College of computing and informatics

Department of computer science

Pervasive Computing
As part of the course Selected topics in Computer Science (CoSc4181)
Paper review on
Challenges: An application model for Pervasive computing, Ethiopia
By
Tewodros Mebrahtom, Mikiyas Gizachew and Demoze Deribe

Submitted to instructor: Baher Hussien

Haramaya, Ethiopia
May, 2023
 Abstract

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and application

models for pervasive computing. It highlights the limitations of current mobile computing
devices and applications and proposes a new application model that supports the vision of
pervasive computing. The paper discusses the roles of devices, applications, and a user's
environment in achieving this vision. It also outlines the attributes of the new application model
and presents a set of challenges that must be met to bring this vision to reality.
The document also provides valuable insights into the potential for pervasive computing and
its impact on various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and education. Overall, this
paper is an essential resource for researchers, developers, and policymakers interested in
understanding the future of mobile computing and its potential to transform our lives.
Contents

1. Introduction........................................................................................................1
2 Paper Review .....................................................................................................2
2.1 Description of the work ..................................................................................2
2.2 Statement of the problem .............................................................................6
2.3 Critiques.........................................................................................................8
2.3.1 Strong sides...............................................................................................8
2.3.2 Weak sides ................................................................................................8
2.4 Contributions ................................................................................................9
Summary .................................................................................................................10
References ...............................................................................................................11
 1. Introduction

The research paper explores the potential of pervasive computing and the challenges that
must be overcome to make it a reality. The authors argue that the current state of mobile
computing devices and applications falls far short of the potential for pervasive computing, and
they propose a new application model that supports this vision. The paper begins by highlighting
some of the limitations of current mobile computing devices and applications. The authors argue
that these devices and applications do not meet the expectations of users and fall short of the
potential for pervasive computing. They then present a vision for pervasive computing, which
involves seamlessly integrating technology into our daily lives in a way that enhances our
experiences and enables us to accomplish tasks more efficiently.

To support this vision, the authors propose a new application model that introduces a number of
design-time, load-time, and run-time challenges. These challenges include issues related to
context awareness, resource management, security and privacy, user interface design, and more.
The authors argue that addressing these challenges is essential in order to realize the full
potential of pervasive computing. The paper also discusses some of the key implications of this
research for future work in this area. For example, the authors suggest that future research should
focus on developing new tools and techniques for designing context-aware applications, as well
as exploring new approaches to resource management in pervasive computing environments.
Overall, this paper provides valuable insights into the potential of pervasive computing and
highlights some of the key challenges that must be addressed in order to realize this potential.
While there are certainly some limitations to this work (such as its focus on mobile devices
rather than other types of pervasive technologies), it represents an important contribution to our
understanding of how technology can be integrated into our daily lives in meaningful ways.

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 2 Paper Review

2.1 Description of the work

The paper "Challenges: An Application Model for Pervasive Computing" is a research

paper that explores the potential of pervasive computing and the challenges that must be
overcome to make it a reality. The authors argue that the current state of mobile computing
devices and applications falls far short of the potential for pervasive computing, and they
propose a new application model that supports this vision.

The paper begins by exposing some of the limitations behind the way mobile computing
devices are used today. As the scenario illustrated, today's applications do not enable people to
perform many of the tasks they need to do, do not provide satisfying user experiences, and fall
far short of the potential for pervasive computing. The authors then present a vision for pervasive
computing, which involves seamlessly integrating technology into our daily lives in a way that
enhances our experiences and enables us to accomplish tasks more efficiently. To support this
vision, the authors propose a new application model that introduces a number of design-time,
load-time, and run-time challenges.

These challenges include issues related to context awareness, resource management,

security and privacy, user interface design, and more. The authors argue that addressing these
challenges is essential in order to realize the full potential of pervasive computing. The paper
concludes by calling on the mobile computing community to work together to address these
challenges and bring the vision of pervasive computing to reality. The authors acknowledge that
this will be a difficult task requiring collaboration across multiple disciplines and industries.
However, they believe that with concerted effort it is possible to create an application model for
pervasive computing that truly enhances our lives in meaningful ways.

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 Objectives and Methods
The objective of the research work described in this document is to propose a new
application model for pervasive computing that supports the vision of a more integrated and
seamless user experience. The researchers aim to challenge the limitations of current mobile
computing devices and applications and provide insights into the potential for pervasive
computing.

To achieve this objective, the researchers take an incremental, evolutionary approach to

implementing the application model. They introduce new functionality gradually while building
on existing technology. The research plan involves several concurrent research thrusts, each
rooted in existing technology. These thrusts include developing a task structure annotated with
navigation flow, creating an abstract user interface for each task, and scripting logic that details
the task function.

The researchers also specify design-time infrastructure that would enable the development of
applications for use in conjunction with Oxygen, the underlying technology for pervasive
computing. This infrastructure includes tools for designing and testing applications, as well as
middleware that provides services such as location awareness and context awareness.

To evaluate their proposed application model, the researchers conduct several experiments using
prototype applications. These experiments involve testing various aspects of the application
model, such as its ability to support context-awareness and location-awareness. The researchers
also evaluate user satisfaction with these prototype applications.

How important is it to solve the identified problems by the researchers/authors of the

paper?
The problems identified by the researchers/authors of the paper are significant and have a
considerable impact on the user experience of mobile computing devices. The limitations of
current mobile computing devices and applications prevent users from performing many tasks
they need to do, do not provide satisfying user experiences, and fall far short of the potential for
pervasive computing.

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Therefore, it is essential to solve these problems to improve the user experience and unlock the
full potential of pervasive computing. The proposed application model provides a new approach
that supports this vision, but it also presents several challenges that must be addressed to bring
this vision to reality.

Solving these problems would not only benefit individual users but also have a significant impact
on various industries such as healthcare, transportation, and education. Therefore, it is crucial to
continue research in this area and develop new technologies that can address these challenges
effectively.
Are the techniques well-matched to the problem?
The techniques used in the research work described in this document are well-matched to the
problem of proposing a new application model for pervasive computing that supports the vision
of a more integrated and seamless user experience.

The researchers take an incremental, evolutionary approach to implementing the application

model, which involves introducing new functionality gradually while building on existing
technology. This approach is well-suited to the problem as it allows for the development of a
new application model that can be integrated with existing technology and infrastructure.

The researchers also conduct several experiments using prototype applications to evaluate their
proposed application model's effectiveness and user satisfaction. This approach is appropriate as
it allows for testing and refining the proposed model based on real-world scenarios and user
feedback.

Furthermore, the researchers specify design-time infrastructure that would enable the
development of applications for use in conjunction with Oxygen, the underlying technology for
pervasive computing. This infrastructure includes tools for designing and testing applications, as
well as middleware that provides services such as location awareness and context awareness.
These techniques are well-matched to the problem as they provide a comprehensive framework
for developing applications that support pervasive computing.

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 Do the authors properly frame and contextualize their work?
Yes, the authors properly frame and contextualize their work in the research paper. They begin
by exposing some of the limitations behind the way mobile computing devices are used today
and how they fall far short of the potential for pervasive computing. They then challenge the
mobile computing community by questioning the roles of devices, applications, and a user's
environment.

The authors provide a vision of pervasive computing that describes how devices, applications,
and environments can work together to provide a more integrated and seamless user experience.
They also outline attributes of a new application model that supports this vision and a set of
challenges that must be met to bring this vision to reality.

Furthermore, the authors contextualize their work by discussing several on-going thrusts in
pervasive computing, such as the Portolano and Oxygen projects, which share their view of the
roles of devices, applications, and environments. The proposed application model strengthens
this common vision, particularly in the area of developing, deploying, and managing
applications.

Overall, the authors properly frame and contextualize their work by providing a clear
understanding of the limitations of current mobile computing devices and applications while
proposing a new application model that supports a more integrated and seamless user experience.

Do the authors describe the potential impact of the work?

Yes, the authors describe the potential impact of their work in the research paper. They
argue that solving the problems identified in current mobile computing devices and applications
and implementing their proposed application model could have a significant impact on various
industries such as healthcare, transportation, and education.
The proposed application model provides a new approach that supports the vision of pervasive
computing, which involves integrating devices, applications, and environments to provide a more
seamless user experience. This approach could lead to the development of new applications that
enable users to perform tasks they need to do more efficiently and effectively.

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Furthermore, the authors suggest that their proposed application model could have a significant
impact on how applications are developed, deployed, and managed. The model provides
common underpinnings that can unify the view of applications across different environments
while introducing several design-time, load-time, and run-time challenges.

Are the goals and methods described with an appropriate level of detail?
Yes, the goals and methods described in the research paper are described with an
appropriate level of detail. The authors provide a clear understanding of the limitations of current
mobile computing devices and applications while proposing a new application model that
supports a more integrated and seamless user experience.

The authors describe their proposed application model in detail, outlining its attributes, design-
time infrastructure, load-time infrastructure, and run-time infrastructure. They also provide
several examples of prototype applications that demonstrate how their proposed model can be
used to develop new applications that support pervasive computing.

Furthermore, the authors describe their research methodology in detail, which involves taking an
incremental, evolutionary approach to implementing the application model. They conduct several
experiments using prototype applications to evaluate their proposed application model's
effectiveness and user satisfaction.

2.2 Statement of the problem

The research paper identify a number of problems with the current state of mobile
computing devices and applications. They argue that these devices and applications do not meet
the expectations of users and fall far short of the potential for pervasive computing. Specifically,
the authors highlight several limitations of current mobile computing devices and applications.

For example, they argue that these devices and applications are not context-aware, meaning that
they do not take into account the user's environment or situation when providing information or
services.

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 They also note that current mobile applications are often difficult to use, with poor user
interfaces and limited functionality. In addition to these usability issues, the authors also identify
a number of technical challenges that must be addressed in order to realize the potential for
pervasive computing. These challenges include issues related to resource management, security
and privacy, and interoperability between different types of devices and systems. Overall, the
authors argue that there is a significant gap between the current state of mobile computing
devices and applications and the potential for pervasive computing. They propose a new
application model that addresses some of these challenges, but acknowledge that there is still
much work to be done in order to bring this vision to reality.

Was the problem identification sound?

Yes, the problem identification in the research work was sound. The authors provide a
clear understanding of the limitations of current mobile computing devices and applications
while proposing a new application model that supports a more integrated and seamless user
experience.

The authors argue that current applications do not enable people to perform many of the tasks
they need to do, do not provide satisfying user experiences, and fall far short of the potential for
pervasive computing. They also challenge the mobile computing community by questioning the
roles of devices, applications, and a user's environment.

Furthermore, the authors contextualize their work by discussing several on-going thrusts in
pervasive computing, such as the Portolano and Oxygen projects, which share their view of the
roles of devices, applications, and environments. The proposed application model strengthens
this common vision, particularly in the area of developing, deploying, and managing
applications.

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 2.3 Critiques

2.3.1 Strong sides

The paper presents a clear and compelling vision for pervasive computing, which could
inspire further research in this area.

- The proposed application model is well-defined and provides a useful framework for thinking
about the challenges of pervasive computing.

- The paper highlights a number of important technical and usability challenges that must be
addressed in order to realize the potential of pervasive computing.

- The authors provide concrete examples of how the proposed application model could be
applied in practice, which helps to make their ideas more tangible.

2.3.2 Weak sides

The paper focuses primarily on mobile devices, which may limit its applicability to other types
of pervasive technologies (such as smart homes or wearables).

- While the authors identify a number of important challenges, they do not provide detailed
solutions or strategies for addressing these challenges. This could leave readers wondering how
to apply the proposed application model in practice.

- The paper does not provide a comprehensive review of related work in this area, which could
limit its impact and relevance to other researchers.

- Some readers may find the writing style somewhat dense or technical, which could make it
difficult to engage with the ideas presented.

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 2.4 Contributions

"Challenges: An Application Model for Pervasive Computing" is a seminal paper that makes
several important contributions to the field of pervasive computing. In this section, we will
discuss these contributions in more detail.

1. Vision for Pervasive Computing: One of the key contributions of this paper is its clear and
compelling vision for pervasive computing. The authors argue that pervasive computing involves
seamlessly integrating technology into our daily lives in a way that enhances our experiences and
enables us to accomplish tasks more efficiently. This vision provides a useful framework for
thinking about the potential of pervasive computing and could inspire further research in this
area.

2. Application Model: Another important contribution of this paper is its proposed application
model, which supports the vision of pervasive computing. The model introduces a number of
design-time, load-time, and run-time challenges that must be addressed in order to realize the full
potential of pervasive computing. By providing a concrete framework for thinking about these
challenges, the authors make an important contribution to the field.

3. Technical and Usability Challenges: The paper also highlights a number of important
technical and usability challenges that must be addressed in order to realize the potential of
pervasive computing. These challenges include issues related to context awareness, resource
management, security and privacy, user interface design, and more. By identifying these
challenges, the authors provide a roadmap for future research in this area.

4. Examples: In addition to its theoretical contributions, this paper also provides concrete
examples of how the proposed application model could be applied in practice. These examples
help to make their ideas more tangible and demonstrate how pervasive computing could be used
to enhance our daily lives.

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5. Impact on Research: Finally, it is worth noting that "Challenges: An Application Model for
Pervasive Computing" has had a significant impact on research in this area since its publication
in 2000. Many subsequent papers have built upon the ideas presented in this work and have used
the proposed application model as a starting point for their own research. This demonstrates the
lasting impact of this paper and its contributions to the field of pervasive computing.

Summary

Challenges: An Application Model for Pervasive Computing is a seminal paper that has
made several important contributions to the field of pervasive computing. The paper challenges
the mobile computing community by questioning the roles of devices, applications, and a user's
environment. It presents a clear and compelling vision for pervasive computing, which involves
seamlessly integrating technology into our daily lives in a way that enhances our experiences and
enables us to accomplish tasks more efficiently. To support this vision, the paper proposes a new
application model that introduces several design-time, load-time, and run-time challenges that
must be addressed in order to realize the full potential of pervasive computing. These challenges
include issues related to context awareness, resource management, security and privacy, user
interface design, and more. By identifying these challenges, the authors provide a roadmap for
future research in this area. In addition to its theoretical contributions, the paper also provides
concrete examples of how the proposed application model could be applied in practice.

These examples help to make their ideas more tangible and demonstrate how pervasive
computing could be used to enhance our daily lives. Since its publication in 2000, "Challenges:
An Application Model for Pervasive Computing" has had a significant impact on research in this
area. Many subsequent papers have built upon the ideas presented in this work and have used the
proposed application model as a starting point for their own research. This demonstrates the
lasting impact of this paper and its contributions to the field of pervasive computing.

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Overall, "Challenges: An Application Model for Pervasive Computing" is an important and
influential paper that has helped to advance our understanding of how technology can be
integrated into our daily lives in meaningful ways. Its clear vision for pervasive computing,
proposed application model, identification of technical and usability challenges, concrete
examples, and impact on subsequent research all demonstrate its lasting influence on the field.

References

[1] M. Abrams, C. Phanouriou, A. Batongbacal, S. Williams, and J. Shuster. UIML: An

Appliance-Independent XML User Interface Language. In Proceedings of the Eighth
International World Wide Web Conference, pages 617-630, May 1999.
[2] N. Adams, , R. Gold, B. Schilit, M. Tso, and R. Want. An Infrared Network for Mobile
Computers. In Proceedings of the USENIX Symposium on Mobile and Location-Independent
Computing, pages 41-52, August 1993.
[3] K. Arnold and J. Gosling. The Java Programming Language, Second Edition. Addison
Wesley, 1998.
[4] K. Arnold, B. O'Sullivan, R. Scheifler, J. Waldo, and A. Wollrath

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