A shoes-integrated sensing system for context-aware human probes

Human Probes, which are human integrated or embedded with sensors, allow the acquisition of a variety of contextual information, facilitate collaborative information sharing and community action as well as the provision of personalized services such as personal health management and context-aware advertisements. Recently, we have examined the usefulness of pressure sensors embedded in shoes [2]. In this demonstration, we extend our previous research on embedded pressure sensors by considering complimentary uses of accelerometers so as to capture precise and meaningful context in our daily lives. Pressure sensors and accelerometers are similarly useful for capturing the motion of pedestrians; however, the close examination of the signals from both sensors reveals the strengths and the weaknesses of each, and suggests the possibility of their complimentary use to support Human Probes.