Context-Aware Mobile Applications: Taxonomy of factors for building approaches

Abstract

Fusion of sensing mechanisms inside mobile devices (e.g.: GPS, accelerometers) have driven the growth of context-aware mobile applications. Currently, there are building approaches for this kind of applications, but these do not have the flexibility, for example, to derive applications combining different location sensing mechanisms. In this paper, we present a first proposal of a taxonomy of factors that could be considered by context-aware mobile application building approaches, in order to provide variability in the kinds of derived applications. The aim is to generate a discussion that can contribute to the unification of aspects that should be addressed by these building approaches. To complement the taxonomy, we present the analysis of an interview that was conducted with regard to developers who use (or could use) these building approaches. We hope this will enrich the discussion in relation to this kind of approaches.

Towards a New Perspective of Building Tools for Context-Aware Mobile Applications

“…Based on our experience, an initial taxonomy version of variability concepts for building approaches for context-aware mobile applications has been presented in [14]. The taxonomy presented in [14] defines the following concepts: relevance, combination, categorization, precision and accuracy's margins, configuration type, and execution type. These concepts have been selected in order to help designers to identify the potential variability points to obtain more flexible building approaches.…”

“…These concepts have been selected in order to help designers to identify the potential variability points to obtain more flexible building approaches. In [14], it is described briefly each concept of this taxonomy without going into details on how it should be handled in building approaches.…”

“…In [8] a possible way of handling each variability concept of [14] was exemplified for conceptual building approaches. In [8], each concept of the taxonomy is described using a pattern-based format, detailing how and what could be considered in the design phase of this kind of approach.…”

“…Note that, when a building tool is designed from scratch considering the variability concepts presented in [8] and [14]; this eases the generation of a wide variety of context-aware mobile applications. Our previous works [8,14] analyses variability concepts only describing them without the details of a concrete implementation.…”

Variability Features in Building Approaches for Context-Aware Mobile Applications

“…In [10] we present an initial version of a taxonomy for context-aware mobile applications building approaches. Only a brief description of each concept of the taxonomy is detailed in [10], without going into about how should be handled in building approaches.…”