Chameleon Browser for Public Device Operation

ABSTRACT

Due to the spread of COVID-19, people are starting to be more aware and careful when touching any devices in public. To reduce physical contact with public devices, we have developed a method that enables users to interact with many kinds of public devices using the browser on their smartphones. This method is called Chameleon because it resembles the ability of the animal chameleon to change its color according to its surrounding environment. We have developed the prototype system to confirm the mechanism of Chameleon. Then, we have applied the Chameleon method to two practical systems in the campus of Nagasaki University that is expected to be used by multiple users. These two systems are a Certificate Issuance System for students and a Digital Signage System, that provides directions to campus visitors. Through these experiences, we confirmed the availability of the Chameleon method as the new type of the browser included not only Web server browsing functions but also public device operation functions.