Shion & Pennyworth

Pennyworth is research software investigating context-aware computing on desktop and mobile platforms. Pennyworth uses machine learning to recognize its user's activity, location, and social context.

Shion is compatible this system in that it contributes sensor readings to aid Pennyworth's machine learners, and in turn, Pennyworth can use Shion to change the local environment in response to changes in the user's context. For example:

• When the user goes away, Pennyworth can shut down the unused devices. When the user returns, Pennyworth can reactivate the devices.

• Users can configure Pennyworth to automatically activate particular devices or snapshots in response to changes in activity. When the user is reading, Pennyworth can instruct Shion to raise the brightness of the environment to a healthy level. When the user begins reading or playing a computer game, Pennyworth can have Shion dim the lights in order to focus the user's attention on the screen.

Currently, Pennyworth is part of a larger research project to bring artificial intelligence and machine learning into everyday use. If you're interested in learning more about how Shion (or other programs) can take advantage of these features, please visit the project's website. To get started, be sure to install and configure the Shion script using Pennyworth's AppleScripts Manager.