Declarative XML-based layout state encoding for managing screen real estate of interactive public displays

We present a system for managing the screen real estate of interactive public displays with declarative XML-based descriptions of virtual screens and a finite state machine. The proposed approach includes an algorithm for transforming the declarative virtual screens into a sequence of steps required for transiting between layout states. The system is utilized in realizing an interaction model for a network of public displays in a city center. Our practical experiences show how separating layout description from application logic allows rapid configuration of the interaction model.