A survey on distributed coordination mechanisms in ubiquitous computing

A cornerstone for delivering a proper user experience in ubiquitous/pervasive computing is the coordination of heterogeneous devices and services embedded into the environment. This paper presents a survey on such distributed coordination mechanisms, including techniques for service composition, resource/behavior adaptability, and for providing security/privacy. A particular focus has been put onto the analysis of what kind of issues and problems have been subject to research to meet the unique characteristics and demands imposed by ubiquitous applications. Based on the survey of existing work, this paper identifies issues that still remain to be tackled as well as directions of ongoing research activities.