mBeacon: Accurate, robust proximity detection with smart phones and smart watches using low frequency modulated magnetic fields

We describe a proximity detection method that leverages the internal magnetic field sensors in smart phones and smart watches to allow reliable, robust detection of proximity to predefined regions of interest within a 30--50cm radius. For marking the regions, low cost, unobtrusive, easily deployable magnetic field beacons have been implemented. We evaluate our system in 5 different use cases in semi-naturalistic lab experiments inspired by different application domains.

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