(12) United States Patent
`Gopalakrishnan et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7.454,608 B2
`Nov. 18, 2008
`
`USOO7454.608B2
`
`(54) RESOURCE CONFIGURATION IN
`MULT-MODAL DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING
`SYSTEMS
`
`75
`(75) Inventors: Essentify. N. DyA
`Stephane Hylaes, remont,
`(US); Ganesh N. Ramaswamy,
`Ossining, NY (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: International Business Machines
`Corporation, Armonk, NY (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 339 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/698,101
`
`y x- - -
`
`9
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 31, 2003
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2005/OO973 11 A1
`May 5, 2005
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06R 15/177
`(2006.01)
`GOL 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................... 713/100; 704/231
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 713/100;
`704/231
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`5,552,806 A * 9/1996 Lenchik ...................... 345,156
`6,389.288 B1* 5/2002 Kuwahara et al. ........ 455,456.6
`6,408, 187 B1
`6/2002 Merriam ..................... 455,458
`6,501,421 B1* 12/2002 Dutta et al. .....
`342.357.13
`6,601,012 B1* 7/2003 Horvitz et al. .............. 7O2/150
`6,601.073 B1* 7/2003 Robare ...........
`... TO7 104.1
`6,801,974 B1 * 10/2004 Watts et al. ................. T10.303
`
`6,879,838 B2 * 4/2005 Rankin et al. ............ 455,456.6
`6,912,386 B1* 6/2005 Himberg et al. ............. 455,423
`7,076.255 B2 *
`7/2006 Parupudi et al. ......... 455,456.1
`2002fOOO4412 A1
`1/2002 Waters
`2002/01 19788 A1* 8/2002 Parupudi et al. ............ 455,456
`2002/0138598 A1* 9, 2002 Bade et al. ........
`... 709,221
`2002fO155844 A1* 10, 2002 Rankin et al. ............... 455,456
`2002/0160745 A1 10/2002 Wang
`2002fO198004 A1* 12/2002 Heie et al. .................. 455,456
`2003, OO63728 A1* 4, 2003 Sibal et al. .....
`... 379f2O7.02
`2003/0100315 A1
`5/2003 Rankin ....................... 455,456
`2003/0108003 A1* 6/2003 Dietz ......................... 370,311
`2003/0148775 A1* 8/2003 Spriestersbach et al. ... 455/456
`2004/011 1482 A1* 6/2004 Bourges-Waldegget al. ..... 709,
`2O7
`2004/0236574 A1* 1 1/2004 Ativanichayaphong et al. .. 704/
`231
`2005/0085272 A1* 4/2005 Anderson et al. ........... 455,566
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`WO
`WO 84,02995
`8, 1984
`WO
`WO O2/102024
`12/2002
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Thomas Lee
`Assistant Examiner Vincent T Tran
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Ference & Associates LLC
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method and system for configuring available resources in
`real-time to automatically accommodate the needs of the
`system user in multi-modal distributed computing system is
`disclosed. Information about the location or environment of a
`wireless device is used, preferably in combination with user
`personal preferences and past history to modify the behavior
`of the wireless device, including the selection of the most
`appropriate mode of interaction with the device and the acti
`Vation of applications thereon as appropriate.
`
`21 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`Calendar
`
`y 3o
`
`
`
`
`
`Network
`Positioning //
`
`IOC)
`
`
`
`Current scheduled location M los
`
`
`
`User references
`Prefered 8 scheduled
`applications
`
`Calendar
`
`W SOO
`
`Data Files and
`Engine
`Management
`
`Other user location and
`() calendar
`+ Network and engine
`status
`
`Future scheduled
`location
`
`Data file caching
`Engine Selection
`(CUITent location &
`Future locations)
`
`/ ISO
`
`Page 1 of 7
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`SAMSUNG EX-1074
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 18, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 7.454,608 B2
`
`STAR
`
`DETERMINE
`LOCATION / ENVIRONMENT
`
`/ & O
`
`CLASSIFY
`LOCATION / ENVIRONMENT
`
`M/ a&O
`
`
`
`DETERMINE
`
`INPUT/OUTPU/RESOURCES
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`LOCATION / ENVIRONMENT CLASSIFICATION
`AND ACTIVATE SAME
`
`/ e3O
`
`DETERMNE APPLICATIONS M s'YO
`TO BE LAUNCHED AND LAUNCH SAME
`
`Fig. 1
`
`Page 2 of 7
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov.18, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
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`US 7,454,608 B2
`
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`US 7,454,608 B2
`
`1.
`RESOURCE CONFIGURATION IN
`MULT-MODAL DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING
`SYSTEMS
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to multi-modal distributed
`computing systems and, more specifically, to configuring
`available resources in real-time to automatically accommo
`date the needs of the system user.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`number from a wireless handset—all within the same session,
`form, and application context. The browser will typically let
`a user select the most appropriate mode of interaction based
`on the user's situation, activity, or environment.
`The different modes may be supported on a single device or
`on separate devices working in tandem. When separate
`devices work in tandem, this is typically referred to as dis
`tributed multi-modal computing. An example of distributed
`multi-modal computing is a user is talking into a cell phone
`and seeing the results on a PDA. Voice may also be offered as
`an adjunct to browsers with high resolution graphical dis
`plays, providing an accessible alternative to using the key
`board or screen.
`Multimodal applications are an improvement over multi
`channel applications. Advantages of multimodal applications
`include: multimodal interfaces improve the usability of data
`services such as weather, driving directions, Stock quotes,
`personal information management, and unified messaging;
`Application Service Providers can offer users a wider range
`of personalized and differentiated offerings using multimodal
`interfaces; many call center applications and enterprise data
`services such as account management, brokerage accounts,
`customer service, and sales force automation offer Voice-only
`interfaces and multimodal interfaces added to these applica
`tions enhance a users experience; with multimodal interfaces,
`a user can easily access and enter information, especially
`when using Small devices by combining multiple input and
`output devices; multimodal applications improve a users
`experience with mobile devices and encourage the growth
`and acceptance of m-Commerce; a user need not be con
`strained by the limitations of a particular interaction mode at
`any given moment, for example, while listening to instruc
`tions on a Voice browser, a user is constrained by the ephem
`eral nature of the interface; a user may wish to listen to the
`instructions again; multimodal interfaces give a user the flex
`ibility to choose the most convenient interaction mode that
`Suits the task and purpose; they can also exploit the resources
`of multiple interfaces in order for a user to have an enhanced
`computing experience.
`Users of multimodal interfaces, however, do face certain
`issues. These issues include ergonomic issues and appropri
`ateness. Ergonomic issues may arise as a user Switches from
`one mode to another, Such as alternating between listening
`and watching. Appropriateness issues are in the nature of a
`user disabling speech input and output when this would be
`distracting to nearby people. Considering all of the various
`issues, however, a user must still select the most appropriate
`mode of interaction based on the user's situation, activity, or
`environment.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with at least one presently preferred embodi
`ment of the present invention, there is broadly contemplated
`a system and method in which information about the location
`or environment of a wireless device is used, preferably in
`combination with user personal preferences and past history,
`to modify the behavior of the wireless device.
`In Summary, one aspect of the invention provides a system
`for system for resource configuration in a multi-modal dis
`tributed computing system having at least one resource
`capable of being configured, the system comprising: an
`arrangement for obtaining information associated with a
`mobile device within the system; an arrangement for obtain
`ing information associated with the system; an arrangement
`
`There are many types of wireless mobile devices being
`used in the world today including mobile phones, personal
`digital assistants (“PDAs), hand-held devices, and combina
`tions of these devices. Wireless transport networks and wire
`less local area networks allow electronic content to flow to
`and from these mobile devices. With the growing popularity
`of mobile devices, mobile information access and remote
`transactions are fast becoming commonplace. However,
`mobile devices impose their limitations on the end user expe
`rience. For example, mobile phones have relatively small
`visual displays and a cumbersome keypad input. PDAS have
`better visual displays, but have the same input limitations. As
`devices become Smaller, modes of interaction other than key
`board and stylus are a necessity. One such alternative is the
`use of multimodal access methods.
`Multichannel access is the ability to access enterprise data
`and applications from multiple methods or channels such as a
`phone, laptop or PDA. The term “channel” refers to the dif
`ferent browsing platforms or user agents that access, browse,
`and interact with online applications. Multichannel applica
`tions are designed for universal access across different chan
`nels, one channel at a time, with no particular attention paid to
`synchronization or co-ordination among the different chan
`nels. A user has an array of channels with which to access
`content, which appears separate but functional and consis
`tent. For example, a user may access his or her bank account
`balances on the Web using Microsoft(R) Internet Explorer
`when in the office or at home and may access the same
`information over a dumb phone using Voice recognition and
`text-to-speech when on the road.
`By contrast, multimodal access is the ability to combine
`multiple modes or channels in the same interaction or session.
`The methods of input include speech recognition, keyboard,
`touch screen, and stylus. Depending on the situation and the
`device, a combination of input modes will make using a small
`device easier. For example, in a Web browser on a PDA, a user
`can select items by tapping or by providing spoken input.
`Similarly, a user can use Voice or stylus to enter information
`into a field. With multimodal technology, information on the
`device can be both displayed and spoken. This can be espe
`cially important in automobiles or other situations where
`hands and eyes free operation is essential.
`Multimodal applications represent the convergence of con
`tent—Video, audio, text and images—with various modes of
`user interface interaction. This enables a user to interact with
`an application in a variety of ways, for example: input with
`speech, a keyboard, keypad, mouse and/or stylus, and output
`Such as synthesized speech, audio, plain text, motion video
`and/or graphics.
`The term “mode' denotes a mechanism for input and out
`put to a user interface. A user can employ each of these modes
`independently or concurrently. Multimodal applications
`incorporate any number of modes simultaneously so a user
`can Vocalize his/her name, type in an address, send a phone
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`US 7,454,608 B2
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`3
`for configuring said at least one resource based upon the
`information associated with the mobile device and the sys
`tem.
`Another aspect of the present invention provides a method
`for resource configuration in a multi-modal distributed com
`puting system having at least one resource capable of being
`configured, the method comprising the steps of obtaining
`information associated with a mobile device within the sys
`tem; obtaining information associated with the system; con
`figuring said at least one resource based upon the information
`associated with the mobile device and the system.
`Furthermore, an additional aspect of the invention provides
`a program storage device readable by machine, tangibly
`embodying a program of instructions executable by the
`machine to perform a method for resource configuration in a
`multi-modal distributed computing system having at least
`one resource capable of being configured, the method com
`prising the steps of obtaining information associated with a
`mobile device within the system, obtaining information asso
`ciated with the system; configuring said at least one resource
`based upon the information associated with the mobile device
`and the system.
`For a better understanding of the present invention,
`together with other and further features and advantages
`thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken
`in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the
`scope of the invention will be pointed out in the appended
`claims.
`
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`4
`whether or not a user has indicated that a certain modification,
`whether it be the launch of an application or otherwise, is to
`occurat a particular moment. The second is the preference of
`the user, as determined through past instructions as well as the
`history of the modifications, including applications and que
`ries, that were launched by the user in the same or similar
`location.
`Given the number of environments a wireless device may
`encounter over time, it is presently preferred that any past
`instructions and historical modifications be associated with
`the following specific situations: Office, Local on the road,
`Remote business site, Local business office, Teleconference,
`Conference room, Commute. On the road between business
`office and remote business site, Business trip, and Abroad. It
`should be understood, however, that past instructions and
`historical modifications may be associated with any number
`of situations, including particular situations favored by a user.
`Association with specific situations may be accomplished
`without user intervention, either by the wireless device itself
`or otherwise. In any event, it is presently preferred that a
`user's ability to associate an environment with a specific
`situation not be precluded.
`The preference of the user may also be determined exclu
`sively through the use of historical data without reference to
`an association to any specific situation. Doing so, however,
`increases the computational resources needed at the trigger
`ing event to determine the appropriate modifications to the
`behavior of the wireless device. Given the nature of mobile
`wireless devices, the availability of computational resources
`may very well be at a premium.
`As discussed herein, the information interaction needs of a
`user in a multi-modal distributed computing environment are
`often influenced by the location, device, available resources
`and other environmental factors. The following are non-lim
`iting examples of how Such information interaction needs
`may be so influenced in accordance with the present inven
`tion. A user with an audio-only device Such as a mobile phone
`may wish to temporarily use a display resource (such as a
`monitor in a lounge or a conference room, or an in-seat
`display on an aircraft) to look at video information. A user
`driving a car may be interested in getting some traffic or
`weather information, and may be interested in getting the
`information downloaded to an accessible device or may wish
`to make reservations for network resources to access the
`information. A user entering a new building may wish to have
`information Such as restroom locations downloaded to a per
`Sonal device immediately upon entrance. A traveler entering
`the airport check-in may wish to have information about
`departuregate changes downloaded to an accessible device. A
`user may wish to have only urgent messages made available
`(by email or otherwise) when the user is travelling, but want
`to have all messages made available when not travelling.
`Similarly, a user may want to skip over any messages con
`taining material if the user is in a public place. A user may
`desire a device with audio to be verbose outside of a vehicle,
`but not as verbose when the user is in a vehicle. There are also
`numerous other ways in which information interaction needs
`may be so influenced.
`In another embodiment of the present invention, the behav
`ior of the wireless device is appropriately modified based
`upon actions initiated by or preferences of others, such modi
`fication not having been selected by the user of the wireless
`device, e.g., the modification having been initiated externally
`of the wireless device being modified. Others may include
`other users of wireless devices within the environment or the
`person or persons exercising control over the environment in
`which the wireless device is located.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`30
`
`FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method in accordance with the
`present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the implementation of a
`system in accordance with the present invention.
`
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`40
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`45
`
`In accordance with the present invention, information
`about the location or environment of the wireless device is
`used, preferably in combination with user personal prefer
`ences and past history to modify the behavior of the wireless
`device, including the selection of the most appropriate mode
`of interaction with the device and the activation of applica
`tions thereon as appropriate.
`The environment the wireless device is located in may be
`established in a number of ways, and may include the actual
`physical location of the device or the location of the device
`relative to other devices, resources, etc. For example, a num
`50
`ber of wireless devices now include the ability to determine its
`position using the Global Positioning System (GPS). In fact,
`the use of GPS is mandated for certain wireless devices by the
`United States Government, e.g., cell phones. The environ
`ment of the device may also be established based upon the
`proximity to or use by the device of a wireless network. For
`example, by the wireless device entering a local network
`(e.g., a Bluetoothpiconet). The location of the wireless device
`may also be based upon a scheduled future location. It should
`be understood the present invention includes the use of estab
`lishing the location of the wireless device in any manner, and
`not just in accordance with the examples set forth herein.
`Once the environment the wireless device is located in has
`been established, the behavior of the wireless device is appro
`priately modified. Behavior may be modified in any number
`of ways. It is presently preferred, however, that modification
`occur based on a combination of two items. The first is
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`5
`Once Such example is where the location of a meeting has
`been changed. In this circumstance, the requestor or initiator
`of the meeting may initiate a behavior modification of wire
`less devices to notify people the meeting location has been
`changed. Such notification may include the new meeting
`location, and the notification may be provided when reaching
`the building, floor or room, depending on network configu
`ration and whether the identity of the attendees is known. If
`the identity of the attendees is known and their wireless
`devices can be identified, the attendees may be notified at the
`earliest possible opportunity, e.g., upon arrival at the building
`or earlier. Otherwise, all wireless devices entering a defined
`environment, e.g., the conference room, may be informed of
`the change in location.
`Such a forced behavior modification may also be utilized in
`other appropriate circumstances. Examples of Such situations
`include emergency situations, and may also include situations
`previously discussed with respect to user preferences. Should
`an emergency situation occur and impact an environment,
`either directly or indirectly, the person or persons exercising
`control over the environment in which the wireless device is
`located may provide notification of the existence of the emer
`gency situation and optionally, instructions on dealing with
`the emergency situation. Another example of a circumstance
`in which a forced behavior modification may be utilized is
`when the person or persons exercising control over the envi
`ronment in which the wireless device is located determine a
`particular behavior is appropriate for all wireless devices with
`in the environment. An example of Such behavior may be no
`Voice interaction which would be appropriate for a church,
`auditorium, or similar environment.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, a flow chart of the method in
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is
`shown. At step 210, the location of the user is established.
`Once the user's location is obtained, at step 220, it is appro
`priately classified into any number of pre-selected classifica
`tions or locations, which may include office, home, or meet
`ing. Next, at step 230, the location classification is used to
`look up the user's preferences for input, output, and associ
`ated resources. Once the preferences are obtained, the appro
`priate input, output, and resources are activated. At step 240,
`the appropriate applications are determined and launched
`according to user's preferences for the location classification.
`It will be appreciated that the invention contemplates that
`steps and 240 may be interchanged or performed simulta
`neously. Preferably, steps and 240 are performed simulta
`neously. Additionally, the preferences at steps 230 and 240
`may be obtained from a database of historical keystrokes and
`queries or may be obtained from a database of preferences for
`a given location classification. In at least one embodiment, the
`user may choose to have certain input, output, resources, and
`applications launch based upon the day and time. Thus, it will
`be appreciated that the user's context may be in relation to
`geographic location, day, time, available resources or any
`other relevant context for selecting appropriate input, output,
`resources, and applications.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of the system
`according to the present invention is depicted. Upon first
`users’ entry into the local network, the information of the first
`user 100 is transmitted to the network controller 120; alter
`natively, network controller 120 may obtain the location of
`user 100 through GPS 110. Network controller 120 accesses
`database 140 to determine the preferences of user 100 for
`applications and functions to be launched based upon loca
`tion. Once the preferences are obtained, network controller
`120 launches the appropriate applications or functions at 150.
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`The network controller may then store the history of this
`activity in database 140 to be consulted at a later time.
`In another embodiment, network controller 120 accesses
`database 140 to determine the preferences of user 100 for
`applications and functions given the date and time. Once the
`preferences are obtained, network controller 120 launches the
`appropriate applications and functions at 150. The network
`controller may then store the history of this activity in data
`base 140 to be consulted at a later time.
`It will be appreciated that this same system and process
`may be made available to user 200. Further, the geographic
`and calendar information of multiple users may be coordi
`nated by the network controller 120 so as to automatically
`reschedule or relocate a meeting based upon geographic
`information and resource availability of the multiple users.
`The information about the new date, time, and location and
`the meeting may then be transmitted to multiple users through
`the network controller 120.
`It is to be understood that the present invention, in accor
`dance with at least one presently preferred embodiment,
`includes an arrangement for obtaining information associated
`with a mobile device within the system; an arrangement for
`obtaining information associated with the system; and an
`arrangement for configuring at least one resource based upon
`the information associated with the mobile device and the
`system, which may be implemented on at least one general
`purpose computer running Suitable Software programs. It
`may also be implemented on at least one Integrated Circuit or
`part of at least one Integrated Circuit. Thus, it is to be under
`stood that the invention may be implemented in hardware,
`software, or a combination of both.
`If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all
`patents, patent applications, patent publications and other
`publications (including web-based publications) mentioned
`and cited herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference
`herein as if set forth in their entirety herein.
`Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
`have been described herein with reference to the accompany
`ing drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not
`limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other
`changes and modifications may be affected therein by one
`skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of
`the invention.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A system for resource configuration in a computing
`system having at least one resource capable of being config
`ured, the system comprising:
`an arrangement for obtaining contextual information asso
`ciated with a mobile device within the system, wherein
`said contextual information comprises:
`a date associated with the mobile device; and
`a time associated with the mobile device;
`an arrangement for obtaining information associated with
`the system;
`an arrangement for configuring said at least one resource
`based upon the information associated with the mobile
`device and the system;
`wherein the resource is configured to utilize a multi-modal
`interface to provide the most appropriate mode of inter
`action for a user of the mobile device within the system;
`and
`wherein the mobile device is capable of utilizing the
`resource based on the interaction needs of the user;
`wherein the system is a multi-modal distributed computing
`system.
`2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said contex
`tual information associated with the mobile device further
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`US 7,454,608 B2
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`7
`comprises information associated with the needs of the user
`of the mobile device, said information associated with the
`needs of the user comprising:
`preferences of the user, wherein said preferences of the
`user comprise:
`past instructions of the user, and
`a history of modifications employed by a user, and
`direct indications from the user.
`3. The system according to claim 2, wherein said user
`preferences are determined exclusively via historical data
`without reference to a specific context in which the mobile
`device is being used.
`4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said informa
`tion associated with the system includes information associ
`ated with the capabilities of other devices located within the
`system, and further wherein said mobile device is adapted to
`utilize the capabilities of the other devices located within the
`system.
`5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one
`resource is configured is to allow the user operating an audio
`only device to utilize a display resource of another device
`within the system.
`6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the audio-only
`device is a mobile phone and the display device is a monitor
`in a conference room.
`7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the application
`has multiple configurations and the application is configured
`to be most appropriate for the environment in which the
`mobile device is located.
`8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said informa
`tion associated with the system includes information associ
`ated with characteristics of an environment in which the sys
`tem is located.
`9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
`resource to be configured is a computing resource.
`10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least
`one resource to be configured is an information resource.
`11. A method for resource configuration in a computing
`system having at least one resource capable of being config
`ured, the method comprising the steps of:
`obtaining contextual information associated with a mobile
`device within the system, wherein said contextual infor
`mation comprises:
`a date associated with the mobile device; and
`a time associated with the mobile device;
`obtaining information associated with the system;
`configuring said at least one resource based upon the infor
`mation associated with the mobile device and the sys
`tem;
`wherein the resource is configured to utilize a multi-modal
`interface to provide the most appropriate mode of inter
`action for a user of the mobile device within the system;
`and
`wherein the mobile device is capable of utilizing the
`resource based on the interaction needs of the user;
`wherein the system is a multi-modal distributed computing
`system.
`12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said con
`textual information associated with the mobile device further
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`comprises information associated with the needs of the user
`of the mobile device, said information associated with needs
`of the user comprising:
`preferences of the user, wherein said preferences of the
`user comprise:
`past instructions of the user, and
`a history of modifications employed by the user, and
`direct indications from the user.
`13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said user
`preferences are determined exclusively via historical data
`without reference to a specific context in which the mobile
`device is being used.
`14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said infor
`mation associated with the system includes information asso
`ciated with the capabilities of other devices within the system,
`wherein said mobile device is adapted to utilize the capabili
`ties of the other devices with the system.
`15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the at least
`one resource is configured is allow the user operating an
`audio-only device to utilize a display resource of another
`device within the system.
`16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the audio
`only device is a mobile phone and the display device is a
`monitor in a conference room.
`17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the appli
`cation has multiple configurations and the application is con
`figured to be most appropriate for the environment in which
`the mobile device is located.
`18. The method according to claim 11, wherein said infor
`mation associated with the system includes information asso
`ciated with characteristics of an environment in which the
`system is located.
`19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least
`one resource to be configured is a computing resource.
`20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least
`one resource to be configured is an information resource.
`21. A program storage device readable by machine, tangi
`bly embodying a program of instructions executable by the
`machine to perform a method for resource configuration in a
`computing system having at least one resource capable of
`being configured, the method comprising the steps of:
`obtaining contextual information associated with a mobile
`device within the system, wherein said contextual infor
`mation comprises:
`a date associated with the mobile device; and
`a time associated with the mobile device;
`obtaining information associated with the system;
`configuring said at least one resource based upon the infor
`mation associated with the mobile device and the sys
`tem;
`wherein the resource is configured to utilize a multi-modal
`interface to provide the most appropriate mode of inter
`action for a user of the mobile device within the system;
`and
`wherein the mobile device is capable of utilizing the
`resource based on the interaction needs of the user;
`wherein the system is a multi-modal distributed computing
`system.
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