What This Document Is
This document presents a research exploration into the application of participatory sensing – leveraging data collected from mobile devices – within the realm of commercial markets. Specifically, it investigates how this technology can be used to understand and track price variations for identical products across different retailers, both online and in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. It details the design and implementation of systems built to gather real-world pricing data. The work originates from research conducted at Portland State University and the University of New South Wales.
Why This Document Matters
Students and researchers in computer networking, mobile computing, and data systems will find this document particularly valuable. It’s ideal for those interested in the intersection of technology and economics, and for anyone exploring novel applications of sensor networks. Professionals working on location-based services, data collection platforms, or market analysis tools may also benefit from understanding the concepts and approaches presented. This resource is especially useful when studying real-world implementations of distributed sensing systems.
Topics Covered
* Price dispersion in economic markets (online and offline)
* Participatory sensing methodologies
* Mobile camera phone applications for data collection
* Automated data gathering techniques
* Systems for tracking fuel prices
* Receipt scanning and data extraction
* The role of consumer search costs in price variations
* Potential applications of price dispersion data (e.g., arbitrage, consumer empowerment)
What This Document Provides
* A detailed introduction to the concept of price dispersion and its economic causes.
* An overview of existing methods for tracking price information.
* Descriptions of two proof-of-concept systems designed for participatory price sensing.
* Insights into the challenges and opportunities of using mobile devices for commercial data collection.
* A foundation for understanding how sensing technologies can be applied to real-world economic problems.
* References to related academic research in the field.
