Eigenplaces: Understanding Ubiquitous Computing Environments Through Aggregate Mobile Phone Usage

In ubiquitous computing, context is often understood as the product of active inter-device communication, but it can also emerge from the underlying network topology. To understand how this second layer can provide one with additional input ubiquitous devices, the authors consider aggregate data from the mobile phone network and develop an analytical tool adapted from remote sensing. The resulting 'Eigenplaces' encapsulate information about human activity in an area, suggesting that they could be used to supply useful contextual detail and enable device and informational customization suited to the types of activity nearby, even when the user is visiting an area for the very first time.