Context-aware environments in passenger train transportation systems: Ideas, feasibility and risks

Abstract

In this article, an interactive context-aware system applied in passenger train transportation is outlined, following a holistic approach. User-system interaction is provided by means of wireless sensor/actuator networks deployed in several locations of the train infrastructure, coupled with additional information, such as user mobile phone data. Several services, such as user assistance (location/guidance), location-based marketing and interactive agendas are suggested. In addition to proposing this conceptual idea, analysis in terms of Quality of Service metrics, in terms of wireless coverage/capacity channel estimation, as well as potential security issues are discussed. In this article we do not describe and discuss the solution in detail. Instead, the goal of this article is to set the ground for the development of the idea, discuss its feasibility in communications terms, and point out the security and privacy risks that might arise in this kind of contexts.