How to make Personal Smart Spaces Context-aware

Abstract

Pervasive computing [1] or as otherwise called Ambient Intelligence [2] aims to assist users in their everyday tasks in a seamless unobtrusive manner. In this framework, there have been various research initiatives aiming towards the design and realization of smart spaces [3] in homes, offices, universities, schools, hospitals, hotels, museums, and other private or public places, where various automation facilities support the users. In these cases, research has focused on developing techniques to support building automation (such as intelligent light controls, window shutters, security systems, electrical appliances, door control, etc.), as well as mechanisms to adapt the behaviour of electronic devices (such as TV, radio and multimedia players), desktops and peripherals, etc. Nevertheless, these are fixed spaces that provide pervasive features and adapt to the user needs in a static and geographically limited environment.12 However, mobile users require the same pervasive services wherever they are and whatever devices they carry along. Irrespective of the user’s location, such a mobile pervasive system would be expected to provide access to devices and services in the user’s current environment. Fixed smart spaces do not address the needs of mobile users, as outside their boundaries, only limited pervasive computing features are offered. For example, a Smart Home may control the devices within it and the services it offers to its residents, but it cannot easily share these with the mobile network of any visitor. To bridge this gap, the notion of self-improving Personal Smart Spaces has been introduced [4].