A Systematic Review of Sensing Technology in Human-Building Interaction Research

Human-building interaction is an emerging field of study that investigates the interactions and reciprocal impacts of humans and building systems. In this discipline, sensing technology is critical for data collection. The application of sensing technology is divided into six categories based on the research topics: (1) occupancy status, (2) occupant physiological indicators, (3) building components, (4) building environment, (5) building consumption, and (6) fusion of multi-sensing system. By evaluating 127 relevant research articles, this study attempts to provide a systematic review of the implementation of sensing technologies in each HBI research topic. Four significant sensing technologies were investigated for the occupancy status study: camera-based sensing, infrared-based sensing, radial frequency signal-based sensing, and ultrasonic sensor. Methodologies for biosensing brain activity, muscle and skin function, and cardiac function were examined as occupant physiological indicator measurements. The magnetic reed and vibration sensors were discussed for sensing changes in building components. The air property sensor, sound sensor, and illuminance sensor were introduced to monitor the building environment. The smart meter and smart plug were examined for sensing building consumption, and the application of multi-sensor fusion was also included in this article. Furthermore, this systematic study discussed three aspects of contemporary sensing technology deployment: data concealment, sensor cost tradeoffs, and privacy concerns.

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