An ontology for shared personalizable ubiquitous smart spaces

We identify mediation between three types of spatial context as a key component for realizing shared personalizable ubiquitous smart spaces, and argue for an ontology of spatial contexts to provide a common language for these mediation processes. Basic prerequisites for such an ontology are identified, so that requirements of all three types of spatial context can be reflected in a unifying way that allows for seamless integration. The representation of sensing areas and personal interaction spheres is presented as an example for a relevant application from the domain of location-based AR for which the proposed ontology would be advantageous. Main technical requirements are outlined, and suggestions are given on how to ensure that such a spatial representation enhances users’ awareness of services and sensors without requiring their active attention. The sketched technology, as a calming interface enabling users to be aware of invisible computing facilities and other user’s interaction spheres would address important issues of usability of ubiquitous computing environments and could become a powerful tool to chart and control such environments.