Exploring the design of pay-per-use objects in the construction domain

Conference paper (2008)

Authors

Daniel Fitton Lancaster University
Vasughi Sundramoorthy Lancaster University
Gerd Kortuem Lancaster University
James Brown Lancaster University
Christos Efstratiou Lancaster University
Joe Finney Lancaster University
Nigel Davies Lancaster University
Affiliation
External organisation
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Published Date

2008

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

Equipment used in the construction domain is often hired in order to reduce cost and maintenance overhead. The cost of hire is dependent on the time period involved and does not take into account the actual use equipment has received. This paper presents our initial investigation into how physical objects augmented with sensing and communication technologies can measure use in order to enable new pay-per-use payment models for equipment hire. We also explore user interaction with pay-per-use objects via mobile devices. The user interactions that take place within our prototype scenario range from simple information access to transactions involving multiple users. This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation of a prototype pay-per-use system motivated by a real world equipment hire scenario. We also provide insights into the various challenges introduced by supporting a pay-per-use model, including data storage and data security in addition to user interaction issues.