On negotiating automatic device configuration in smart environments

As the number of mobile devices we carry grows, the job of managing those devices throughout the day becomes cumbersome. In addition, the ability to use mobile devices in unethical ways without being detected is becoming widespread [Popyack, J., et al. (2003)]. It is desirable for mobile devices to automatically configure themselves based on the context of the environment and user preferences for both convenience and security purposes. Having the cell phone switch the ringer off and turn on the vibrate notification in a movie theatre is convenient to the user; while having the video phone disable its video capabilities in a locker room is necessary for others' privacy. We present a preliminary architecture for automatic device configuration in smart environments and explore the issues in negotiating between the device owner's wishes and those of the owner of the smart environment.