IoT User Interactions: A Multi-Case Study

This assignment presents a multi-case study investigating user interactions within Internet of Things (IoT) systems. It delves into various aspects, including security concerns, data management practices like Sensing as a Service (S2aaS), the role of Fog Computing in IoT, and architectural considerations for future IoT development. The aim is to analyze real-world examples of IoT devices and their user interfaces, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by these interconnected systems.

Running Head: IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
INTERNET OF THINGS IN MY HOME SETTING
STUDENT NAME
NAME OF THE INSTITUTE

IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
Contents
1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................3
2 IOT & Home Network.............................................................................................................3
3 IOT Setting: Home Networking..............................................................................................4
1. Security system...................................................................................................................4
2. Home Lighting systems.....................................................................................................6
3. Thermostat.........................................................................................................................7
4. Smart TV............................................................................................................................8
5. Coffee machine...................................................................................................................9
6. Microwave........................................................................................................................10
7. IOT Apple Watch............................................................................................................11
8. Washing Machine............................................................................................................12
4 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................13
5 References..............................................................................................................................14
6 Appendix................................................................................................................................15
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS 3

IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
1 Introduction
In recent times, technology has advanced at an exponential growth rate. With time the focus
has shifted from individual devices to interconnected devices. It can be said that the increase use
of Internet of Things is a step in that direction only. The ‘Internet of Things’ can be defined as
‘Sensors and actuators embedded in physical objects are linked through wired and wireless
networks’. The objective of this paper is to discuss the Internet of Things infrastructure in my
setting. The paper discusses the eight key devices in my home network.
2 IOT & Home Network
It would be correct to say that Internet of Things has completely changed the way people
think of their home. Today, the homes are automated with the presence of number of gadgets and
devices. People want that their home should be governed with mobile apps. Whether we are
ready for such a level of automation, or what we want, is a whole other matter. However, this
should quickly become the norm, before a new evolution of technologies again transforms our
way of life. However, there are various problems, issues and challenges associated with the use
of Internet of Things. It is important that the users must realize all the issues and benefits before
they use IOT. It is understood that the users may not have answers or solutions to all the issues.
However, this does not mean that users should not be aware of the issues. The privacy of the
users, the security of the network, the connectivity and infrastructure issues are some of the
biggest issues that exists with Internet of Things (Zahra, Brewer, & Cooper, 2017). There are
various solutions or procedures that should be used to take complete benefits of Internet of
Things. This paper would discuss the issue and the solutions that should be used. It is important
to mention that the some of the solutions may appear same for different devices. For example,
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
password protection or protection through antiviruses and firewall is something that is applicable
for all the devices. However, there could be certain solutions that are specific to some devices.
For example, additional layer finger touch in home automation or security system.
The diagram of Internet of Things infrastructure of my home can be shown as:
3 IOT Setting: Home Networking
The above diagram show the key devices that I use as a part of my life. At any point of time
all these devices may not be connected together on a single platform. There are some devices
that I can use manually also. However, for representation purposes, all the devices are shown
together. The devices can be discussed as:
1. Security system
I have a NEST security system that has all the advanced features of camera view,
mobile app control, etc. The security system is also protected by an additional layer of
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
security of finger touch. Some of the issues associated with the security system can be
discussed as are:
Associated Issue Comments
Usage The usage of security system could be an issue as the user interface is
not that much intuitive.
Control There could be control issues for the users who are not comfortable
with the usability and the user interface (Oravec, 2017).
Connectivity The only connectivity dependency is on Internet. So, there can be
connectivity issues if Internet is not fast.
Security The device is supposed to be most secured. However, some of the
security loopholes could be antiviruses, app updating, etc.
Privacy There exist privacy issues as the device needs the personal
information of users to create the profile.
Solutions:
The three important resolutions are:
i. The additional layer of security in terms of finger touch is the key. It ensures that
software or technology issues are taken care of
ii. The application must be updated on regular time interval
iii. The strong antivirus must be installed
2. Home Lighting systems
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
I have a Philips light system. There is a mobile application that controls the light.
This app can self-diagnose and maintain schedules as per individual’s usage and involve
its acumen to design links as per generated data. Technology making it same lighting
device red, blue yellow or as per the customization. Some of the issues associated with
the home lighting system can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage The usage issues are very less with home lighting system as these
systems are issue to use
Control The control issues are also very less as it is relatively easy to use the
light systems
Connectivity There are connected issue if Internet is not available. However,
lighting system requires less bandwidth and the Internet issues in
lighting systems are less than the Internet issues in other devices
(Han, Crespi, 2017).
Security The security issues are very less as users are not supposed to create
their profile
Privacy The data privacy issues are less as data is not stored in the system
Solutions:
The key measures to be taken are as follows:
i. The home users should not create the personal profile unless absolutely necessary
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
ii. Use of antivirus would add to the security
iii. Use of firewall may slow down the speed and efficiency but it would certainly
improve the security
3. Thermostat
I have a Honeywell thermostat. It is self-maintaining and improvises itself every
time with required substantial data. Some of the issues associated with the security
system can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There could be usage issue initially in terms of the user interface of
the mobile app that control the thermostat
Control There should not be control issue as it is easy to control the
thermostat
Connectivity Unavailability of Internet could be a major roadblock in terms of
connectivity
Security The security issues can creep in if the mobile application is not kept
updated (Demirer, Aydin, & Celik, 2017)
Privacy There should not be privacy issues as individual user profiling is not
required
Solutions:
The key solutions can be discussed as:
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
i. Standardization of devices from different vendors is the key. For example, the
thermostat from Honeywell and thermostat from Nest should have certain
common standards.
ii. The usage and control should be password protected
4. Smart TV
I have a LG Smart TV at home. Some of the issues associated with the security
system can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There are frequent changes or updates to the user interface that can
create the usage issue
Control The frequent updates can also create control issue
Connectivity There are connectivity issues due to bad Internet
Security There are security issues if the TV software is not updated and
patches are not installed on time
Privacy There are privacy issue as users personal information is needed
Solutions:
The three key solutions are:
i. Different profile should be created for all the users who watch TV
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
ii. Inbuilt Antivirus Program should be there in the software of smart TV
(Uckelmann & Harrison, 2011)
iii. The software of Smart TV should be updated as soon as there is a new version or
new patch in the market
5. Coffee machine
I have a Samsung Coffee machine. Some of the issues associated with the security
system can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There is very less usage issue as it is easy to use the coffee machine
and interface is much simpler
Control The control issues are also very less as interface is simple
Connectivity There is a connectivity concern related to Internet and bandwidth.
Security There are security issues if the Coffee Machine software is not
updated and patches are not installed on time
Privacy Not much of the privacy issues as user are not required to create their
personal profile (Verhoef, et al., 2017)
Solutions:
The main resolutions are:
i. Users should not unnecessarily create the profile
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
ii. User interface should have frequent updates
6. Microwave
I have a LG Microwave. Some of the issues associated with the security system
can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There are not much of usage issue with Microwave as the
dependency on user interface is very less
Control There are not much of control issue with Microwave as the
dependency on user interface is very less
Connectivity If connectivity gets lost, then it is not possible to operate the
Microwave remotely
Security There are very less security issues as the software is not that
vulnerable
Privacy Not much of the privacy issue as personal information is not shared
Solutions:
The three key way outs are:
i. Standardization or common set of procedures from different vendors is the long-
term solution (Perera, 2017).
ii. The mobile app should be updated on regular time interval
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
7. IOT Apple Watch
I have an Apple Watch. Some of the issues associated with the security system
can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There could be frequent software update that can adds to the usage
issue
Control There are control issues as the software and the user interface is not
that stable
Connectivity The watch depends on Bluetooth connectivity and Bluetooth
connectivity is supposed to better than Internet connectivity.
Therefore, it can be said that connectivity issues are less
Security There are serious security threats as the device is prone to hacks and
attacks (Puliafito & Mingozzi, 2017)
Privacy There could be strong privacy concerns as user information is shared
with the device.
Solutions:
The three key measures are:
i. The watch app should be updated
ii. The patches must be installed on time
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
8. Washing Machine
I have a Panasonic smart washing machine. Some of the issues associated with the
security system can be discussed as are:
Issue Type Comments
Usage There are not much of usage issue with Washing Machine as the
dependency on user interface is very less
Control There are not much of control issue with Washing Machine as the
dependency on user interface is very less
Connectivity There could be connectivity issues if Internet speed is not good.
Security The security issue is less in this device as compared to others
Privacy There are privacy issue only when user creates the profile
Solutions:
The major solutions are:
i. Regular update of the software or user interface provided by Panasonic
ii. Timely update/ installation of patches (Demirer & Aydın, 2017).
iii. There should also exist an additional layer of security through passwords.
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IOT SYSTEMS: POTENTIAL AND APPLICATIONS
4 Conclusion
The above paper discusses the Internet of Things setting in my home space. The research
suggests that the large companies like Philips, Nike, Google, Apple, Schneider are all open to
IOT product development, organizations such as GE, ABB, CISCO, IBM are manufacturing IOT
products which can be used in various sectors like retail, automotive and education(Olsson,
Bosch, & Katumba, 2016). It is important that users must address the issues and challenges
before they use the devices. The integration of different devices is also the key. For example,
Philips Light systems should integrate with all the coffee machines irrespective of the brand.
Nike has launched their smart watch only on iOs and not on Android and it may result in multi
levels of collaboration.
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5 References
Abou-Zahra, S., Brewer, J., & Cooper, M. (2017). Web Standards to Enable an Accessible and
Inclusive Internet of Things (IoT).
Demirer, V., Aydın, B., & Çelik, Ş. B. (2017). Exploring the Educational Potential of Internet of
Things (IoT) in Seamless Learning. The Internet of Things: Breakthroughs in Research and
Practice: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice, 1.
Han, S. N., & Crespi, N. (2017). Semantic service provisioning for smart objects: Integrating IoT
applications into the web. Future Generation Computer Systems.
Olsson, H. H., Bosch, J., & Katumba, B. (2016). Exploring IoT User Dimensions: A Multi-case
Study on User Interactions in ‘Internet of Things’ Systems. In Product-Focused Software
Process Improvement: 17th International Conference, PROFES 2016, Trondheim, Norway,
November 22-24, 2016, Proceedings 17 (pp. 477-484). Springer International Publishing.
Oravec, J. A. (2017). Kill switches, remote deletion, and intelligent agents: Framing everyday
household cybersecurity in the internet of things. Technology in Society.
Perera, C. (2017). Sensing as a Service (S2aaS): Buying and Selling IoT Data. arXiv preprint
arXiv:1702.02380.
Puliafito, C., Mingozzi, E., & Anastasi, G. (2017, May). Fog Computing for the Internet of
Mobile Things: issues and challenges. In Smart Computing (SMARTCOMP), 2017 IEEE
International Conference on (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
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Uckelmann, D., Harrison, M., & Michahelles, F. (2011). An architectural approach towards the
future internet of things. In Architecting the internet of things (pp. 1-24). Springer Berlin
Heidelberg.
Verhoef, P. C., Stephen, A. T., Kannan, P. K., Luo, X., Abhishek, V., Andrews, M., ... & Hu, M.
(2017). Consumer Connectivity in a Complex, Technology-Enabled, and Mobile-Oriented
World with Smart Products.
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