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In general, context-aware computing is one type of ubiquitous computing technologies. It allows distributed computation and interaction via the environment by using portable devices and wireless communications rather than limiting it on desktop computers (Dourish, 2001).
Basically, making computers understand our real world is the idea behind context-aware computing. Here, the interaction between the human and computer can occur at a more complex level, similar to human-to-human interaction, and this kind of interaction has made “ubiquitous computing” realistic and valuable (Wu, 2001).
In 2010, Pettey and Stevens discussed the importance of context (Gartner, 2009), whereby they predicted that in 2012 relationships with context providers would increase, and by 2015 context will be the most significant factor for mobile services. They expect that it will also be associated with search engines on the Web to make context more readily available and to develop services that use context more easily (Lowe, Mandl, & Weber, 2012).
This section will give an overview of context-aware computing by presenting different concepts to understand the basic foundational principles behind context-awareness and mobile devices.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Wireless Local Area Network: Uses wireless connection to link two or more devices at the same time.
Extensible Markup Language: XML: A language that encodes documents in readable format. XML was design to share format and data on the World Wide Web.
Mobile Applications: An application developed for portable devices. Generally, can come preloaded on the handheld device as well as it can be downloaded by users from application stores or the Internet.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol: ( HTTP): A communication protocol for transferring files on the World Wide Web.
Sensors: Sensors are complex devices that are used to detect and respond to signals. A Sensor converts the physical parameter (for example: temperature) into electrical or optical signals which can be measured electrically.
Persons with Disabilities: People who have physical or mental disabilities that need special help or care.