Ubiquitous computing

Ubiquitous computing (also known as pervasive computing, ambient intelligence, or everyware) is a concept in software engineering and computer science where computing is made to appear anytime and everywhere. In contrast to desktop computing, ubiquitous computing can occur using any device, in any location, and in any format. A user interacts with the computer, which can exist in many different forms, including laptop computers, tablets and terminals in everyday objects such as a fridge or a pair of glasses.

History

The term "ubiquitous computing" was coined by Mark Weiser in 1988 during his tenure as Chief Technologist of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). Weiser's vision for ubiquitous computing was largely inspired by the social scientists, psychologists, and anthropologists at PARC, with the goal of creating technologies that fit the user's environment and not the other way around.

Characteristics

Ubiquitous computing touches on a wide spectrum of research topics, including distributed computing, mobile computing, location computing, mobile networking, context-aware computing, sensor networks, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence.

Challenges

Ubiquitous computing presents challenges across computer science: in systems design and engineering, in systems modelling, and in user interface design. Security issues, such as data access, data management and data confidentiality, are also prevalent, as ubiquitous computing can occur in public spaces.

See also

• Internet of Things
• Wearable technology
• Smart device
• Augmented reality
• Virtual reality

External links

• Mark Weiser's Home Page
• The Computer for the 21st Century