A simulation-based approach to highly iterative prototyping of ubiquitous computing systems

ABSTRACT

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp), as envisaged by Weiser [22], is heavily user-centric and largely concerned with applications specifically designed to meet end-user needs. Sensor populated ubicomp environments differentiate these applications from existing mobile and distributed systems through context awareness. For the system developer, the problems of heterogeneity and scalability are felt most keenly when designing this adaptive behaviour. A context-aware ubicomp system needs to operate reliably over the wide variety of situations that may be encountered. In this paper we present a technical architecture which has been implemented to support scalable, cost-effective, runtime experimentation using a framework of models to support informed decision making in an iterative design cycle.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.8 Types of Simulation

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.4 PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS

  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation

Keywords:
adaptive behaviour, context awareness, ubiquitous computing