Implementation of an AmI Communication Service using a Federated Event System Based on Aspects

Abstract

Event-based communication can be considered naturally suited to support Ambient Intelligence and Ubiquitous Computing applications due to its asynchronous nature and due to loose coupling between application components. Event systems support different properties depending on the specific problem domain for which they have been developed. Using these event systems in a federated way, where events are disseminated across the boundaries of a single event system, has been possible in some areas. However, such federation has typically been realized as bilateral inter-working federation between designated pairs of event systems that rely on hardcoded architectures, which are inherently difficult to maintain when systems evolve over time. This paper presents an Ambient Intelligence platform, called AOPAMI, that uses aspects to enable truly multilateral federation between inter-working heterogeneous event systems. AOPAMI also solves the technology evolution problem using the Aspect Oriented Software Development paradigm.