How can wireless data technology provide localized `Point Of Information¿ data to mobile computing devices?

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to develop a framework for a system that would provide localised Point of Interest (POI) data to mobile computing devices. What this project proposed to develop is a system whereby a server would supply data to local mobile computing devices, which could in turn store or display the data. There are similar systems based on low power FM transmitters that allow the public to tune into a particular frequency and listen to broadcasts. However there is no visual data presented, and storing this information by the listener would involve some extra equipment. The growth of mobile computing has been exponential in recent years. This has taken the form of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Smart phones, Laptop computers, etc becoming common place, to the extent that most mobile phones now have some form of internet browsing capability. This project proposes to take advantage of this growth and development in technology to provide a service where-by a mobile computing device with browsing capability could display and store visual data from a nearby server, without requiring internet connectivity. Such a system will improve the availability of information in many applications for example; Sales: A server can be strategically located at a `point of sale¿ to provide potential customers with relevant information, e.g. property sales, auto sales, etc Tourism: Information relevant to local tourist sites can be downloaded from the servers to phones or PDA¿s. This information could contain town maps, hotel information, etc POI Information: Information relevant to the location of the user can be passed to the users¿ mobile computing device providing an efficient method of providing the user with information relevant to their position e.g. historical locations. The system is designed around a server module, based on a Small Board Computer (SBC) with suitable software. Research was conducted on finding a suitable SBC and its associated software. Research was also be carried out into what connectivity medium would be most suitable for the system. Some further investigated was required to assess the client application which would run on the users¿ mobile device. This resulted in a framework for such a system to be designed.