MarcoPolo (software)
Encyclopedia
MarcoPolo is an application which brings context-aware computing to computers running Mac OS X
. It allows the computer to determine its context through gathering evidence from the environment (evidence sources), using flexible rule-based fuzzy matching to make an educated guess (rules), and then performing arbitrary actions upon changing context (actions).
In the Macworld
review, it states "MarcoPolo constantly examines various sources of data about your computer; you set rules based on these sources, assigning a degree of confidence to each rule."
Evidence Sources include:
Actions include:
MarcoPolo's concept of contexts is a generalisation of a location, and encompasses more than just where the computer is located. A context might represent what you are doing, or what else is going on around you.
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
. It allows the computer to determine its context through gathering evidence from the environment (evidence sources), using flexible rule-based fuzzy matching to make an educated guess (rules), and then performing arbitrary actions upon changing context (actions).
In the Macworld
Macworld
Macworld is a web site and monthly computer magazine dedicated to Apple Macintosh products. It is published by Mac Publishing, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California...
review, it states "MarcoPolo constantly examines various sources of data about your computer; you set rules based on these sources, assigning a degree of confidence to each rule."
Evidence Sources include:
- Time
- USB port
- WiFi network (not working in v2.5- find v2.5.1 or wait for v3.0 rewrite)
- EthernetEthernetEthernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
port - BluetoothBluetoothBluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
- Monitor
- Light meter reading
- Power source- battery or AC
- Currently running applicationApplication softwareApplication software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with...
Actions include:
- Running an AppleScriptAppleScriptAppleScript is a scripting language created by Apple Inc. and built into Macintosh operating systems since System 7. The term "AppleScript" may refer to the scripting system itself, or to particular scripts that are written in the AppleScript language....
- Setting Network Location
- Launching or quitting an Application
- Changing the desktop background
- Activating or deactivating a network port
MarcoPolo's concept of contexts is a generalisation of a location, and encompasses more than just where the computer is located. A context might represent what you are doing, or what else is going on around you.