Abstract

The rapid explosion of mobile phones over the last decade has enabled a new sensing paradigm – participatory sensing – where individuals act as sensors by using their mobile phones for data collection. Participatory sensing relies on the sensing capabilities of mobile phones, many of which have the ability to detect location, capture images and audio, the networking support provided by cellular and WiFi infrastructure, and the spatial and temporal coverage along with interpretive abilities provided by the individuals that carry and operate mobile phones. If successfully coordinated, participants involved in data collection using their mobile phones can open up new possibilities uniquely relevant to the interests of individuals, groups, and communities as they seek to understand the social and physical processes of the world around them. Responsibly realizing a vision of sensing that is widespread and participatory poses critical technology challenges. To support mobile participatory sensing applications, the future Internet architecture must provide network services that enable applications to select, task, and coordinate mobile users based on measures of coverage, capabilities, and participation and performance patterns; attestation mechanisms that enable sensor data consumers to assess trustworthiness of the data they access; and privacy and auditing mechanisms that enable sensor sources to control sharing and disclosure of data.

Mobile Participatory Sensing Vision

Individuals Carrying Mobile Phones as Sensors

Embedded wireless sensing provides scientists and engineers unique insights into the physical and biological processes of the natural and “built” environments.