Location-dependent multimedia computing

The ultimate goal of mobile multimedia systems is to assist users all the time and everywhere by providing the right information at the right place in the right manner. With such assistance, users will not have to waste effort in interacting and interfacing with the mobile device, but will be able to dedicate their attention to the actual environment. To provide this assistance, these systems require information about the user's context. One of the most important pieces of context information is the user's location. An efficient location dependent computing system should provide ubiquitous coverage and should be combined with a network infrastructure that provides access anywhere and at any time. The author discusses the application areas where location-dependent multimedia is useful. He looks at the infrastructure necessary of location-specific multimedia applications, including location sensors and location service requirements.