Showing papers on "Mobile technology published in 2006"

From Cyber to Hybrid Mobile Technologies as Interfaces of Hybrid Spaces

Abstract: Hybrid spaces arise when virtual communities (chats, multiuser domains, and massively multi-player online role-playing games), previously enacted in what was conceptualized as cyberspace, migrate t...

Mobile data security system and methods

Abstract: The present invention is directed to security systems and methods for mobile network-based data environments. The present invention provides an integration of security, mobile computing, wireless and IT infrastructure management technology, to create a new level of automation and enforcement to enable the transparent application of mobile security across an enterprise, while embracing end user “transparency” and “ease of use” and empowering IT administration.

Mobile Interaction Design

Abstract: Preface. Acknowledgements. PART I: INTRODUCTION. Chapter 1: Possibilities. Key points. 1.1 Introduction. 1.2 What are mobile devices?. 1.2.1 Communication or information device? 1.2.2 Appliance or swiss-army knife? 1.2.3 Cherished device or commodity tool? 1.3 Impoverished or extraordinary interfaces? 1.3.1 The Fastap keypad. 1.3.2 Peephole displays. 1.3.3 Accommodating human capabilities and limitations. 1.4 Impoverishing interactions? 1.4.1 Reasons for poor design. 1.4.2 Impacts of poor design. 1.5 Outline of the rest of this book. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 2: Products for people. Key points. 2.1 Introduction. 2.2 Useful. 2.2.1 Function before form. 2.2.2 Evolving uses. 2.3 Usable. 2.3.1 Usable in itself. 2.3.2 Usable in life. 2.4 User experience. 2.4.1 Strong identity. 2.4.2 Interaction as package. 2.5 Technology acceptance. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 3: Innovating. Key points. 3.1 Introduction. 3.2 Technology-centered approaches. 3.3 Transferring from the desktop. 3.3.1 Applications. 3.3.2 Interface styles. 3.4 Building on past mobile success. 3.5 Drama. 3.6 Frameworks for human-centered thinking. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. PART II: DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE MOBILE APPLICATIONS. Chapter 4: Interaction design. Key points. 4.1 Introduction. 4.2 Designing what? Designing how? 4.3 Understanding users. 4.3.1 From biology to psychology. 4.3.2 Field studies. 4.3.3 Direct questioning. 4.3.4 Distilling the findings. 4.4 Developing prototype designs. 4.4.1 Shaping and managing the design space. 4.4.2 Prototyping. 4.5 Evaluation. 4.5.1 Testing with users. 4.5.2 Testing in the absence of users. 4.6 Iterative development. 4.7 Multiple viewpoints. 4.7.1 Many techniques and tools. 4.7.2 Many disciplines. 4.7.3 Participation and collaboration. 4.8 From interaction design to deployment. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 5: Watching, asking, probing. Key points. 5.1 Introduction. 5.2 Focusing the study. 5.2.1 How focused should the study be? 5.2.2 Finding people to study. 5.3 Top techniques for understanding people. 5.3.1 Observing. 5.3.2 Enquiring. 5.3.3 Diary studies. 5.3.4 Discount methods. 5.3.5 Focus groups. 5.3.6 Creatively engaging methods. 5.4 Making sense of observations. 5.4.1 Activities. 5.4.2 Analysis perspectives. 5.5 Personas and scenarios. 5.5.1 Personas. 5.5.2 Scenarios. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 6: Prototypes. Key points. 6.1 Introduction. 6.2 What is a prototype? 6.3 Different prototypes for different purposes. 6.4 Low-fidelity. 6.4.1 Self-checking. 6.4.2 Communicating with others. 6.4.3 Interaction prototyping. 6.4.4 Empowering users. 6.5 Higher-fidelity. 6.5.1 Deciding what to prototype. 6.5.2 Hardware and software integration. 6.6 Finishing the process. 6.6.1 Evolutionary. 6.6.2 Revolutionary. 6.6.3 Process. 6.7 Issues in prototyping. 6.7.1 Some considerations. 6.8 A final note on development. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 7: Evaluation. Key points. 7.1 Introduction. 7.2 Classifying evaluation. 7.3 'Quick And Dirty'. 7.4 Conceptual model extraction. 7.5 Direct observation. 7.5.1 Finding out what users are thinking. 7.5.2 How to record observations. 7.5.3 How to not bias the experiment. 7.5.4 Happy users. 7.6 Interviews. 7.7 Questionnaires. 7.8 Non-user methods. 7.8.1 Heuristic evaluation. 7.8.2 No people whatsoever. 7.9 Experimental evaluation. 7.9.1 Hypothesis. 7.9.2 The users. 7.9.3 Tasks. 7.9.4 Experiment design. 7.9.5 Conducting experiments. 7.9.6 Experimental results. 7.10 Considering context - evaluating mobile systems. 7.10.1 Physical context. 7.10.2 Technological context. 7.10.3 Social context. 7.10.4 Other contexts. 7.11 Complementary evaluation. 7.12 Conclusion. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. PART III: DESIGN GALLERY - DIRECTIONS AND GUIDELINES. Chapter 8: Controlling Complex Functions. Key points. 8.1 Introduction. 8.2 Menus and memory. 8.3 Hierarchical menus. 8.3.1 Learning structure. 8.3.2 Improving classification. 8.3.3 Context information. 8.4 Icons. 8.5 Manuals. 8.5.1 Online manuals. 8.5.2 Website manuals. 8.6 No menus?. 8.6.1 Data structures. 8.6.2 Alternatives. 8.6.3 Design ideas - data structures. 8.6.4 Evaluation via experiment. 8.7 More complex menus. 8.8 Some concluding thoughts. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 9: Information access. Key points. 9.1 Introduction. 9.2 Small-screen impacts. 9.2.1 Lessons from the past. 9.2.2 Impact on browsing complex content. 9.2.3 Impact on searching. 9.3 Designs for browsing. 9.3.1 Guidelines. 9.3.2 Schemes. 9.3.3 Packaging content. 9.4 Improving search. 9.4.1 Assessing sets of results. 9.4.2 Judging the value of individual results. 9.5 Mobile information ecologies. 9.5.1 Fitting in. 9.5.2 Case study: the laid-back search tool. 9.5.3 Peer-to-peer schemes. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 10: Beyond text - using images on mobile devices. Key points. 10.1 Introduction. 10.2 Ethnography. 10.2.1 Where have all the photographs gone? 10.2.2 Digital ethnography. 10.3 Finding photos. 10.3.1 Meta-data. 10.3.2 Meta-data management. 10.4 Browsing photos. 10.4.1 Timeline. 10.4.2 Treemaps. 10.4.3 RSVP. 10.4.4 Speed Dependent Automatic Zooming. 10.5 Downscaling case study. 10.5.1 Arranging photos. 10.5.2 Screen size. 10.5.3 Write once, run anywhere. 10.5.4 Meanwhile, back with the users. 10.5.5 User testing. 10.5.6 Platform. 10.6 Advanced technology. 10.7 What are photos for? 10.7.1 What are we sharing? 10.7.2 Using audio with photographs. 10.7.3 Video. 10.8 Looking to the future. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Chapter 11: Impacting the community impacting the world. Key points. 11.1 Introduction. 11.2 The digital divide. 11.3 Mobiles work. 11.3.1 The rise and rise of mobile technology. 11.4 Planning a project. 11.5 That culture thing. 11.6 Case studies. 11.6.1 Empowering people - Cybertracker. 11.6.2 Education. 11.6.3 Communitization. 11.7 Call to arms. Summary. Workshop questions. Designer tips. Resources. References. Index.

Cell Phone Culture: Mobile Technology in Everyday Life

Abstract: Providing the first comprehensive, accessible, and international introduction to cell phone culture and theory, this book is and clear and sophisticated overview of mobile telecommunications, putting the technology in historical and technical context. Interdisciplinary in its conceptual framework, Cell Phone Culture draws on a wide range of nationa

Methods and Systems For Distribution of a Mobile Wallet for a Mobile Device

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing a mobile device application for use in making and receiving payments utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A downloadable mobile device application, when installed on a compatible mobile device, is operative for communicating with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that facilitates the making and receiving of payments via wireless mobile devices. The downloadable mobile device application is provided via a download system that downloads the application to mobile devices according to download procedures appropriate for a particular type of mobile device. When a payment is made to a payee having a mobile device, system communicates a message to the payee's mobile device that informs that a payment has been made and instructs the payee about the downloadable mobile device application. If the mobile device user/payee downloads and installs the mobile device application on his or her mobile device and provides enrollment information, interaction between the MFTS and the mobile device user/payee is permitted, and payment is provided to the mobile device user as user/payee.

System and method for providing network security to mobile devices

Abstract: A small piece of hardware connects to a mobile device and filters out attacks and malicious code. Using the piece of hardware, a mobile device can be protected by greater security and possibly by the same level of security offered by its associated corporation/enterprise. In one embodiment, a mobile security system includes a connection mechanism for connecting to a data port of a mobile device and for communicating with the mobile device; a network connection module for acting as a gateway to a network; a security policy for determining whether to forward content intended for the mobile device to the mobile device; and a security engine for executing the security policy.

Method and system for mobile instant messaging using multiple interfaces

Abstract: A system and method for exchanging messages between a mobile device and a plurality of IM services. The system includes an SMS-based MIM client that runs on a mobile device and provides a plurality of user interfaces for a plurality of respective IM services. A user of the mobile device can log in to at least one of the IM services using the MIM client, and the mobile phone user can use the MIM client to exchange text messages with users logged into the at least one chosen IM service.

Consumer configurable mobile communication solution

Abstract: Consumer configurable mobile communications solution enabling policy-enforcement services allowing authorized users to define, manage and enforce restrictions for voice, data, and mobile Web services of a secondary mobile device.

Location influenced search results

Abstract: Improved mobile content presentation capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications facilities, such as cell phones. Information relating to the location of mobile communication facilities and other capabilities are employed to improve the presentation and relevance of mobile content to appropriate or desirable mobile communication facilities.

Implications of Mobility: The Uses of Personal Communication Media in Everyday Life

Abstract: This study examined the impact of mobile communications on interpersonal relationships in daily life. Based on a nationwide survey in Japan, landline phone, mobile voice phone, mobile mail (text messaging), and PC e-mail were compared to assess their usage in terms of social network and psychological factors. The results indicated that young, nonfamily-related pairs of friends, living close to each other with frequent faceto-face contact were more likely to use mobile media. Social skill levels are negatively correlated with relative preference for mobile mail in comparison with mobile voice phone. These findings suggest that mobile mail is preferable for Japanese young people who tend to avoid direct communication and that its use maintains existing bonds rather than create new ones. doi:10.1111/j.1460-2466.2006.00023.x Since their rapid growth in popularity in the late 1990s, mobile phones have become an almost essential part of daily life. Currently, mobile phones are also used for purposes other than voice communication. In some countries, there has been a trend for young people to create their own unique subcultures in which they communicate predominantly through SMS (short message service), or by e-mail over their mobile phones (Ishii, 2004; Kasesniemi & Rautiainen, 2002; Skog, 2002). To explore the implications of media mobility, this study compared the impact of four types of personal communication media—landline phone, mobile voice phone, mobile mail, and PC e-mail—on interpersonal relationships, based on a representative survey. More specifically, egocentric network data were analyzed to examine the factors affecting the use of these media in daily life. In this study, empirical data were collected in Japan where cutting-edge mobile technologies (e.g., ‘‘i-mode’’ and 3-G phones) are widely used and where a unique mobile communication culture is prevalent among the youth. Henceforth, the term ‘‘mobile mail’’ will be used to refer to both SMS and e-mail via mobile phones because in Japan, SMS and e-mail

Time thieves and space invaders: technology, work and the organization

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the shifting boundaries between two experiential categories – home and work – for office workers The boundaries are both spatial and temporal, and the paper seeks to analyse how certain kinds of mobile technology are being used in such a way as to make these boundaries increasingly permeableDesign/methodology/approach – The research involved both the collection of quantitative data using a survey tool, and the gathering of qualitative data through in‐depth interviewsFindings – The paper finds that the mobile technology discussed enables work extension – the ability to work outside the office, outside “normal” office hours This provides flexibility with respect to the timing and location of work, and makes it easier to accommodate both work and family But at the same time, of course, it also increases expectations: managers and colleagues alike expect staff to be almost always available to do work, which makes it easier for work to encroach on family time, and

Defining 4G technology from the users perspective

Abstract: The ever-increasing growth of user demand, the limitations of the third generation of wireless mobile communication systems, and the emergence of new mobile broadband technologies on the market have brought researchers and industries to a thorough reflection on the fourth generation. Many prophetic visions have appeared in the literature presenting 4G as the ultimate boundary of wireless mobile communication without any limit to its potential, but in practical terms not giving any design rules and thus any definition of it. In this article we give a pragmatic definition of 4G derived from a new user-centric methodology that considers the user as the "cornerstone" of the design. In this way, we devise fundamental user scenarios that implicitly reveal the key features of 4G, which are then expressed explicitly in a new framework - the "user-centric" system - that describes the various level of interdependency among them. This approach consequently contributes to the identification of the real technical step-up of 4G with respect to 3G. Finally, an example of a potential 4G application is also given in order to demonstrate the validity of the overall methodology

Skyline Queries Against Mobile Lightweight Devices in MANETs

Abstract: Skyline queries are well suited when retrieving data according to multiple criteria. While most previous work has assumed a centralized setting this paper considers skyline querying in a mobile and distributed setting, where each mobile device is capable of holding only a portion of the whole dataset; where devices communicate through mobile ad hoc networks; and where a query issued by a mobile user is interested only in the user’s local area, although a query generally involves data stored on many mobile devices due to the storage limitations. We present techniques that aim to reduce the costs of communication among mobile devices and reduce the execution time on each single mobile device. For the former, skyline query requests are forwarded among mobile devices in a deliberate way, such that the amount of data to be transferred is reduced. For the latter, specific optimization measures are proposed for resource-constrained mobile devices. We conduct extensive experiments to show that our proposal performs efficiently in real mobile devices and simulated wireless ad hoc networks.

Mobile Web Service Provisioning

Abstract: This paper, discusses the confluence of two major recent trends in distributed information systems engineering: the evolution from static content via personalized adaptive information provisioning to Web Services, and the emergence of mobile terminals with sufficient speed to serve as parts of information systems. The combination of both trends yields the idea of mobile Web Services. While a few pioneering mobile Web Service client systems have appeared recently, this paper explores the logical next step. Whether it is feasible to use mobile terminals such as Smart Phones also as Web Service providers ("Mobile Hosts"). We first discuss the desirability of such Mobile Hosts, then discuss the challenges for design and implementation, and finally present a prototype implementation that has been developed and evaluated in cooperation with a major mobile phone vendor.

Designing an architecture for delivering mobile information services to the rural developing world

Abstract: Implementing successful rural computing applications requires addressing a number of significant challenges. Recent advances in mobile phone computing capabilities make this device a likely candidate to address the client hardware constraints. Long battery life, wireless connectivity, solid-state memory, low price and immediate utility all make it better suited to rural conditions than a PC. However, current mobile software platforms are not as appropriate. Web-based mobile applications are hard to use, do not take advantage of the mobile phone's media capabilities and require an online connection. Custom mobile applications are difficult to develop and distribute. To address these limitations we present CAM - a new framework for developing and deploying mobile computing applications in the rural developing world. CAM applications are accessed by capturing barcodes using the mobile phone camera, or entering numeric strings with the keypad. Supporting minimal navigation, direct linkage to paper practices and offline multi-media interaction, CAM is uniquely adapted to rural device, user and infrastructure constraints. To illustrate the breadth of the framework, we list a number of CAM-based applications that we have implemented or are planning. These include processing microfinance loans, facilitating rural supply chains, documenting grassroots innovation and accessing electronic medical histories.

Pushing rich content information to mobile devices

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for customizing content based on at least one operating characteristic of a mobile client. A mobile gateway receives content from a content source, such as an email server, a Web server, or some other content server. For example, content may include email, calendar, contact, task, Web, notification, financial, sports data, configuration information, etc. The mobile gateway customizes the content based on transforms assigned to each mobile client. Transforms account for differences in the software, display, processor, memory, communication channel, and the like, of each mobile client, without imposing additional processing burdens on the content server. Processing that is common among several transforms may be shared. Mobile clients may be any type of computer, including telephones, pagers, PDAs, laptops, and other mobile gateways.

Mobile website analyzer

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for analyzing mobile content for compatibility with a criterion associated with a mobile communication facility type. The method further includes ranking the mobile content based at least in part on the compatibility such that the ranking may be used in a determination of delivery of the mobile content to the mobile communication facility, and/or presentation of the mobile content on the mobile communication facility. The ranking may be used to improve user experience with the mobile communication facility by avoiding incompatible or poorly compatible mobile content.

Physical navigation of a mobile search application

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for receiving information relating to a physical movement of a mobile communication facility, and linking the physical movement with navigation of a mobile search application. In embodiments, movement of the mobile communication facility may be detected by one or more motion sensors and/or image analysis software algorithms embodied in the mobile communication facility. Direction, speed, and acceleration of movement, and the like, may be associated with actions such as zooming, scrolling, entry cancellation, function reset, and the like by software operating in the mobile communication facility.

Retrieval and presentation of network service results for mobile device using a multimodal browser

Abstract: A method of obtaining information using a mobile device can include receiving a request including speech data from the mobile device, and querying a network service using query information extracted from the speech data, whereby search results are received from the network service. The search results can be formatted for presentation on a display of the mobile device. The search results further can be sent, along with a voice grammar generated from the search results, to the mobile device. The mobile device then can render the search results.

Method and system for creating and distributing mobile avatars

Abstract: A method and system for creating mobile avatars, customizing or personalizing mobile avatars and distributing mobile avatars including real-time updates thereof across a wireless network. A mobile avatar of a service subscriber is stored in mobile clients across the wireless network, and the mobile avatar is retrieved from the mobile clients and displayed upon receipt of a call from the service subscriber.

User history influenced search results

Abstract: Improved mobile content presentation capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications facilities, such as cell phones. Information relating to the user history associated with a mobile communication facility and other capabilities are employed to improve the presentation and relevance of mobile content to appropriate or desirable mobile communication facilities.

User transaction history influenced search results

Abstract: Improved mobile content presentation capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications facilities, such as cell phones Information relating to the user transaction history associated with a mobile communication facility and other capabilities are employed to improve the presentation and relevance of mobile content to appropriate or desirable mobile communication facilities

On Mobile Viruses Exploiting Messaging and Bluetooth Services

Abstract: The exponential growth of mobile messaging worldwide has made it an indispensable tool for social and business interactions. The interoperability between SMS (short messaging service) and IM (instant messaging) networks has enabled mobile users to communicate over the Internet seamlessly. However, the proliferation of cellular phones and handheld devices with messaging capability has also attracted virus writers who increasingly develop malware targeted to mobile handheld devices. The mobile viruses discovered so far have exploited vulnerabilities in Bluetooth to infect a nearby device and then use SMS to spread itself to other devices in the mobile network. This problem is expected to become worse with the growth of MMS (multimedia messaging service), mobile games, mobile commerce and peer-to-peer file-sharing in the near future. We investigate the propagation of mobile worms and viruses that spread primarily via SMS/MMS messages and short-range radio interfaces such as Bluetooth. First, we study these vulnerabilities in-depth so that appropriate malware behavior models can be developed. Next, we study the propagation of a mobile virus similar to Commwarrior in a cellular network using data from a real-life SMS customer network. Each handheld device is modeled as an autonomous mobile agent capable of sending SMS messages to others (via an SMS center), and is capable of discovering other devices equipped with Bluetooth. Since mobile malware targets specific mobile OSs, we consider diversity of deployed software stacks in the network. Our results reveal that hybrid worms that use SMS/MMS and proximity scanning (via Bluetooth) can spread rapidly within a cellular network, making them potential threats in public meeting places such as sports stadiums, train stations, and airports

Contextual influences on user satisfaction with mobile computing: findings from two healthcare organizations

Abstract: Mobile information technologies (IT) are transforming individual work practices and organizations. These devices are extending not only the boundaries of the ‘office’ in space and time, but also the social context within which use occurs. In this paper, we investigate how extra-organizational influences can impact user satisfaction with mobile systems. The findings from our longitudinal study highlight the interrelatedness of different use contexts and their importance in perceptions of user satisfaction. The data indicate that varying social contexts of individual use (individual as employee, as professional, as private user, and as member of society) result in different social influences that affect the individual’s perceptions of user satisfaction with the mobile technology. While existing theories explain user satisfaction with IT within the organizational context, our findings suggest that future studies of mobile IT in organizations should accommodate such extra-organizational contextual influences.

Hybrid Reality Games Reframed Potential Uses in Educational Contexts

Abstract: Hybrid reality games (HRGs) employ mobile technologies and GPS devices as tools for transforming physical spaces into interactive game boards. Rather than situating participants in simulated enviro...

System and method for presenting and inputting information on a mobile device

Abstract: Disclosed are combinations of authentication, session management and web scraping implemented on a mobile device to support a rich mobile application using secure connections to existing websites to access data sources. The mobile application presents information in logical units rather than screen by screen, and fetches data in the background for low perceived delay. The mobile application provides consistent navigation using the 12-key or QWERTY keypad. The mobile application maintains a history of screens, allowing the user to easily return to a prior screen. A web server allows phrases to be configured on-line by an individual user and downloaded to that user's mobile device to simplify data entry on the mobile device. A method of embedding user profile information in a signed application executable file that allows applications to be pre-configured per user. A licensing mechanism that supports multiple distribution channels.

Making mLEarning Work: Utilizing Mobile Technology for Active Exploration, Collaboration, Assessment, and Reflection in Higher Education:

Abstract: The convergence of mobile technologies into student-centered learning environments requires academic institutions to design new and more effective learning, teaching, and user experience strategies...