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MODES OF INTERACTION
There are a number of modes of interaction, spanning information
gathering, understanding, transmission, manipulation, and stor-
age. Different interaction modes suggest the types of information to
be stored, processed, and exchanged. Each mode addresses a specific
question, and as a collection they offer the potential to build sequences
of interactions, eventually linked to form increasingly sophisticated col-
lections of tools, or systems.
- Awareness: what can we measure, what can we learn?
At a fundamental level, sensors track a condition in the environ-
ment. Sensors can report on the presence or movement of individ-
uals or objects in a space. They can determine temperature, light
levels, or detect moisture. Awareness of a condition is a fundamen-
tal step required for reporting and decision making. - Analysis: what useful knowledge can we glean from data?
When an environmental condition is detected, the interconnected
environment can make this information useful by using it in a pre-
defined algorithm that layers data about the condition with a judg-
ment about the implications of that condition. If the sensor reports
light, the algorithm might compare the illuminated condition with
data about current weather conditions, time, or solar positions.
If it is nighttime, the office is closed, and the room is suddenly
illuminated, this might mean that someone has entered a space
unexpectedly. The Analysis interaction mode might include more
sophisticated algorithms, for example to calculate the amount of
energy used by the light, or heat that the light could predictably
generate. - Communication: how should insight be reported?
The judgment call stemming from the Analysis mode of interaction
would activate the next mode in the sequence: Communication. If
illumination is not anticipated, the next interaction is to send a
message or flag an alert in a system that is monitoring the status
of the environment. Messages would be directed to people or other
machines. A system of integrated sensors, assessment, and com-
munications could be designed to produce a complex set of effects
based on situations and reactions.