Ambient mobility: human environment interface and interaction challenges

Through the convergence of mobility, ubiquity and multimediality/multimodality a new information & communication technology paradigm is emerging: Ambient Intelligence (AmI). AmI basically means that computers move from the desktop into the infrastructure of our everyday life to build networks of smart items serving "smart players" (humans, machines, smart items, animals, etc.) in intelligent environments. AmI begins to influence the way we interact with our environments. An important aspect of future human interaction therefore is the way this interaction evolves from human-computer interaction (HCI) to a human environment interaction (HEI) supporting us in efficiently managing our personal environment, not only at home or in the office, but also in public and industrial environments.

This contribution addresses the fundamental components that are involved in the forthcoming human-computer-environment interaction. Focus will be specially on the challenges arising when the interaction takes place with mobile services e.g. providing information, supporting work tasks, or enriching leisure, in public and possibly outdoor environments.