Modeling the Ambient Intelligence Application System: Concept, Software, Data, and Network

General reference models are essential for the ambient intelligence (AmI) system design, and they should be clear and simple both in terms of physical structure and software architecture. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual system model. According to this model, we present a physical structure model and a multiagent system based software architecture in the following step. We also give a data management mechanism model for the AmI environment. To evaluate our models, we implement them in a prototype ldquoSmart-Ovenrdquo system. Our models are suitable for rapid system modeling and development; they can help the designers and the programmers develop new AmI applications more rapidly and conveniently. Using the simplified AmI physical structure model, the physical AmI supporting environment can be established easily and rapidly. Via the software architecture and data management model, AmI application systems achieve flexibility, service discovery, and interoperability, which are the most common technical limitations in other related systems. Furthermore, our models can also help the terminal users configure their own AmI system by themselves. As a result of the works carried out in this paper, one can simplify the procedures and enhance the efficiency of AmI applications system design and development.