Ubiquitous+Computing

toc

"The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it." -- Marc Weiser, the "father" of ubiquitous computing (wikipedia.org)

=What is it?=

Ubiquitous computing (also referred to as ubicomp or pervasive computing) is a means of integrating computers into environments. This would allow users to interact with computing devices embedding them into everyday environments; thus, computers leave the confines of computer labs and desks and move into unexpected spaces.

"Ubiquitous computing names the third wave in computing, just now beginning. First were mainframes, each shared by lots of people. Now we are in the personal computing era, person and machine staring uneasily at each other across the desktop. Next comes ubiquitous computing, or the age of //calm technology//, when technology recedes into the background of our lives. Alan Kay of Apple calls this "Third Paradigm" computing." - Marc Weiser, Xerox PARC (Weiser 1996)

=History=

Ubiquitous computing was influenced by Marc Weiser's work at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) in 1988 (Weiser 1996). The initial work with ubiquitous computing was done with "tabs, pads, and boards" (Dillon 2004). That is, prototypical devices that would lead to the growth of the ubiquitous devices that are in use today. The "tab" was a prototype handheld computer; the "pad" was similar to the tablet computers today, and the "board" was similar to the interactive whiteboard.

The creation and experimentation with these devices at Xerox PARC would be the creative starting point of many of the devices that are being used today.

Weiser's "Tab" (Xerox PARC). The screen had a resolution of 128x64 pixels.

=Ubiquitous Computing Today=



In the household
Ubiquitous computing in today's world has become common place. For example, technology driven houses are making the automated servants in the Jetson's a reality; however, the main difference in the intelligent houses that are being bulit today is that the servants are invisible. That is, the technology that does the housework is literally built into the walls of the house. Various functions include:

> >> > >> >
 * Intelligent building controls
 * mood lighting controls
 * heating control
 * motorized curtains
 * automated sprinkler systems
 * Entertainment and communication
 * Home intercom system
 * Multiple exchange lines for telephones removes need for dedicated phones for individual lines
 * Baby listening monitor that allows for listening in other rooms
 * E-Kitchen Application
 * Monitors appliance parts to warn of breakdown of any parts
 * Self-cleaning hood vents and ovens
 * E-Kitchen runs continually on a DSL connection, allowing for connectivity while cooking. Various applications of this include:
 * e-shopping
 * e-message board for family members

Source: http://www.intelligenthouse.net

On the Go
The uses of ubiquitous computing is to incorporate computers into our everyday environment's. As we go about in our daily activities, we may fail to take notice of ubiquitous computing that is around us.

Examples of ubiquitous computing in public areas: >
 * Automated box offices in theatres eliminate the need for standing in line if an individual is paying with debit
 * Interactive maps in large public places (i.e. malls, convention centres, etc)
 * Automated toilets and urinals eliminate the need for contracting nasty diseases and filthy germs from unsanitary handles in public restrooms
 * Self scanning technology in supermarkets eliminates the need for dealing with uppity cashiers
 * Fast payment technologies in certain gas stations allow patrons to pay simply by waving a chip or card in front of a reader, and their credit card account is charged

Today, computing systems can be seen everywhere, and are replacing the use of other technologies that were used prior to ubiquitous computing.

=Examples= Examples of ubiquitous computing in today's world:


 * **GPS Systems** replacing paper maps




 * **Personal Digital Assistants** (PDAs) replacing phonebooks and planners




 * **Electronic keycard systems** replacing conventional keys and locks



>
 * **Tablet PCs** replacing conventional notebooks and writing utensils

=Sources=

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Weiser http://www.ubiq.com/hypertext/weiser/UbiHome.html

Images http://www.ubiq.com/parctab/tabpic.html [|http://mrl.nyu.edu/~perlin/experiments/rosie/rosie.jpg] http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/B80V7442_double-1.jpg http://cache.smarthome.com/images/743311.jpg http://www.pocketpcmag.com/_archives/May03/images/May03_p54_2.jpg