There is provided a method and apparatus for sensing a meal activity among
the various activities of daily life using pressure sensors. A meal
activity sensing apparatus collects sensor data detected through a
plurality of pressure sensors installed in a smart meal mat, filters the
collected sensor data, measures a pressure variance by using the filtered
sensor data, determines whether a meal activity has taken place by
comparing the measured pressure variance with a preset threshold value,
and transmits meal activity information associated with the meal activity
to an information processor communicating with the smart meal mat via
radio frequency. Since this provides an advantage of more accurate
detection of the meal activity, it can be useful in care services for
eldercare facilities and for elderly individuals living alone, and
further, in the efficient observance of an individual's daily meal
patterns.