DeskWave: Desktop Interactions using Low-cost Microwave Doppler Arrays

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through a variety of commonly found materials but partially reflect off human bodies. Microwaves are non-ionizing and at controlled levels do not pose a danger. A wave that is capable of passing through materials and image humans could have useful applications in human-computer-interaction. However, only recently the full potential of microwaves for interactive devices has begun to be explored. Here, we present a scalable, low-cost system using an array of off-the-shelf microwave Doppler sensors and explore its potential for tabletop interactions. The arrays are installed beneath a desk, making it an ubiquitous device that enables a wide range of interactions such as 3D hand tracking, gesture recognition and different forms of tangible interaction. Given the low cost and availability of these sensors, we expect that this work will stimulate future interactive devices that employ microwave sensors.