VJA\'G\'G -- A Thick-Client Smart-Phone Journey Detection Algorithm

TL;DR

This paper introduces Vja˙g˙g, a battery-efficient, on-device journey detection algorithm for smartphones that balances user privacy, accuracy, and power consumption, suitable for transport apps and data collection.

Contribution

It presents a novel on-device journey detection algorithm optimized for battery life and user privacy, with field testing demonstrating high accuracy and low power use.

Findings

Runs for a full day on a single charge

Detects over 88% of complete journeys

Consumes minimal battery power

Abstract

In this paper we describe $Vja\dot{g}\dot{g}$, a battery-aware journey detection algorithm that executes on the mobile device. The algorithm can be embedded in the client app of the transport service provider or in a general purpose mobility data collector. The thick client setup allows the customer/participant to select which journeys are transferred to the server, keeping customers in control of their personal data and encouraging user uptake. The algorithm is tested in the field and optimised for both accuracy in registering complete journeys and battery power consumption. Typically the algorithm can run for a full day without the need of recharging and more than 88% of journeys are correctly detected from origin to destination, whilst 12% would be missing part of the journey.