Pervasive Web Access via Public Communication Walls

Multi-user communication and interaction via public displays together the pervasive and seamless access to the WWW in public areas via mobile phones or handheld devices is enabled via the WebWall system. A software framework for the operation of WebWalls has been developed, strictly separating WebWall access technologies (like HTTP, email, SMS, WAP, EMS, MMS or even simple paging protocols found on mobile phones) from the physical display technologies used and the presentation logic involved. The architecture integrates ubiquitous wireless networks (GSM, IEEE802.11b), allowing a vast community of mobile users to access the WWW via public communication displays in an ad-hoc mode. A centralized backend infrastructure hosting content posted by users in a display independent format has been developed together with rendering engines exploiting the particular features of the respective physical output devices installed in public areas like airports, trainstations, public buildings, lecture halls, fun and leisure centres and even car navigation systems. A variety of different modular service classes has been developed to support the posting or pulling of WWW media elements ranging from simple sticky notes, opinion polls, auctions, image and video galleries to mobile phone controlled web browsing.