Modeling Service-Oriented Context Processing in Dynamic Body Area Networks

Context processing in Body Area Networks (BANs) faces unique challenges due to the user and node mobility, the need of real-time adaptation to the dynamic topological and contextual changes, and heterogeneous processing capabilities and energy constraints present on the available devices. This paper proposes a service-oriented framework for the execution of context recognition algorithms. We describe and theoretically analyze the performance of the main framework components, including the sensor network organization, service discovery, service graph construction, service distribution and mapping. The theoretical results are followed by the simulation of the proposed framework as a whole, showing the overall cost of dynamically distributing applications on the network

Micro-Atmospheres: Investigating Portable and Wearable Solutions to Support Individual Thermal Comfort in Open-Plan Offices

PhD ThesisThis thesis aims to challenge existing approaches to the study of thermal comfort by addressing it through the design of wearable and portable personal thermal devices. Engineering-led approaches to thermal comfort have developed norms and standards to provide comfortable environments. Nevertheless, thermal comfort is very often difficult to achieve, especially in shared environments, as the perception of what is comfortable is highly subjective and varies among occupants. Accordingly, the focus of enquiry is shifting towards personal solutions, however, this has not included yet a critical investigation of their use in context, of design aspects and affordances. To address these open questions, a Research through Design approach was implemented to reframe the problem space using design artefacts as vehicles for the enquiry. Mixed methods from two domains, namely, thermal comfort research and HCI, were employed to study in the field how thermal comfort is achieved and perceived, and to derive implications for the design of future personal wearable and portable thermal solutions. The investigation was based on a human-centred design process, which included an initial analysis phase and a design phase with three iterations of low-fidelity and mid-fidelity prototype development and testing. Due to its transdisciplinary nature, this work contributes to the fields of thermal comfort research, HCI and wearable design. Contributions to thermal comfort research are made through findings in respect to the complexity of the achievement of thermal comfort, which include exploration, adaptation and the transcendence of different comfort layers. Implications on the design of personal thermal devices derived from the investigation contribute to the body of knowledge in wearable design and HCI and include utility-related aspects but also a need for openness in design and for emotional design to support exploration, adaptation, and the social role of the artefact at the crossroads between functional element and fashion item

Integrating Usability Models into Pervasive Application Development

This thesis describes novel processes in two important areas of human-computer interaction (HCI) and demonstrates ways to combine these in appropriate ways. First, prototyping plays an essential role in the development of complex applications. This is especially true if a user-centred design process is followed. We describe and compare a set of existing toolkits and frameworks that support the development of prototypes in the area of pervasive computing. Based on these observations, we introduce the EIToolkit that allows the quick generation of mobile and pervasive applications, and approaches many issues found in previous works. Its application and use is demonstrated in several projects that base on the architecture and an implementation of the toolkit. Second, we present novel results and extensions in user modelling, specifically for predicting time to completion of tasks. We extended established concepts such as the Keystroke-Level Model to novel types of interaction with mobile devices, e.g. using optical markers and gestures. The design, creation, as well as a validation of this model are presented in some detail in order to show its use and usefulness for making usability predictions. The third part is concerned with the combination of both concepts, i.e. how to integrate user models into the design process of pervasive applications. We first examine current ways of developing and show generic approaches to this problem. This leads to a concrete implementation of such a solution. An innovative integrated development environment is provided that allows for quickly developing mobile applications, supports the automatic generation of user models, and helps in applying these models early in the design process. This can considerably ease the process of model creation and can replace some types of costly user studies.Diese Dissertation beschreibt neuartige Verfahren in zwei wichtigen Bereichen der Mensch-Maschine-Kommunikation und erläutert Wege, diese geeignet zu verknüpfen. Zum einen spielt die Entwicklung von Prototypen insbesondere bei der Verwendung von benutzerzentrierten Entwicklungsverfahren eine besondere Rolle. Es werden daher auf der einen Seite eine ganze Reihe vorhandener Arbeiten vorgestellt und verglichen, die die Entwicklung prototypischer Anwendungen speziell im Bereich des Pervasive Computing unterstützen. Ein eigener Satz an Werkzeugen und Komponenten wird präsentiert, der viele der herausgearbeiteten Nachteile und Probleme solcher existierender Projekte aufgreift und entsprechende Lösungen anbietet. Mehrere Beispiele und eigene Arbeiten werden beschrieben, die auf dieser Architektur basieren und entwickelt wurden. Auf der anderen Seite werden neue Forschungsergebnisse präsentiert, die Erweiterungen von Methoden in der Benutzermodellierung speziell im Bereich der Abschätzung von Interaktionszeiten beinhalten. Mit diesen in der Dissertation entwickelten Erweiterungen können etablierte Konzepte wie das Keystroke-Level Model auf aktuelle und neuartige Interaktionsmöglichkeiten mit mobilen Geräten angewandt werden. Der Entwurf, das Erstellen sowie eine Validierung der Ergebnisse dieser Erweiterungen werden detailliert dargestellt. Ein dritter Teil beschäftigt sich mit Möglichkeiten die beiden beschriebenen Konzepte, zum einen Prototypenentwicklung im Pervasive Computing und zum anderen Benutzermodellierung, geeignet zu kombinieren. Vorhandene Ansätze werden untersucht und generische Integrationsmöglichkeiten beschrieben. Dies führt zu konkreten Implementierungen solcher Lösungen zur Integration in vorhandene Umgebungen, als auch in Form einer eigenen Applikation spezialisiert auf die Entwicklung von Programmen für mobile Geräte. Sie erlaubt das schnelle Erstellen von Prototypen, unterstützt das automatische Erstellen spezialisierter Benutzermodelle und ermöglicht den Einsatz dieser Modelle früh im Entwicklungsprozess. Dies erleichtert die Anwendung solcher Modelle und kann Aufwand und Kosten für entsprechende Benutzerstudien einsparen

Managing Smart Garments

Ease of maintenance and management of smart garments (garments with integrated electronics) is crucial to their user acceptability and commercial viability. This paper presents a system that addresses user needs of easy garment charging, storage, and synchronization. The HBar smart hanger system is a novel system consisting of a set of augmented garments and coat hangers to fulfil the requirements of a smart garment management system. 1