A Middleware Architecture for On-the-fly Application Modification in Ubiquitous Augmented Reality

摘要

In the combination of ubiquitous computing and augmented reality areas, UAR, users move in an environment created from a myriad of computing devices and, depending on location, engage in collaboration activities with different augmented systems. In this paper we propose a middleware and a management solution to flexible application switching relative to user location. Based on a reflective architecture, the proposed middleware supports various network services and different application configurations. Furthermore, by downloading the missing components, applications can be composed on the fly. On the other hand, the proposed data management solution divides the environment in a hierarchy of areas, where each area keeps information about applications and their required components, as well as links to download servers. The concept is exemplified through a demo-system that allows a user entering an area to query for and join an AR application.