// System Overview //
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Diagram of the UMBRELLA.net system.
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The UMBRELLA.net system works with a hardware and software component that is integrated into the design of a typical umbrella. By embedding the system into an everyday object, our intent is to lessen the point of entry for people using the system as they are already familiar with the object and how it works. The prototype includes handheld PocketPC (iPaq) computers that will interface to the umbrella and only communicate with each other when the need exists: ie. When rain is present and other nodes exist in close proximity.
The current version of UMBRELLA.net includes 10 Bluetooth-equipped umbrellas each with an accompanying Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that is running the
networking software. When opened, the hardware on the umbrellas
communicates to the PDAs to initiate a network connection. The umbrellas illuminate their states with bright LEDs. There are 3 states: 1) Pulsing red if searching for nodes, 2) Pulsing blue if connected to other umbrellas, 3) Flashing blue if transmitting data between umbrellas. These visual cues allow the general public to engage with the project. Those holding the umbrellas will be able to use the built-in chat program on the PDAs to communicate with other participants. There is also a visualization of the network displayed on the iPaq screens to show each person where they are in relation to others in the network and illustrate the multi-hop routing structure of the project.
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// Mobile Ad-Hoc Network Definition // |
The project utilizes the DAWN (Dublin Ad-Hoc Wireless Network) network, a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) developed at the NTRG, Trinity College Dublin. Here is a simple definition of a MANET:
" A mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a self-configuring network of mobile routers (and associated hosts) connected by wireless links - the union of which form an arbitrary topology. The routers are free to move randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily; thus, the network's wireless topology may change rapidly and unpredictably." - from free-defintion.com.
UMBRELLA.net exists as an ad-hoc network, where data is passed between individual nodes within signal range of each other. Multi-hop dynamic routing ad-hoc networks provide a compelling and emerging area of telecommunications which have yet to be fully explored. Engineering and computer science applications remain staunchly focused on emergency or military applications of emerging technology, and have yet to expand to encompass the playful or artistic element of human experience. In exploring the gulf of execution between existing network applications and artistic practitioners, the project explores new possibilities for the design and implementation of emerging network infrastructures. The project explores public space, proxemics, and the influence of network awareness on co-operative behavior. We want to collaboratively explore the language and models of networks in a practice-based environment and contribute to a conceptual foundation upon which new applications and practices can emerge.
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// MANET Details // |
Below is a diagram of how data is passed along a MANET:
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The use of the UMBRELLA.net network relies on the types of spaces occupied during their deployment. One example could be the sharing of semi-personal information such as weather information based on location and use of their umbrellas over time, route maps of each individual's journey, personality traits, music sharing, and countless others. Each use of the newly created network would be tied to the coincidence of need for cover under the threat of rain.
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// Hardware // |
Below is a diagram of the individual system for each umbrella in the network. Each will have custom hardware that will allow them to communicate their states wirelessly to the PocketPC. Sensors in the umbrellas will detect if they are open or closed. If open, their state will be sent via BlueTooth to a PPC which will allow the software to engage with the network. Once engaged, the state of the current connection will be made visible on the umbrella by sending a signal to it and lighting it up depending on the network state.
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// Proximity and Node Engagement // |
The following diagram shows how the umbrellas will function depending on their proximity or engagement within a node. When they are searching for a node, they will blink RED. When they are within an active node but more than 1 hop away, they will either blink or pulse BLUE. When they are within a node and within 1 hop of every other node, they will light up as solid BLUE.
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// PDA Software // |
These are some screens from the PocketPC application UMBRELLA.net application. The screen on the left shows a small network of 4 people with adaptable "Sociability Ranges" (SR). The SR determines how eagerly a person within the network wants to engage with others. For instance, a range of 5 (in the left screen) allows the participant to pass data to people within 5 ad-hoc hops of their location. Since the range of the network can be up to 100 meters, this can cover a considerable amount of an urban area. Each coincentric ring depicts a "hop" of the network, so that one ring shows people one hop away, two rings show those two hops away, and so on...
The screen shot on the right shows a smaller social circle with three people who are all one hop away from each other. This is meant to visualize how the ad-hoc network works, and is not based on where each user is geographically.
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The screens below show the chat function of the application. The screen on the left shows one user sending a message to another in the network. The screen on the right shows how the icons change when selected. When you chat with someone, you press on their icon, which makes it bigger, and select an activity from a pop-up menu.
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Below is a picture of three iPaqs in sequence so that the one on the left is two hops from the one on the right, and the one in the middle is one hop away from the other two. This shows your node in the middle of the screen, with a ring around you representing those umbrellas that are one hop away from you. When you click on the umbrella you then select them and can start a chat with them. When you get more than one hop away from another user, a second ring appears on the screen to show your "two hop" neighbors who you can communicate with.
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// Field Trials // |
These are some images from some field trials around the Trinity campus conducted in July 2004. We took out three PocketPCs with the software to test the radio range and visualizations. The first image shows two PocketPCs with the application loaded with the "Chat" activity started and the second shows some of the outdoor trials. We tested the application standing approximately 100 meters apart on an open field on campus. We were able to send and receive messages from the chat program routing up to 2 hops between PocketPCs.
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