Agent-oriented, multimedia, interactive services in home automation

Several academic and industrial research groups are working to deploy home-automation systems and to improve their user interfaces. Based on user studies and prototype implementation, this paper presents the development of an innovating appliance that incorporates interactive services of leisure and information, offered through a high-quality user interface on the surface of a mirror. This appliance is thought to be both integrated in an agent-based network of a home and used as an independent element. The prototype will offer basic services, like interactive television, the presentation of personalized weather data, news and selections of musical tunes, and will incorporate some advanced functionalities, like an intelligent service of personal motivation and a reminder service.