Semantic Web-Enhanced Context-Aware Computing in Mobile Systems

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to provide detailed insights into the field of Semantic Web-based context-aware computing for mobile systems. Readers will learn why context awareness will be a central aspect of future mobile information systems, and about the role semantic technologies can play in creating a context-aware infrastructure and the benefits they offer. The chapter introduces requirements, enabling technologies, and future directions of such systems. It presents a Semantic Web-based context-sensitive infrastructure that resembles concepts from graph theory and distributed transaction management. This infrastructure allows for an efficient acquisition, representation, management, and processing of contextual information while taking into account the peculiarities and operating environments of mobile information systems. Authors demonstrate how context-relevant data acquired from local and remote sensors can be represented using Semantic Web technologies, with the goal to replicate data related to the user’s current and future information needs to a mobile device in a proactive and transparent manner. In consequence, the user is equipped with contextually relevant information anytime and anywhere.