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arXiv · 0811.4170

High resolution dynamical mapping of social interactions with active RFID

Alain Barrat·Ciro Cattuto·Vittoria Colizza·Jean-Francois Pinton·Wouter Van den Broeck·Alessandro Vespignani
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Abstract

In this paper we present an experimental framework to gather data on face-to-face social interactions between individuals, with a high spatial and temporal resolution. We use active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices that assess contacts with one another by exchanging low-power radio packets. When individuals wear the beacons as a badge, a persistent radio contact between the RFID devices can be used as a proxy for a social interaction between individuals. We present the results of a pilot study recently performed during a conference, and a subsequent preliminary data analysis, that provides an assessment of our method and highlights its versatility and applicability in many areas concerned with human dynamics.

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Alain Barrat, Ciro Cattuto, Vittoria Colizza, Jean-Francois Pinton, Wouter Van den Broeck, Alessandro Vespignani. 2008-11-25. High resolution dynamical mapping of social interactions with active RFID. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0011596

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