Pervasive Computing Research

The Mobile and Pervasive Computing lab is focused on systems research and experimental aspects of pervasive computing emphasizing four main research thrusts:

Pervasive Computing Fundamentals

Fundamental research addresses defining approaches to: (1) cyber-physical interfacing - integrating sensors, devices and other computing and communication elements into a a single system that we call "smart space". Such integration will not be scalable unless it is autonomic - stemming from the devices and requiring no engineering specialties (human system integrators). Autonomic integration makes it possible to deploy instrumented spaces rapidly and radically cost-effectively. The next fundamental challenge is to turn such deployments into smart spaces, not by any ad-hoc means, but rather by properly (2) programming such pervasive spaces. Such programmability is key and fundamental to the progress and realization of the pervasive and ubiquitous computing vision. Any thing less than full programmability is prototyping, which is not the ultimate goal. To achieve programmability, novel programming models specifically thought and designed for pervasive spaces are needed. We are currently working on several programming models and their implementations in terms of middleware, algorithms and run time support. We are researching models that can be used to program a space directly through its sensors and actuators, in addition to others that can program a space through (3) sentience abstractions of sensors (e.g., events, contexts, phenomena, activities, behavior, etc). Once we realize programmable pervasive spaces, it becomes inevitable to see the early signs of an ecosystem in which pervasive space applications can be developed and provisioned by third party as services to these spaces. Hence, in the outset, we must think of cloud computing and how smart space apps and services will be provisioned through the cloud. To this end, we are currently developing (4) cloud-sensor architectures, algorithms and optimizations to enable energy-efficient and sentience-efficient smart space operation.

Active Projects:

  • The Cyber-Physical Interface: Platforms, Architectures and Middleware
  • Programming Models for Pervasive Spaces
  • Sentience Abstractions in Pervasive Spaces
  • Cloud-Sensor Systems: Enabling Pervasive Applications in the Cloud

Go to the Pervasive Computing Fundamentals Research Page

Pervasive Computing Applications

In principle, pervasive computing could be exploited to achieve great societal, organizational and individual benefits. The high-level goals of such applications mostly center around Quality of Life, Quality of Experience, Convenience, Return on Investment, Assistance, among others. The Mobile and Pervasive Computing laboratory is a pioneer and one of the world leading research centers in applying pervasive computing in support of Aging, Disabilities and Independence (ADI) addressing Quality of Life for the elderly and individuals with special needs. ADI research is highly multi-disciplinary and requires diversified research talents that cannot be attained without research collaborations (including international). The lab also addresses proactive health applications of pervasive computing with emphasize on persuasive tele-health systems, which is another multi-disciplinary research area.

Active Projects:

  • Aging, Disability and Independence (ADI)
  • Persuasive and Cyber-Analytic Tele-Health
  • Blind Navigation in Campus Environments
  • Cognitive Assistance for Children with Mucopolysaccharidoses

Go to the Pervasive Computing Applications Research Page

Pervasive Computing Enablers

Several concepts and functionality are key enablers for pervasive computing. One example is indoor and outdoor location tracking and positioning. Another is real world modeling and mapping to the physical spaces - what we call self-sensing spaces. Design tools are also essential enablers. For instance simulating human interactions in a smart space could provide for virtual and early prototyping and could save significant time and avoid costly mistakes for a given planned real deployment. The lab is engaged in the following pervasive computing enabler projects.

Active Projects:

  • Self-Sensing Spaces
  • Location Tracking/Positioning in Pervasive Spaces
  • PerSim: A Simulator of Human Activities in Pervasive Spaces
  • Context-driven Simulation of Pervasive Spaces

Go to the Pervasive Computing Enablers Research Page

Smart Space Deployments

Through generous donations from University of Florida alums, an essential extension of the Mobile and Pervasive Computing lab was made possible, and that is the Gator Tech Smart House (GTSH) - a real-life, single family home located in a retirement community in Gainesville, Florida. The GTSH was a natural extension of Matilda Smart Home - a 500 sq ft mock-up home built inside the lab using modular panel structures. The GTSH today is one of the most well-known smart home projects amongst its peers.

Active Projects:

  • The Gator Tech Smart House
  • Matilda Smart House

Go to the Smart Space Deployments Page