Towards Device-Blending: Model and Challenges

This position paper proposes a device-blending architecture for aggregating device functionality via inter-device peer-to-peer relationships, effectively forming a multi-device "distributed computer", as a collective for processing tasks for users. The system would provide users with more freedom when using the devices by hiding low level details of device interconnections and automating such connectivity. We describe the concept of device-blending, point out benefits of the architecture and examine implementation and software issues related to the model. We contend that inter-device relationships, as we introduce in this paper, forms an important platform for subsequent inter-device collaborations in fulfilling user tasks.