Characterization, Comparison and Systematization of Context Ontologies

Traditionally, context models are created in a top down approach: first the application and its functionality are defined, and then the necessary context models are developed. Ontologies are now widely accepted as instrument for context modeling in pervasive computing applications, leveraging knowledge sharing, logic inference or knowledge reuse. They become the most common approach in recent years when it comes to modeling contexts, leading to a bottom-up context modeling approach, and therefore constraining the application functionalities. The goal of this paper is to describe and compare a set of existing context ontologies, systematizing their characteristics and limitations. Finally, it fosters the identification of trends in modeling context through ontologies.