Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
A Software Engineering
Framework for Context-Aware
Service-Based Processes in
Pervasive Environments
Zakwan Jaroucheh
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Xiaodong Liu
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
Sally Smith
Edinburgh Napier University, UK
ABSTRACT
Context-awareness is considered to be the cornerstone technique for developing pervasive computing ap-
plications that are flexible, adaptable, and capable of acting autonomously on behalf of the user. However,
context-awareness introduces various software engineering challenges. The separation of concerns is
a promising approach in the design of the context-aware adaptive processes (CAAPs) where the core
logic is designed and implemented separately from the context handling and adaptation logics. In this
respect, this chapter presents a conceptual framework for developing CAAPs and software infrastructure
for efficient context management that together address the known software engineering challenges and
facilitate the design and implementation tasks associated with such context-aware applications.
INTRODUCTION
this awareness (Baldauf et al. 2007). It is widely
acknowledged that, compared to desktop applica-
tions, pervasive environments introduce a new
wave of software engineering challenges.
Firstly, in such highly dynamic environments
the ultimate objective is to amplify human activi-
Context-awareness refers to the capability of an
application or a service being aware of its physi-
cal environment or situation (e.g. context) and
to respond proactively and intelligently based on
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