A web based virtual environment as a connection platform between people and IoT

Smart objects are present in our cities everywhere, thus it is becoming more and more necessary to have a connection platform, not only capable to make those objects talk with each other, but to present the results of their functions also to the citizens/users. Objective of this paper is the definition and development of a model that represents a connection and interaction layer between smart objects and people. In particular, we propose an immersive virtual platform, able to engage endusers and let people be aware of the where, what and how factors: where smart objects are deployed in the city, what functionalities/data they offer, and how those data represent context for the urban areas. To prove this particular model, we developed a prototypical Virtual Environment of Things (VEoT), within an immersive 3D environment in which the user can explore the virtualized urban area and interact with the available smart objects through gestures and affordable VR devices. The VEoT is fed by real-time data produced by a multi-protocol sensing middleware that simplifies the interaction with physical devices through high-level (RESTful) APIs. Paying attention to interconnection of people and things, this prototype will empower final users with engaging tools in order to enhance the fruition of the IoT paradigm.