Finding EMO: An Editable Model Object Simulation Framework for the Deployment and Evaluation of Pervasive Computing Applications

Large-scale pervasive computing environments are dynamically created from interconnecting devices and services, often during run-time. Pervasive computing applications within this environment require a context comprising environmental factors that should also be present during the development cycle. Frameworks and protocols to support dynamic scenarios are being developed which address low-level issues such as communication, handshaking and quality of service. Physically constructed pervasive environments have been successful but at great cost, limiting them to large organisations. This paper proposes a real-time component-based simulation framework for the deployment and evaluation of pervasive computing devices and protocols in a virtual environment based on the Editable Model Object (EMO). A high-level overview of the framework is covered, including details of the implementation design. The use of virtual reality allows large-scale applications to be developed with limited resources, whilst maintaining a realistic user experience.