Lokasjons- og kontekstbaserte tjenester - Department of Computer ...

Abstract
This thesis presents a generic structure for context-aware systems that relate
location and information. The structure is based on the AROUND architecture,
but has been modified such that it supports wireless positioning systems.
The results prove that positioning based on wireless signals is possible at NTNU
Gløshaugen, and that it is possible to develop a general structure that relates
location, described by signal strength measurements, to information. The structure
exploits how wireless signal is stored to simplify the process of chosing which
content dependent information is relevant.
A prototype was developed that implements the suggested structure. The prototype
was implemented in two modules: a location module and an information
module. The location module is based on Nibble, an indoor location system for
mobile devices, that enables positioning by utilizing the wireless network at NT-
NU Gløshaugen. The information module is developed to support context-aware
information based on the location suggested by the location module.
The thesis also discusses how context-aware information can be presented based
on state. This applies to the integration of external information systems in a
context-aware information system.
The main conclusion is that:
• The prototype proves that it is possible to develop a generic structure that
utilizes a wireless location module to develop a context-aware information
system.
• The integration between the context-aware system and external systems is
essential for the success of such systems.
Future directions for this project include continuing the development of both
the location module and the information module. The location module should
be improved to increase accuracy in the positioning algorithm. The information
module should be integrated with existing information systems. There is also the
posibillity of integrating a Gazetteer and implementing a map module. Finally, it
will be important to develop and identify the laws that will apply in a contextaware
system of this nature.
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