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Dependable Ubiquitous Computing Infrastructures
Dependable Infrastructure Services for Mobile Devices.
At the brink of the 21st century, ubiquitous computing
systems and prototypes suffered from numerous drawbacks with respect to dependability in the broadest sense.
This was for several reasons:
First, ubiquitous computing systems were vulnerable to service disruption
and temporary failures because they often relied on a fixed set of technologies for communication,
sensing, and actuation.
Secondly, as a rule, they did not or only in a very limited fashion exploit the full
spectrum of resources that were readily available and implicitly provided by existing ubiquitous computing environments.
Thirdly, they lacked support for the ever growing number of small, resource-limited
mobile devices that were appearing with the continuing realization of Marc Weiser's ubiquitous computing vision.
As size and cost restraints imposed stringent resource restrictions on mobile ubicomp devices,
as a result, these devices were in general more vulnerable to hardware and software failures than traditional
desktop-sized computer equipment.
One of my dependability research activities in ubiquitous computing was the investigation of how dense
distributions of smart entities can contribute to the realization of
dependable services and applications.
More specifically, I developed and prototypically implemented a middleware architecture
that uses dense RFID tag distributions (so-called super-distributed
RFID tag infrastructures) over surface areas
to provide robust and reliable RFID-based services to mobile devices
by exploiting tag redundancy.
Furthermore, I looked into means to reduce the users' dependence on individual
mobile user devices while retaining the benefits and conveniences of handhelds
featuring customized and personalized functionality. In this context, we proposed
the concept of instant personalization,
and provided a prototypical implementation on internetworked personal digital assistants.
Another aspect of my research was the exploitation of heterogeneous redundancy
that typically is available in ubiquitous computing environments, with the goal of
improving the robustness and dependability of fundamental ubiquitous
computing services. One example for this is a
robust probabilistic
positioning service architecture we developed, which employs an available ubiquitous computing infrastructure
for the self-localization of small, mobile devices. The idea was to tackle the aforementioned dependability issues
by improving the availability and quality of the positioning
process by merging the location information obtained from an arbitrary number of sensors, using
sensor fusion and map knowledge.
Top of page.
Related publications:
- Jürgen Bohn
iPOS: A Fault-Tolerant and Adaptive Multi-Sensor Positioning Architecture with QoS Guarantees.
Sensor Review, Vol. 27, No. 3, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp. 239-249, 2007
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
Featured in the July 2007 Monthly Highlights on the Emerald website. © Emerald
- Jürgen Bohn
Prototypical Implementation of Location-Aware Services based on a Middleware Architecture for Super-Distributed RFID Tag Infrastructures.
Personal and Ubiquitous Computing Journal, Springer, June 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn
User-Centric Dependability Concepts for Ubiquitous Computing.
PhD thesis, No. 16653, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, May 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
Published by dissertation.de, March 2007, ISBN 978-3-86624-214-2
- Jürgen Bohn
Prototypical Implementation of Location-Aware Services based on Super-Distributed RFID Tags.
19th International Conference on Architecture of Computing Systems – System Aspects in Organic Computing (ARCS 2006), LNCS No. 3894, Springer-Verlag, pp. 69-83, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, March 13-16, 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Julian Randall, Oliver Amft, Jürgen Bohn, Martin Burri
LuxTrace - indoor positioning using building illumination.
Personal and Ubiquitous Computing Journal, Springer, November 2005
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn
Instant Personalization and Temporary Ownership of Handheld Devices.
Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE Workshop on Mobile Computing Systems and Applications (WMCSA 2004), IEEE Computer Society, ISBN 0-7695-2258-0, pp. 134-143, Windermere, Cumbria, UK, December 2-3, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© IEEE Computer Society
- Jürgen Bohn, Friedemann Mattern
Super-Distributed RFID Tag Infrastructures.
Proceedings of the 2nd European Symposium on Ambient Intelligence (EUSAI 2004), Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) No. 3295, Springer-Verlag, pp. 1-12, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, November 8-10, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Vlad Coroama, Jürgen Bohn, Friedemann Mattern
Living in a Smart Environment – Implications for the Coming Ubiquitous Information Society.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics 2004 (IEEE SMC 2004), Vol. 6, IEEE Computer Society, pp. 5633-5638, The Hague, The Netherlands, October 10-13, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© IEEE Computer Society
- Jürgen Bohn
Exploiting Heterogeneity in Ubiquitous Computing Environments for Robust Positioning and Localization.
Workshop on Location-Aware Computing at Ubicomp 2003, Seattle, Washington, October 2003
BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Michael Rohs, Jürgen Bohn
Entry Points into a Smart Campus Environment – Overview of the ETHOC System.
International Workshop on Smart Appliances and Wearable Computing (IWSAWC), Proc. 23rd International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems – Workshops (ICDCS 2003 Workshops), pp. 260-266, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, May 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Jürgen Bohn, Harald Vogt
Robust Probabilistic Positioning Based on High-Level Sensor-Fusion and Map Knowledge.
Technical Report, No. 421, ETH Zurich, April 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Jürgen Bohn, Felix Gärtner, Harald Vogt
Dependability Issues of Pervasive Computing in a Healthcare Environment.
In: Dieter Hutter, Günter Müller, Werner Stephan, Markus Ullmann (Eds.): First International Conference on Security in Pervasive Computing, Lecture Notes in Computer Science No. LNCS 2082, Springer-Verlag, pp. 53-70, Boppard, Germany, March 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn, Günter Karjoth
Generische Sicherheitsdienste für mobile Anwendungen.
In: Andreas Meier (Ed.): Mobile Commerce, Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, dpunkt-Verlag, pp. 74-82, August 2001
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
© dpunkt-Verlag
- Jürgen Bohn, Günter Karjoth
Sicherheitsdienste für mobile Agentenanwendungen.
In: Killat, Lamersdorf (Eds.): Proc. KIVS 2001, Springer-Verlag, pp. 305-314, February 2001
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
© Springer
Top of page.
Supervised graduate student projects:
- Bestimmung der Bewegung von Fahrzeugen mit Hilfe einer hochverteilten RFID-Tag Infrastruktur (S, WS 05/06)
- LuxTraceRT: A Self-Calibrating Real-Time Positioning System using Solar Cells as Main Sensory Input (S, SS 05)
- Portierung von Kernkomponenten eines existierenden Java-basierten Positionierungssystems auf einen PDA (HP iPAQ, PocketPC 2002) (S, WS 04/05)
- iPOS: Ein adaptives System zur Selbst-Positionierung von mobilen ressourcenbeschränkten Geräten (S, WS 04/05)
- Nachverfolgung und Positionierung von Fahrzeugen in Gebieten mit dicht verteilten RFID-Tags (D, WS 04/05)
- Bestimmung der Position eines Lego-Mindstorm-Modellfahrzeuges in einem Testgelände mit zufälliger RFID-Tag-Verteilung (S, SS 04)
- Sichere Rekonstruktion von RFID-getaggten Dokumenten (S, SS 04)
- Augenblickliche Personalisierung und vorübergehende Nutzung von mobilen Benutzergeräten (S, SS 04)
- Robuste selbst-organisierende Dienste durch hochredundanten Einsatz von RFID-Tags (M, SS 04)
- Zuverlässige Patientenüberwachung in einer Ubiquitous-Computing-Umgebung (D, SS 04)
- Erweiterung eines bestehenden probabilistischen Positionierungsdienstes um einen kartenbasierten Mechanismus zur Positionsvorhersage (S, WS 03/04)
- Erweiterung und Evaluierung eines Positionierungsdienstes (S, WS 03/04)
- Fehlertolerante Dienstinfrastruktur durch Ausnutzung lokaler Redundanz in Ubiquitous-Computing-Umgebungen (D, WS 03/04)
- Heuristiken zur Positionsbestimmung in Gebäuden mittels Sensor-Fusion und 2D-Kartenmodell (D, SS 02)
- Lokalisierung von WLAN-Benutzern im IFW-Gebäude (P, SS 01)
- Erweiterung von gedruckten Dokumenten um Online-Inhalte (D, SS 01)
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Social Implications of Ubiquitous Computing
Social Implications and Challenges of Ubiquitous Computing.
In the year 2000, the field of ubiquitous computing was still emerging and
steadily making progress and gaining attention in both academia and industry.
While new gadgets and
smart home appliances could not appear fast enough for many technologists,
such rapid introductions of new technologies often came with unexpected
side-effects. Due to the unique scope of ubiquitous computing as a tool for
our everyday life, these side-effects can have serious implications for the
way we live in the future. We found it important to explore potential effects
that a large-scale deployment of ubiquitous computing technology in the
real world may have. Thereby, our intention was to raise awareness for a technical
design that takes the concerns of the average citizen into account, as well as to
serve as point of departure for further interdisciplinary research in the field.
Top of page.
Related publications:
- Jürgen Bohn
User-Centric Dependability Concepts for Ubiquitous Computing.
PhD thesis, No. 16653, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, May 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
Published by dissertation.de, March 2007, ISBN 978-3-86624-214-2
- Vlad Coroama, Jürgen Bohn, Friedemann Mattern
Living in a Smart Environment – Implications for the Coming Ubiquitous Information Society.
Proceedings of the International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics 2004 (IEEE SMC 2004), Vol. 6, IEEE Computer Society, pp. 5633-5638, The Hague, The Netherlands, October 10-13, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© IEEE Computer Society
- Jürgen Bohn
The Smart Jigsaw Puzzle Assistant: Using RFID Technology for Building Augmented Real-World Games.
Workshop on Gaming Applications in Pervasive Computing Environments at Pervasive 2004, Vienna, Austria, April 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Jürgen Bohn, Vlad Coroama, Marc Langheinrich, Friedemann Mattern, Michael Rohs
Disappearing Computers Everywhere – Living in a World of Smart Everyday Objects.
Proc. of New Media, Technology and Everyday Life in Europe Conference, London, UK, April 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Jürgen Bohn, Vlad Coroama, Marc Langheinrich, Friedemann Mattern, Michael Rohs
Allgegenwart und Verschwinden des Computers – Leben in einer Welt smarter Alltagsdinge.
In: Ralf Grötker (Ed.): Privat! Kontrollierte Freiheit in einer vernetzten Welt, Heise-Verlag, ISBN 3-936931-01-1, pp. 195-245, March 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Heise-Verlag
- Marc Langheinrich, Vlad Coroama, Jürgen Bohn, Michael Rohs
As we may live – Real-world implications of ubiquitous computing.
Technical Report, April 2002
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
Supervised graduate student projects:
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Physical Entry Points into a Smart Virtual Environment
EntryPoints into the ETH World Infostructure.
The EntryPoints project was part of the virtual campus project ETH World
(formerly available under www.ethworld.ch, project home page now offline)
and addressed the coupling of the physical campus infrastructure
with the ETH "infostructure".
By embedding hyperlinks into the ETH campus
and attaching information to physical objects, visible entry points into
the information space of ETH World were created, enabling a natural interaction
between the physical and virtual environment and thus providing ubiquitous
access to ETH World. Providing location information for physical rooms and
artifacts simplified the retrieval of information that is associated with them
and also allowed people to navigate more easily. Through ongoing evaluation,
important questions regarding privacy and social acceptance of such a paradigm
were analyzed.
ETHOC - Every Thing Has Online Content.
In a ubiquitous world, physical objects (like paper documents)
possess an electronic representation, so-called virtual counterparts,
which supply additional functionality and resources.
The ETHOC system virtually linked
printed documents with virtual counterparts. The user could access and interact with
the virtual counterparts by means of various mobile devices.
Bar codes and mobile bar code readers were used as the linking technology
to access virtual resources as well as additional virtual features
of the enhanced printed documents.
UPDATE: Please note that the official ETHOC Home Page (formerly available at www.ethoc.ethz.ch) with the ETHOC Web
interface is no longer online at ETH Zurich.
Top of page.
Related publications:
- Jürgen Bohn
Prototypical Implementation of Location-Aware Services based on a Middleware Architecture for Super-Distributed RFID Tag Infrastructures.
Personal and Ubiquitous Computing Journal, Springer, June 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn
User-Centric Dependability Concepts for Ubiquitous Computing.
PhD thesis, No. 16653, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, May 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
Published by dissertation.de, March 2007, ISBN 978-3-86624-214-2
- Jürgen Bohn
Prototypical Implementation of Location-Aware Services based on Super-Distributed RFID Tags.
19th International Conference on Architecture of Computing Systems – System Aspects in Organic Computing (ARCS 2006), LNCS No. 3894, Springer-Verlag, pp. 69-83, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, March 13-16, 2006
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn
Instant Personalization and Temporary Ownership of Handheld Devices.
Proceedings of the Sixth IEEE Workshop on Mobile Computing Systems and Applications (WMCSA 2004), IEEE Computer Society, ISBN 0-7695-2258-0, pp. 134-143, Windermere, Cumbria, UK, December 2-3, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© IEEE Computer Society
- Jürgen Bohn, Friedemann Mattern
Super-Distributed RFID Tag Infrastructures.
Proceedings of the 2nd European Symposium on Ambient Intelligence (EUSAI 2004), Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS) No. 3295, Springer-Verlag, pp. 1-12, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, November 8-10, 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
© Springer
- Jürgen Bohn
The Smart Jigsaw Puzzle Assistant: Using RFID Technology for Building Augmented Real-World Games.
Workshop on Gaming Applications in Pervasive Computing Environments at Pervasive 2004, Vienna, Austria, April 2004
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Michael Rohs, Jürgen Bohn
Entry Points into a Smart Campus Environment – Overview of the ETHOC System.
International Workshop on Smart Appliances and Wearable Computing (IWSAWC), Proc. 23rd International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems – Workshops (ICDCS 2003 Workshops), pp. 260-266, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, May 2003
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf)
- Jürgen Bohn, Michael Rohs
Klicken in der realen Welt.
Konferenz Mensch und Computer 2001, Workshop Mensch-Computer-Interaktion in allgegenwärtigen Informationssystemen, Bad Honnef, March 5-8, 2001
BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
Top of page.
Supervised graduate student projects:
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Secure and Generic Services for Mobile Agent Applications
Moving from platform to platform to perform their tasks,
mobile agents are subject to attacks by potentially malicious hosts.
As a consequence, it is desirable to protect these agents against manipulations
and fraud while also maintaining a maximum degree of inter-operability and flexibility.
In this context, we investigated and developed generic and secure services
for autonomous agents as part of open mobile agent systems (IBM Aglets) and applications,
employing the IBM JavaCard as a trusted hardware platform.
Related publications:
- Jürgen Bohn, Günter Karjoth
Generische Sicherheitsdienste für mobile Anwendungen.
In: Andreas Meier (Ed.): Mobile Commerce, Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, dpunkt-Verlag, pp. 74-82, August 2001
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
© dpunkt-Verlag
- Jürgen Bohn, Günter Karjoth
Sicherheitsdienste für mobile Agentenanwendungen.
In: Killat, Lamersdorf (Eds.): Proc. KIVS 2001, Springer-Verlag, pp. 305-314, February 2001
Abstract, BibTeX, Paper (.pdf, .ps)
© Springer
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Jürgen Bohn
Security Services for Mobile Agent Applications in Electronic Markets
and Implementation of a Prototype in Java.
IBM Zurich Research Laboratory, Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
Master's Thesis, March 2000, University of Karlsruhe, Germany.
BibTeX,
Thesis paper (in German) (.pdf,
.ps.gz)
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IFW/RZ Wireless LAN Project
In the year 2000, I was involved in the initial planning and direction of the
ETH Zurich Wireless LAN Project,
where we installed the first large-scale Wi-Fi network in our office building (IFW/RZ building) at
ETH Zurich. Today, Wireless LAN access is up and running in all parts of the
ETH university campus. In the early days, I also administered the initial project home page,
which offered information on WLAN services available at the ETH Zurich, including information on technical
aspects, security bulletins, required equipment, drivers and support.
Top of page.
