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SmartPad Project: Ubiquitous Access to Information in Mass Retail Markets

Introduction

The growth in the capabilities of hand-held computers coupled with improvements in database systems and communication infrastructure has brought us closer to enabling truly ubiquitous access to information. Technologies for low-power high-density microprocessors, storage devices and communication hardware combined with advances in handwriting and speech recognition technologies enable new uses for hand-held devices - well beyond simple address-book or calendar applications. Improvements in database and networking technologies have the potential of providing mobile users with access to vast corporate and consumer information resources.

Despite the large and comprehensive databases maintained by retailers, only a fraction of this data is transformed into actionable knowledge that could be used for facilitating consumers shopping experience; an experience which is considered uninteresting and time consuming. Recent developments in electronic commerce require consumers to be equipped with computer equipment that is still costly and difficult to maintain. Therefore, it becomes necessary to provide a solution that enhances consumers' experience by combining their in-store and on-line purchases, wherein consumers can shop remotely using small and inexpensive devices and retailers can deliver relevant information in a timely manner.

In collaboration with a major retailer in UK we are developing a system that provides access to electronic grocery shopping through handheld devices. Specifically, it allows consumers to shop from anywhere, anytime, and build their shopping list over time. The system serves as a test-bed for research into the design of large scale mobile information systems in mass retail markets. Ours is an interdisciplinary project, with interest in three areas:


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