Context awareness

About: Context awareness is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 5790 publications have been published within this topic receiving 119944 citations.

The conceptual model of context for mobile commerce applications

Abstract: Mobile commerce applications adhering to anytime and anywhere paradigm, required to be flexible. They should be able to adapt their interface, services and content towards a certain context. Several proposals for definition of context have been already proposed originating from various areas related to mobile commerce. However, an integrated, formal and methodological approach for the determination and representation of context, adjusted to special characteristics of mobile commerce applications, has not been insofar presented. This is the challenge we address in this paper, through a conceptual model that includes: i) a clear and formal definition of context, ii) the depiction of its specific characteristics as metadata, iii) a methodology for its determination and iv) the presentation of an extension of class diagrams of UML for its representation, all of them tailored to the special nature of mobile commerce applications.

Middleware for mobile computing: awareness vs. transparency

Abstract: Summary form only given. Middleware solutions for wired distributed systems cannot be used in a mobile setting, as mobile applications impose new requirements that run counter to the principle of transparency on which current middleware systems have been built. We propose the use of reflection capabilities and meta-data to pave the way for a new generation of middleware platforms designed to support mobility.

Design and implementation of a context-aware decision algorithm for heterogeneous networks

Abstract: Wireless networks and mobile terminals are evolving towards being heterogeneous. In this environment, intelligent handover decision, beyond traditional ones that are based on only signal strength, is needed so that terminals can select the best option available from diverse networks and services as per user requirements. In the process, it would enable user applications to switch automatically between active interfaces that best suit them based on application requirements and interface capabilities and to use multiple radio interfaces simultaneously ensuring the optimum usage of the network resources available to the terminal. To fulfill the above requirements, this paper proposes the design and implementation of a context-aware vertical handover decision algorithm suitable for multimode mobile devices in heterogeneous networks based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Responsive environments: User experiences for ambient intelligence

Abstract: In this paper we review the emerging field of responsive environments as an ambient intelligence system with a focus on user experience. We see responsive environments as a combination between the scientific developments that resulted in Ambient Intelligence systems and the aesthetic motivation behind interactive art installations. This next development in Information and Communication Technologies transcends the computer screen and the localised interface towards ambient accessibility and experience. Inspired by different authors in the field of Ambient Intelligence, we redefine Responsive environments as physical spaces, such as city squares, public halls, etc, that are enhanced with the use of technology and media. The concept of responsive environments is defined in relation to ambient intelligence highlighting system-centred approach based on which it has been developed, and user-centred approach that we believe is the direction to follow. The infrastructure and technology required, notably the necessary sensors and actuators are reviewed in later sections. The user interaction is analysed with a series of examples. The different approaches to the interfaces are contributing to a better understanding of the challenges of selecting the right interaction principle. Furthermore, context awareness and user experience have an important contribution to the success of a responsive environment. An environment where the aesthetic of interaction, user engagement, access, embodiment and intimacy are also to be taken into account in the design and specifications phases.

A framework for context-aware heterogeneous group decision making in business processes

Abstract: In Business Process Management great attention is given to Computational Intelligence for supporting process life-cycle. Several approaches have been defined to support human decision making. The main drawback is that there are no solid criteria for determining optimal decisions since context, matter of discussion, and involved actors may differ at each execution. This work focuses on the definition of a framework to support and trace human decision making activities, in business processes, when heterogeneous decision-makers have to find a consensus to select most promising alternative to follow. The framework relies on Fuzzy Consensus Model and implements Reinforcement Learning algorithm to learn weight of the decision-makers through the analysis of past process executions considering context and performances of business processes. Context awareness relies on semantic web technologies enabling ontological reasoning to evaluate context similarity used to assign the right weight to the involved decision-makers also in the case when more general or more specific context occurs. The framework has been instantiated in the case study of Supply Chain Management. The analysis of the simulation results reveal that the proposed weight learning algorithm and the considered initial weight association strategies (Starting Weight and Training Executions), even if the cold start, give to decision-makers the chance to fill the gap with respect to more experienced decision makers.