Sm@rtLibrary - an infrastructure for ubiquitous technologies and applications

Abstract

The paper presents our ongoing research on the potentials of ubiquitous technologies for future workspaces. The Sm@rtLibrary serves as a test and demonstration environment for ubiquitous technologies and their application. In this area we are currently concentrating on localization and location management technologies, context-dependent services, platform and device independent access to the services and information provided in such environments. In Sm@rtLibrary, an employee or visitor enters the library. This is automatically sensed by the room. The library user takes one of the freely available Sm@rtAssistants, which is a flexible Webpad with an integrated radio based identification device (so-called RFID-reader) and has wireless access to the local network (by using wireless LAN or Bluetooth). By approaching the Sm@rtAssistant with his/her digital office ID card, the Webpad's user interface is personalized automatically to the needs and preferences of the user and his possibilities based on his current location. Within the Sm@rtLibrary, the user might want the library to meet one of various requirements which are outlined.