CCS Insight, 2016). The wearable industry has undergone a long metamorphosis and growth and is presently becoming more mainstream with the popularization of fitness trackers and smartwatches. Because media portrayals influence public perception of topics covered by the media, exploring media portrayals of wearables is an important component part of understanding trends in growth and popularity of wearables. No other study has analyzed how the media has talked about wearable technology. This study examines newspaper coverage of wearable technology from 1988-2016 using the news framing perspective. A systematic content analysis was conducted on 182 articles from the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, New York Daily News, New York Post and The Washington Post analyzing issue frames, interview sources, episodic vs thematic frames, and type of wearable. This study found that among the four issue frames (progress, regulation, conflict, and generic risk) progress was the dominant frame. Episodic news frames emphasizing individual or specific examples were heavily relied on over thematic frames. The frequency of mentioning sources was not related to episodic/thematic coverage except for professor as an interview source. This study also found a significant relationship between interview source and year for no source. The results of this research provides useful insight into how wearable technology has been framed over the past 28 years by the news media which is helpful for companies creating and marketing these technologies, journalists writing about this type of technology, and scholars interested in understanding how the media talks about a new technology while it is in the process of diffusion. / Master of Arts

OBJECTIVE: Using preliminary data from the Binge-Eating Genetics Initiative (BEGIN), we evaluated the feasibility of delivering an eating disorder digital app, Recovery Record, through smartphone and wearable technology for individuals with binge-type eating disorders. METHODS: Participants (n = 170; 96% female) between 18 and 45 years old with lived experience of binge-eating disorder or bulimia nervosa and current binge-eating episodes were recruited through the Recovery Record app. They were randomized into a Watch (first-generation Apple Watch + iPhone) or iPhone group; they engaged with the app over 30 days and completed baseline and endpoint surveys. Retention, engagement, and associations between severity of illness and engagement were evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly more participants in the Watch group completed the study (p = .045); this group had greater engagement than the iPhone group (p's < .05; pseudo-R effect size = .01-.34). Overall, binge-eating episodes, reported for the previous 28 days, were significantly reduced from baseline (mean = 12.3) to endpoint (mean = 6.4): most participants in the Watch (60%) and iPhone (66%) groups reported reduced binge-eating episodes from baseline to endpoint. There were no significant group differences across measures of binge eating. In the Watch group, participants with fewer episodes of binge eating at baseline were more engaged (p's < .05; pseudo-R = .01-.02). Engagement did not significantly predict binge eating at endpoint nor change in binge-eating episodes from baseline to endpoint for both the Watch and iPhone groups. DISCUSSION: Using wearable technology alongside iPhones to deliver an eating disorder app may improve study completion and app engagement compared with using iPhones alone.