1. Brad Woodward Ben Higgins
LCO for a Location-Aware Item Framework
(with sample applications)

2. Operational Concepts Location-aware item-based Framework
Scavenger hunts
Tours
Real-world adventure games
Items are the basic unit
Icon
Location
Visibility requirements
Usage requirements
Acquisition requirements
Transferability settings

3. Example Usage Scenario
Susan is a student at UW
A friend made a game called Ghost Hunt
Signs up on the web
Begins playing

4. System Requirements
Server receives information about client, gives client list of nearby visible Items
Client interacts with world using information about Items
If the client wants to change the world (e.g., pick up an item, drop an item), then it asks the server to do so.
If the client isn't changing the world, then no communication with the server is required
Network traffic kept to a minimum

5. System and Software Architecture
Server designed as a Web Service; maintains a database of Items and Users
Probably makes use of Microsoft SQL Server
HP Pocket PCs for client with Internet connectivity
Shows nearby Items as icons
Communicates at regular intervals with the server
For testing, no GPS is required, but for production some form of location-awareness would be
Client software developed with Visual Studio .NET tools.

6. Lifecycle Plan Wide variety of applications available
Different types of end-user depending on application
Independent developers can make their own applications

7. Feasibility Rationale
Framework fairly simple
Sample applications can be limited in scope
Major drawback is lack of GPS units
Not enough work? Options for expansion:
Items that move around
Items with advanced scripted actions
Items that react to your presence
More ambitious applications