The ever-growing incorporation of information technology in day-to-day applications presents new opportunities to develop computer systems that can be aware of the context in which they are operating. Such computer-systems can be inherently more responsive to the expectations of their users. Context-aware systems offer developers and programmers exciting new prospects to gather contextual data and adapt the behavior of their dynamic systems according to user expectations. In conjunction with mobile devices, such mechanisms can be extremely valuable in increasing the usability of information systems. However, it is now accepted widely that the efforts to adapt the usability and capability of the desktop PC in to the mobile environment are limited in their scope. The debate in present literature seems to focus in particular on the trade-offs and compromises between the performance of such systems in theoretical or laboratory environments, and the actual results when tested in the field. This essay will aim to critically evaluate the success of making context-aware information systems into a feasible reality.
At a glance
- Compares direct sensor access, middleware infrastructure and context-server architectures
- Examines a context-aware hospital messaging system described by Munoz and colleagues
- Discusses CoBrA’s architecture for intelligent spaces and broker federations
- 16 sources in the bibliography
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Literature Review
4. Emerging Concepts
5. A Critical Evaluation
Objectives and Topics
This essay critically evaluates the feasibility of context-aware information systems, asking how approaches to sensing, modelling and managing context can support practical applications and what challenges arise when these systems are used outside controlled environments.
- Origins and definitions of context-aware computing
- Architectures and models for contextual information
- Mobile applications and healthcare messaging
- Intelligent spaces and context brokers
- Field evaluation, security and privacy
Excerpt from the Book
Literature Review
Similarly, Lang & Linnhoff-Popien (2004) summarised several different methods for context-modelling, which is required in order to store and define context data in a computer-processable form. These include Key-value models such as those used on service frameworks to describe service capability based on key-value pairs; Markup scheme models which use hierarchical structures consisting of markup tags and attributes such as those used on User Agent Profile (Wapforum, 2001); UML as advocated by Hendricksen et al (2003); Object oriented models which use various objects represent different context types and encapsulate the details of representing and processing the context, as used by the Hydrogen project described by Hofer et al (2002); and finally, Ontology-based models which use a high level of formal expressiveness to describe concepts and relationships. Based on Koripipaa et al’s (2003) 4-stage evaluation process [encapsulating simplicity, flexibility, genericity and expressiveness], Lang & Linhoff-Popien (2004) subsequently classed the ontology-based model as the one that best fulfils the requirements.
Systems using this type of architecture and context-model are already in implementation and running successfully to a certain extent. Munoz et al (2003) describe a system whereby the instant-messaging framework is extended by adding a level of contextual awareness in support on information management in a professional healthcare environment. Users (such as doctors, nurses, admin staff) are equipped with mobile devices to write XML-encoded messages that get sent when a preset criteria is fulfilled. For example, a user can formulate a message that should be delivered to the first doctor that enters a certain ward at a certain time. The figure below shows the elements of this system.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: The opening sets out the opportunities offered by context-aware systems and frames the essay’s evaluation of their practical feasibility.
2. Background: This chapter defines context-aware computing, outlines sources of contextual information and traces early developments such as the Active Badge and PARCTAB systems.
3. Literature Review: The review discusses architectural approaches, context-modelling methods and a healthcare messaging application.
4. Emerging Concepts: This chapter considers alternative sensors, service frameworks and the CoBrA architecture for intelligent spaces.
5. A Critical Evaluation: The final chapter evaluates challenges involving context inference, changing resources, user testing, security and privacy.
Keywords
context-aware computing, information systems, mobile computing, ubiquitous computing, context modelling, sensors, middleware, context servers, healthcare messaging, intelligent spaces, CoBrA, usability evaluation, security, privacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this work about?
It examines context-aware information systems and evaluates their prospects for practical use.
What are the central topics?
The essay covers contextual data, system architectures, modelling approaches, mobile applications, intelligent spaces and practical challenges.
What is the primary objective?
The author aims to critically evaluate whether context-aware information systems can become a feasible reality.
What research method is used?
The work uses a critical review of published literature and examples rather than presenting an original survey or experiment.
What does the main discussion cover?
It examines ways to collect and model context, architectural alternatives, applications and emerging approaches, followed by an evaluation of practical obstacles.
Which keywords characterise the work?
Key terms include context-aware computing, mobile computing, context modelling, middleware, intelligent spaces, usability, security and privacy.
How is context-aware messaging illustrated?
The essay describes a healthcare system in which messages can be delivered when specified contextual conditions are met.
What is the role of CoBrA?
CoBrA is presented as an architecture for intelligent spaces in which a context broker manages a shared model for participating applications and devices.
Why does the work discuss field evaluation?
It considers how testing in real settings can reveal issues related to the actual context of use that controlled laboratory assessments may not uncover.
- Quote paper
- Rahul Massey (Author), 2009, An Overview of Context-Aware Information Systems, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/127892
