Towards Orientation-Aware Location Based Mobile Services

Abstract

Within this paper we present an approach on how orientation sensors built into mobile devices can enable a new paradigm for mobile service discovery and use: In conjunction with 3D models of urban terrain, mobile devices can act as virtual pointers to services and information anchored at geographic locations such as buildings or landmarks. We outline a system architecture that enables this new form of orientation- and location-sensitive service discovery. We describe our experiences with a prototype device consisting of a plain, mass market mobile phone and a custom-built shell that houses a magnetic compass and a 2-axis tilt sensor. Concluding, we describe our ongoing research project that will apply the described concepts and technologies in practice.