Ubiquitous+Computing

=**__Ubiquitous Computing__**= Also known as pervasive computing, is processing devices that are small, numerous, and networked to share data quickly. It is often referred to as invisible technology (often taking place behind-the-scenes).

RFID Tags is the use of an identifying object (RFID tag) that uses radio waves to communicate with other systems. They are often used in retail stores, libraries, driving passes, animal tracking, and mobile paying.

Bar Coding is an optical, digitally readable identifier used widely to identify consumer products, inventory, etc. The visual representation can be in the form of lines, numbers, or even shapes. A laser reader scans the bar code and it is read by a computer or other central device. It is being replaced by RFID tags.

Wireless Sensor Networks Sensors are physically placed in an environment and can send data to a central node. Sensors can monitor environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, pressure, sound, etc.). They can be used in a benign manner such as controlling the local environment, to more clandestine means of monitoring and spying.

Smart Device is a digital, networked device that can work with some autonomy. Some advanced forms can use artificial intelligence. An example finding its way into education is the pupil response systems. Students use remotes to answer questions presented by the teacher. A Bluetooth device or sensor receiver picks up signals from participants and data analysis software reports the audiences responses.

Physicist and futurist Michio Kaku discusses the idea of Ubiquitous Computing. media type="youtube" key="3TY4z7JylZA" height="344" width="425"

These are the first research papers that coined the phrase Ubiquitous Computing. http://www.ubiq.com/hypertext/weiser/UbiCACM.html http://www.ubiq.com/hypertext/weiser/SciAmDraft3.html

Weekly Assignment - The Eyes Wide Open Activity

A great deal of technology is masked behind the scenes. Pick an example of Ubiquitous Computing and summarize how the technology works. Include any reference links in your summary.