Mobile Web Interaction on Embedded Devices

Jeremy LuchauCSE 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 ResponseMulti-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