title: Eating Event Detection by Magnetic Proximity Sensing.
abstract: Eating event detection is an important problem in automatic dietary study using a wearable computer, such as the eButton. In this work, we approach this detection problem based on the use of a small magnet marker attached to a finger and a miniature magnetometer installed within the eButton. Our experimental results indicate that our magnetic approach is effective when the distance between the marker and the wearable computer is within 12cm, and the range of detection is approximately 15cm. We also found that the proximity signal patterns corresponding to eating and other daily activities are different, which can be used to reduce the false detection rate. In addition, our approach is convenient, low-cost and energy efficient, suitable for practical applications.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh ; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: Chengliu
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh ; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: Yicheng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: Wenyan
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jia
authors.affiliation: Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh ; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh.
authors.forename: Mingui
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sun
keywords: Eating event detection; hand proximity; magnetic sensor