Platform Zero: A Context-Based Computing Platform for Collaboration

Abstract

We present a real-time, context aware platform that promotes information-centric, natural interactions between many different personal computing devices. Our system allows devices to intelligently interpret the context they operate in to better serve the user. Moreover, our platform supports a rapidly emerging trend in computing, wherein, a single user simultaneously uses multiple devices in unison (computer, smartphone, tablet) to complete a particular task. Our platform can use current device context to sense collaboration between devices and users, automatically annotating information to improve future retrieval. Through removing the perceived borders between devices, our system aims to create a seamless information sharing experience in a multi-device, multi-user environment. Our reference implementation supports Apple iOS devices and OSX computers. Moreover, we present extensive evaluations to demonstrate its efficacy.