Sensing via signal analysis, analytics, and cyberbiometric patterns
Date
2022
Authors
Anderson, Wesley, author
Simske, Steve, advisor
Lear, Kevin, committee member
Volckens, John, committee member
Carter, Ellison, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Internet-connected, or Internet of Things (IoT), sensor technologies have been increasingly incorporated into everyday technology and processes. Their functions are situationally dependent and have been used for vital recordings such as electrocardiograms, gait analysis and step counting, fall detection, and environmental analysis. For instance, environmental sensors, which exist through various technologies, are used to monitor numerous domains, including but not limited to pollution, water quality, and the presence of biota, among others. Past research into IoT sensors has varied depending on the technology. For instance, previous environmental gas sensor IoT research has focused on (i) the development of these sensors for increased sensitivity and increased lifetimes, (ii) integration of these sensors into sensor arrays to combat cross-sensitivity and background interferences, and (iii) sensor network development, including communication between widely dispersed sensors in a large-scale environment. IoT inertial measurement units (IMU's), such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, have been previously researched for gait analysis, movement detection, and gesture recognition, which are often related to human-computer interface (HCI). Methods of IoT Device feature-based pattern recognition for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) are frequently investigated as well, including primitive classification methods and deep learning techniques. The result of this research gives insight into each of these topics individually, i.e., using a specific sensor technology to detect carbon monoxide in an indoor environment, or using accelerometer readings for gesture recognition. Less research has been performed on analyzing the systems aspects of the IoT sensors themselves. However, an important part of attaining overall situational awareness is authenticating the surroundings, which in the case of IoT means the individual sensors, humans interacting with the sensors, and other elements of the surroundings. There is a clear opportunity for the systematic evaluation of the identity and performance of an IoT sensor/sensor array within a system that is to be utilized for "full situational awareness". This awareness may include (i) non-invasive diagnostics (i.e., what is occurring inside the body), (ii) exposure analysis (i.e., what has gone into the body through both respiratory and eating/drinking pathways), and (iii) potential risk of exposure (i.e., what the body is exposed to environmentally). Simultaneously, the system has the capability to harbor security measures through the same situational assessment in the form of multiple levels of biometrics. Through the interconnective abilities of the IoT sensors, it is possible to integrate these capabilities into one portable, hand-held system. The system will exist within a "magic wand", which will be used to collect the various data needed to assess the environment of the user, both inside and outside of their bodies. The device can also be used to authenticate the user, as well as the system components, to discover potential deception within the system. This research introduces levels of biometrics for various scenarios through the investigation of challenge-based biometrics; that is, biometrics based upon how the sensor, user, or subject of study responds to a challenge. These will be applied to multiple facets surrounding "situational awareness" for living beings, non-human beings, and non-living items or objects (which we have termed "abiometrics"). Gesture recognition for intent of sensing was first investigated as a means of deliberate activation of sensors/sensor arrays for situational awareness while providing a level of user authentication through biometrics. Equine gait analysis was examined next, and the level of injury in the lame limbs of the horse was quantitatively measured and classified using data from IoT sensors. Finally, a method of evaluating the identity and health of a sensor/sensory array was examined through different challenges to their environments.