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Tangible Applications for Regular Objects: An End-User Model for Pervasive Computing at Home

Authors:
Spyros Lalis
Jaroslaw Domaszewicz
Aleksander Pruszkowski
Tomasz Paczesny
Mikko Ala-Louko
Markus Taumberger
Giorgis Georgakoudis
Kostas Lekkas

Keywords: Sensor and actuator networks, ubiquitous and pervasive computing, smart homes, system and application management, user interaction, tangible interfaces

Abstract:
This paper describes an end-user model for a domestic pervasive computing platform formed by regular home objects. The platform does not rely on pre-planned infrastructure; instead, it exploits objects that are already available in the home and exposes their joint sensing, actuating and computing capabilities to home automation applications. We advocate an incremental process of the platform formation and introduce tangible, object-like artifacts for representing important platform functions. One of those artifacts, the application pill, is a tiny object with a minimal user interface, used to carry the application, as well as to start and stop its execution and provide hints about its operational status. We also emphasize streamlining the user's interaction with the platform. The user engages any UI-capable object of his choice to configure applications, while applications issue notifications and alerts exploiting whichever available objects can be used for that purpose. Finally, the paper briefly describes an actual implementation of the presented end-user model.

Pages: 385 to 390

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2010

Publication date: October 25, 2010

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4278

ISBN: 978-1-61208-100-7

Location: Florence, Italy

Dates: from October 25, 2010 to October 30, 2010