Mobile Web Interaction on Embedded Devices Jeremy Luchau CSE 237A

Overview Inherent disadvantages of mobile web Technology addressing these issues Advantages unique to embedded devices Making use of these advantages The role of embedded systems in future internet trends

Inherent Disadvantages (1) Input Restrictions – Web form content particularly difficult to provide on reduced keypad (2) Output Restrictions – Standard web pages poorly formatted for browsing on reduced display (3) Unreliable Wireless Connectivity – Frequent service interruptions or lack of coverage

(1) Improving Input Multimodal Communication – Multiple Channels of Interaction – User provides audio input as well as keypad entry Voice recognition software – Device returns haptic responses along with graphic display Tactile feedback

Touchscreen Tactile Response Multi-Function Transducer (MFT) Actuator produces audio and vibrotactile output from an audio signal Low-frequency range amplified to produce physical response Tactile and audio feedback synchronized

(2) Improving Output Re-authoring existing web sites for mobile display Embedded device connects to proxy browser Proxy browser connects to web page Site partitioned into convenient blocks Content transformed if necessary – Example: JavaScript removal

(3) Addressing Wireless Issues Cache and serve application resources for offline use Perform resource-intensive operations asynchronously Synchronize when device returns to wireless range Example: Google Gears

Unique Advantages (1) Location Awareness – Location-specific content and services (2) Personalization – Unique web application content based on user experiences and preferences

(1) Location Awareness Content as a function of time and place – Local services (restaurants, hotels, etc…) Location-specific RSS feeds – Information tailored to current location Location-dependent authentication schemes – Restricted resource access based on physical location

(2) Personalization User and device profiles stored on embedded device Profiles adapt through subsequent use Sites filtered for information relevant to user Pre-fetch data that has a high likelihood of being accessed

Future Trends: Cloud Computing Files and applications stored on web server Desktop storage and local applications become less relevant Software as a service Embedded devices poised to make use of this reduced hardware model Virtual desktop accessible from any device