Location Modeling for Ubiquitous Computing Based on the Spatial Information Management Technology

Abstract

Location modeling, a basis of location-aware applications, is a critical area of research in ubiquitous computing and related applications. In particular, location is a key element of contexts in architectural space. It should be defined through the comprehension of the physical environment, as the locations of users or objects are not merely numerical coordinates; they refer to situations related to the physical contexts of the users or objects. In other words, a location model for architectural space should be based on the simplification of the physical environment, the consideration of various changes, and the particular relationships among spatial data. These issues have been studied experimentally in the fields of CAAD (Computer Aided Architectural Design) research, and the results can be applied to a ubiquitous computing system. This paper draws upon CAAD theory to propose a location model and utilization method for ubiquitous computing in architectural space. At the end of the paper we present the CAAD system ″Vitruius″, designed to define architectural spaces appropriately and manage them easily for the ubiquitous computing environment.