Pascal Bruegger

Kinetic User Interface: Interaction through Motion for Pervasive Computing Systems

We present in this paper a semantic model for the conception of pervasive computing systems based on object or users motions. We describe a system made of moving entities, observers and views. More specifically, we focus on the tracking of implicit interaction between entities and their environment. We integrate the users motion as primary input modality as well as the contexts in which the interaction takes place. We have combined the user activities with contexts to create situations. We illustrate this new concept of motion-awareness with examples of applications built on this model.

Smart heating systems: Optimizing heating systems by kinetic-awareness

The greenhouse gas effect has become a major preoccupation worldwide. Heating of buildings and houses is one of the major sources of this effect. We propose to optimize heating control systems by directly integrating the recognition of people activities and context in the process of temperature regulation. We introduce the concept of kinetic-awareness as a way of making heating control system aware of userspsila motion in the physical space in order to adjust temperature according to their current activities.

Tools for designing and prototyping activity-based pervasive applications

This paper proposes a new approach for modelling, testing and prototyping pervasive, possibly mobile, and distributed applications. It describes a set of tools aimed at supporting designers in the conceptualisation of their application and in the software development stage, and proposes a method for checking the validity of their design. The article also presents a pervasive application implemented and evaluated using our approach. It concludes with propositions for improvements in order to build a complete modelling, prototyping and testing framework for pervasive applications.

Kinetic User Interfaces for Flexible Mobile Collaboration

In this paper we address the problem of collaborative workflow in mobile environments. Specifically, we present a solution for opportunistic task assignment to mobile users based on location, context and motion awareness. As an example of this approach, we present an application based on the new Kinetic User Interface framework where users participate to dynamic workflow through their displacement in designated active zones.

SSP: smart service provider a smart environment providing contextual services on android mobile devices

Smart environments are increasingly available and support users in their daily activities in different ways. This paper presents a service-based approach for users active in a smart environment such as a building, campus or public place. The concept is illustrated through the SSP project which provides environment-specific and contextual services on mobile devices running the Android platform.

An overview of Human-Computer Interaction patterns in pervasive systems

Despite a growing interest in design patterns by the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community, an interaction pattern collection that is universally accepted is yet to be found. Such a collection would aid the design of pervasive computing systems, in which interactions occur in both the material and logical worlds. This paper first seeks to define interaction patterns by adopting a model that captures such duality and then considers the challenges and opportunities that non-traditional interaction brings. Some patterns are then reviewed, with examples relating to motion-aware systems. We conclude that the creation of a widely accepted interaction pattern collection is unlikely in the near future.

Dedicated photoreceptor pathways in Drosophila larvae mediate navigation by processing either spatial or temporal cues

To integrate changing environmental cues with high spatial and temporal resolution is critical for animals to orient themselves. Drosophila larvae show an effective motor program to navigate away from light sources. How the larval visual circuit processes light stimuli to control navigational decision remains unknown. The larval visual system is composed of two sensory input channels, Rhodopsin5 (Rh5) and Rhodopsin6 (Rh6) expressing photoreceptors (PRs). We here characterize how spatial and temporal information are used to control navigation. Rh6-PRs are required to perceive temporal changes of light intensity during head casts, while Rh5-PRs are required to control behaviors that allow navigation in response to spatial cues. We characterize how distinct behaviors are modulated and identify parallel acting and converging features of the visual circuit. Functional features of the larval visual circuit highlight the principle of how early in a sensory circuit distinct behaviors may be computed by partly overlapping sensory pathways.The response of Drosophila larva to light depends on both spatial and temporal inputs. Here the authors show that Rhodopsin5 photoreceptors, but not Rhodopsin6 photoreceptors, are required for conveying spatial light cues.

ROBIN: Activity based robot management system

This paper examines the design and implementation of a system to support firefighting exercises based on tools and ideas of pervasive computing. Through this development a range of technologies and conceptual tools were used, such as sensors, wireless communication, and the programming framework uMove; as well as context-awareness, situation management, and activity detection. In this development, the notion of implicit human-computer interaction was of particular relevance. The use of a programming framework for interaction through motion was central, and this implementation is one of its proofs of concept, as it presented opportunities to improve it and recommendations to adapt it for future applications.