José C. Campos

Citation:

Silva JL, Campos JC, Harrison M.  2012.  Formal analysis of Ubiquitous Computing environments through the APEX framework. Symposium on Engineering Interactive Computing Systems - EICS. :131-140. copy at www.tinyurl.com/qe29ots

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Abstract:

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) systems involve complex interactions between multiple devices and users. This complexity makes it difficult to establish whether: (1) observations made about use are truly representative of all possible interactions; (2) desirable characteristics of the system are true in all possible scenarios. To address these issues, techniques are needed that support an exhaustive analysis of a system's design. This paper demonstrates one such exhaustive analysis technique that supports the early evaluation of alternative designs for ubiquitous computing environments. The technique combines models of behavior within the environment with a virtual world that allows its simulation. The models support checking of properties based on patterns. These patterns help the analyst to generate and verify relevant properties. Where these properties fail then scenarios suggested by the failure provide an important aid to redesign. The proposed technique uses APEX, a framework for rapid prototyping of ubiquitous environments based on Petri nets. The approach is illustrated through a smart library example. Its benefits and limitations are discussed.

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