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The Concept of Ubiquitous Computing

By IGI Global on Apr 8, 2011
IGI Global would like to thank Dr. N. Raghavendra Rao for contributing this guest editorial post.

Business models developed under information systems follow two methods. These are the "PUSH" and the "PULL" methods. Advertisements in print and electronic media, telemarketing, and information through email and snail mail are known as the "Push Method" when they are thrust upon end users. When end users browse websites and hard copies of print outs for a particular type of information, it is called the "PULL METHOD." It has been the practice of end users to understand the information and relate it on the basis of context. Now attempts are being made to make computing systems proactive to the requirements of users. This concept is called "UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING."

The aim of ubiquitous computing is to design computing infrastructures in such a manner that they integrate seamlessly with the environment. Devices that are used in this kind of computing are known as "PERVASIVE DEVICES." The dictionary definitions of "UBIQUITOUS" and "PERVASIVE" can be seen as similar. Ubiquitous means "found everywhere". The meaning of pervasive is "spread throughout." It may be noted that ubiquitous computing is based on pervasive computing. New services and applications will integrate manifold devices and help users to manage and access information and communication in their daily life. In a traditional computer system one can press buttons on the system and see the effect. Ubiquitous computing links the real world with the electronic world.

UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING:

Ubiquitous computing refers to the blending of computing devices with environmental objects. It is a term that describes the integration of computers into practically all objects in everyday life, endowing them with computing abilities.

PERVASIVE COMPUTING:

Pervasive computing assumes information and communication technology to be an integrated part of all facets of our environment, such as toys, computers, cars, homes, factories, and work areas. It takes into account the use of integrated processors, sensors, and actuators connected through high speed networks and connected with new devices for viewing and display.

EMBEDDING INFORMATION:

Embedding information is the idea of putting information where and when it is useful. It is central to provide the information in such a way that the user can benefit from it. Usually, information is embedded at points where decisions are made or where the user has choices. The information provided should increase the user's ability to make an informed choice. It should be provided in a way that there is no interaction required. This requires dedicated information displays that are only used for providing a specific type of information. The following examples illustrate the type of objects and environments where information can be embedded.

  1. WARDROBE DISPLAY: A device is fixed on a wardrobe providing information about the weather which helps a user to decide what to wear.
  2. UMBRELLA STAND DISPLAY: A display on the umbrella stand visualizes the possibility of rain during the day can help the user to decide whether or not an umbrella is required.
  3. KEY DISPLAY: A device integrated into a key or keychain can provide temperature information that indicates dangerous driving conditions (e.g. below 0°C or 32°F).
  4. KEY TABLE DISPLAY: Providing information pertaining to weather on the key table can help a user to make the decision about what means of transport to take (e.g. a bike or a car).
  5. SUN INTENSITY: In many areas the information about the sun intensity and expected sun intensity is available. Especially when preparing for outdoor activities, this information is relevant to decide on sun protection.
  6. E-READER: An e-reader is a portable reading system. Prospective users are those who love books with jobs that involve travelling. The e-book reader's high resolution electronic display provides a comfortable reading experience.
  7. ELECTRONIC BRACELETS: Electronic bracelets can have a global positioning system embedded into the device.


UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING APPLICATION:

Bringing ubiquitous computing applications to home or business environments is a major challenge. Applications, however, can be conceived, designed, and implemented to fit into people's lives or business applications.

CASE ILLUSTRATION FOR HOLIDAY GOERS:

Some senior citizens are active and they want to enjoy life. They would like to go trekking when they go on holiday. They can have electronic bracelets with GPS. This device would help to guide them in the route for their trekking. This type of device will be useful for people because they are not familiar with the places to be visited. Key display, key table display, and sun intensity devices are also useful for senior citizens when making decisions about whether to use a four wheel vehicle or a two wheel vehicle. E-Book readers will also be useful for book lovers who would like to read when they are on holiday.

CONCLUSION:

The above business model gives an idea in identifying the context in relation to the user's benefit. The critical part of ubiquitous computing is to establish the link between the environment and pervasive devices. There have been many pervasive devices in the market. These devices will determine the scope of the ubiquitous computing environment.

For comments and discussion on this post, please use the form below or email Dr. Rao. Dr. Rao is a professor at VIT University Chennai, India. Dr. Rao's latest book, " Virtual Technologies for Business and Industrial Applications: Innovative and Synergistic Approaches," was recently released by IGI Global. For more information on the book, please visit www.igi-global.com/Bookstore/TitleDetails.aspx?TitleId=40274. Dr. Rao has a Masters degree in Commerce from Osmania University and a PhD in Finance from the University of Poona. He has also three post graduate diplomas in the areas of Financial Management, Portfolio Management and Tax Laws from the University of Madras. He has a rare distinction of having experience in the combined areas of Information Technology and Business applications. His rich experience in Industry is matched with a parallel academic experience in Management & IT in Business Schools. He has over two decades of experience in the development of application software related to manufacturing, service oriented organizations, financial institutions and business enterprises. He contributes chapters for books. He presents papers related to Information technology and Knowledge Management at National and International conferences. He contributes articles on Information Technology to main stream news papers and journals. His area of research interest is Mobile Computing, Space Technology and Knowledge Management.

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Business and ManagementMedia and CommunicationsSoftwareBusiness Information SystemsHuman Aspects of TechnologyMobile ComputingMultimedia TechnologyUbiquitous & Pervasive Computing

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