Ubiquitous Computing: Smart Devices, Environments and Interactions

This book provides an introduction to the complex field of ubiquitous computing Ubiquitous Computing (also commonly referred to as Pervasive Computing) describes the ways in which current technological models, based upon three base designs: smart (mobile, wireless, service) devices, smart environments (of embedded system devices) and smart interaction (between devices), relate to and support a computing vision for a greater range of computer devices, used in a greater range of (human, ICT and physical) environments and activities. The author details the rich potential of ubiquitous computing, the challenges involved in making it a reality, and the prerequisite technological infrastructure. Additionally, the book discusses the application and convergence of several current major and future computing trends.  Key Features: Provides an introduction to the complex field of ubiquitous computing Describes how current technology models based upon six different technology form factors which have varying degrees of mobility wireless connectivity and service volatility: tabs, pads, boards, dust, skins and clay, enable the vision of ubiquitous computing Describes and explores how the three core designs (smart devices, environments and interaction) based upon current technology models can be applied to, and can evolve to, support a vision of ubiquitous computing and computing for the future Covers the principles of the following current technology models, including mobile wireless networks, service-oriented computing, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, context-awareness, autonomous systems, micro-electromechanical systems, sensors, embedded controllers and robots Covers a range of interactions, between two or more UbiCom devices, between devices and people (HCI), between devices and the physical world. Includes an accompanying website with PowerPoint slides, problems and solutions, exercises, bibliography and further reading Graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering and telecommunications courses will find this a fascinating and useful introduction to the subject. It will also be of interest to ICT professionals, software and network developers and others interested in future trends and models of computing and interaction over the next decades.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures xix List of Tables xxiii Preface xxv Acknowledgements xxvii 1 Ubiquitous Computing: Basics and Vision 1 1.1 Living in a Digital World 1 1.2 Modelling the Key Ubiquitous Computing Properties 8 1.3 Ubiquitous System Environment Interaction 22 1.4 Architectural Design for UbiCom Systems: Smart DEI Model 26 1.5 Discussion 34 2 Applications and Requirements 41 2.1 Introduction 41 2.2 Example Early UbiCom Research Projects 41 2.3 Everyday Applications in the Virtual, Human and Physical World 53 2.4 Discussion 67 3 Smart Devices and Services 75 3.1 Introduction 75 3.2 Service Architecture Models 80 3.3 Service Provision Life-Cycle 91 3.4 Virtual Machines and Operating Systems 106 4 Smart Mobiles, Cards and Device Networks 115 4.1 Introduction 115 4.2 Smart Mobile Devices, Users, Resources and Code 115 4.3 Operating Systems for Mobile Computers and Communicator Devices 123 4.4 Smart Card Devices 126 4.5 Device Networks 128 5 Human–Computer Interaction 135 5.1 Introduction 135 5.2 User Interfaces and Interaction for Four Widely Used Devices 138 5.3 Hidden UI Via Basic Smart Devices 143 5.4 Hidden UI Via Wearable and Implanted Devices 152 5.5 Human-Centred Design (HCD) 157 5.6 User Models: Acquisition and Representation 163 5.7 iHCI Design 167 6 Tagging, Sensing and Controlling 179 6.1 Introduction 179 6.2 Tagging the Physical World 180 6.3 Sensors and Sensor Networks 187 6.4 Micro Actuation and Sensing: MEMS 194 6.5 Embedded Systems and Real-Time Systems 199 6.6 Control Systems (for Physical World Tasks) 202 6.7 Robots 204 7 Context-Aware Systems 213 7.1 Introduction 213 7.2 Modelling Context-Aware Systems 216 7.3 Mobility Awareness 227 7.4 Spatial Awareness 229 7.5 Temporal Awareness: Coordinating and Scheduling 235 7.6 ICT System Awareness 238 8 Intelligent Systems (IS) 245 With Patricia Charlton 8.1 Introduction 245 8.2 Basic Concepts 246 8.3 IS Architectures 249 8.4 Semantic KB IS 263 8.5 Classical Logic IS 268 8.6 Soft Computing IS Models 271 8.7 IS System Operations 272 9 Intelligent System Interaction 279 With Patricia Charlton 9.1 Introduction 279 9.2 Interaction Multiplicity 279 9.3 Is Interaction Design 295 9.4 Some Generic Intelligent Interaction Applications 306 10 Autonomous Systems and Artificial Life 317 10.1 Introduction 317 10.2 Basic Autonomous Intra-Acting Systems 318 10.3 Reflective and Self-Aware Systems 322 10.4 Self-Management and Autonomic Computing 326 10.5 Complex Systems 332 10.6 Artificial Life 336 11 Ubiquitous Communication 343 11.1 Introduction 343 11.2 Audio Networks 344 11.3 Data Networks 347 11.4 Wireless Data Networks 350 11.5 Universal and Transparent Audio, Video and Alphanumeric Data Network Access 356 11.6 Ubiquitous Networks 360 11.7 Further Network Design Issues 365 12 Management of Smart Devices 379 12.1 Introduction 379 12.2 Managing Smart Devices in Virtual Environments 380 12.3 Managing Smart Devices in Human User-Centred Environments 404 12.4 Managing Smart Devices in Physical Environments 412 13 Ubiquitous System: Challenges and Outlook 421 13.1 Introduction 421 13.2 Overview of Challenges 422 13.3 Smart Devices 425 13.4 Smart Interaction 428 13.5 Smart Physical Environment Device Interaction 430 13.6 Smart Human–Device Interaction 436 13.7 Human Intelligence Versus Machine Intelligence 441 13.8 Social Issues: Promise Versus Peril 444 13.9 Final Remarks 450 Exercises 451 References 452 Index 455