Definition and Modeling Context-Aware systems

What is it about?

The paper presents a methodology on defining and modeling context-aware systems. These are systems that detect their environment in order to operate and interact with users and other systems; in other words the use the context they operate in during their operaion. The methodology is based on a computational model, named Networked Turing Machine, that extends the capabilities of classical Turing machines by enclosing interaction on their operation and supports modeling of interactive and distributed computation. Then using this computational model the notion of context-aware systems is defined. One of the motives of writing this paper is discussing context-awareness using the theory of computation. It is common in the literature of the field to talk about context-awareness using plain language and developing definitions and theoretical frameworks that avoid mathematical definitions. This habit does not allow the connection of any context-aware framework with the rich and valuable literature of computing theory and with fields like computational complexity. The methodology in the paper describes a useful way of developing models that describe distributed systems focusing on their structure. A case study is also presented. A model that describes the structure of the web application WMS Map viewer is developed using the methodology of the paper.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The definition of context presented in the develops a mathematical framework for working with context. Also the modeling approach of distributed computing enables us to build robust, scalable and detailed models for systems and application with context-aware capabilities. Also enables us to map the procedures that support context-aware operations providing detailed descriptions about the interactions of applications with their context as well as with other external sources.

Perspectives