Introduction to Pervasive

Computing

Md. Ferdouse Ahmed Foysal

CSE334 Daffodil International University
Definition
• Ubiquitous computing, also called pervasive computing, is a
field of study based on the concept of what happens when
computers move away from the desktop and become immersed
in the surrounding environment.
Importance
• Because pervasive computing systems are capable of collecting,
processing and communicating data, they can adapt to the
data's context and activity. That means, in essence, a network
that can understand its surroundings and improve the human
experience and quality of life.
History
• Ubiquitous computing was first pioneered at the Olivetti
Research Laboratory in Cambridge, England, where the Active
Badge, a "clip-on computer" the size of an employee ID card,
was created, enabling the company to track the location of
people in a building, as well as the objects to which they were
attached.
• Mark Weiser, largely considered the father of ubiquitous
computing.
Pervasive Computing and the Internet of Things

• The internet of things (IoT) has largely evolved out of pervasive

computing. Though some argue there is little or no difference,
IoT is likely more in line with pervasive computing rather than
Weiser's original view of ubiquitous computing.
• Ubiquitous computing is all about having computational
capability in many different (perhaps all) objects in our
environment. Things like stoves Fridges, TV, Cars etc all having
some computational power. The Internet of Things (IoT) is about
having these objects in our environment all connected to an
internet.
Applied Pervasive
Computing
Pervasive Computing Today
• Today's emerging Pervasive Computing technology faces serious technical
issues.
• Most devices have strong limitations on memory usage and processor
performance as well as tight constraints on power consumption.
• The footprint of operating systems and software need to be reduced as
much as possible.
• In information technology, a footprint is the amount of space a particular
unit of hardware or software occupies.
• Mobile devices must handle power shortages and their applications must
be able to resume again after a shutdown.
• Pervasive applications need to take care of various hardware and software
platforms, as well as of very different form factors and user interfaces.
Pervasive Computing Tomorrow
• All the manifold devices will so on outnumber personal computers as
network connected information processing entities.
• Pervasive Computing will have a strong impact on our society.
• There will be a flexible and productive new work style.
• Lifestyle will be influenced by incredible communication possibilities,
staying in touch with everyone from anywhere.
• There is endless demand for exchanging and sharing information.
• Information is accessed and used wherever it is needed in a
convenient manner.
Pervasive Computing Principles
• Decentralization
• Diversification
• Connectivity
• Simplicity
Decentralization
• The shift from a centralized view to a strongly decentralized
computing landscape is the first paradigm of Pervasive
Computing.
Decentralization
Distributed Systems
• Pervasive Computing goes even one step further and distributes
the responsibilities between manifold small devices, which take
over specific tasks and functionality.
• Each of these autonomous entities contribute to a
heterogeneous overall computing landscape.
• They cooperate in an open mutual community establishing a
dynamic network of relationships.
Decentralization
Synchronizing Information
• The ability to use applications and information on mobile devices and
synchronize any updates with network based systems or other
devices is a new task arising from that decentralization.
• Information sources and destinations are widely distributed in a
pervasive world. Popular mobile devices, like handheld computers,
cellular phones, pagers or laptops have to synchronize their data on
the fly between each other as well as with desktop applications, such
as calendars or address books.
• Databases on devices with different capabilities and storage
capacities have to be kept consistent.
Decentralization
Managing Applications
• Pervasive devices and applications are often embedded into a service
infrastructure, like a cellular phone network.
• Decentralization makes it necessary for service providers to
administer their deployed software and deliver updates to the
customer's devices from remote.
• They have to keep track of individual user profiles and different
device capabilities. To deploy applications and manage devices in
such an environment, the server software must be highly scalable and
flexible.
• Back-end systems have to face millions of manifold pervasive devices
travelling around the world instead of just thousands of traditional
PCs resting peacefully in their offices.
Diversification
The second paradigm of Pervasive Computing affects the
functionality of computer systems.
• Targeting specific needs
• Alternatives
Connectivity
The third paradigm of Pervasive Computing is the strong demand
towards connectivity.
• Wire (Data cable)
• Infrared
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• NFC
Connectivity
Real-life obstacles
• Platform specific issues are a major obstacle for application and
information exchange
• Different processors induce different restrictions on
performance and memory usage
Connectivity
Agreeing on common standards
• One approach for achieving connectivity and interoperability is
to base the applications on common standards.
Simplicity
• The flexibility of an all-purpose personal computer is certainly a
technical achievement, but it has its price: Those computers we
are used to, are becoming more and more complicated. Many of
the features a state-of-the-art word processor offers confuse
the majority of users and reduce ease-of-use.
• In spite of plug-and-play the installation of new software is
often a challenge for those, who are not trained computer
experts.
• Pervasive devices are very specialized tools, which cannot do
many different things.
Simplicity
Convenient, intuitive, self-evident
• The magic words are availability, convenience, and ease of use.
Information access and management must be applicable
without spending significant time learning how to use
technology.
Simplicity
Mature human computer interfaces
• Simple must not be confused with primitive. Pervasive
Computing postulates a holistic approach: Hardware and
software should be seamlessly integrated and target the very
specific needs of an end user.
• Complex technology is hidden behind a friendly user-interface.
Achieving the intended easy usage requires substantial efforts
for application design and development.
Pervasive Information Technology
A pervasive solution can be simplified as a three tier vertical
structure:
• Device
• Workstation
• Server
Pervasive Information Technology
Device
• The front-end of information technology is the wide range of
pervasive devices, designed for creating and accessing
information on the fly.
• These devices are the most visible interfaces to the user and
penetrate our business and all day life.
Pervasive Information Technology
Workstation
• Workstations form an optional middle tier. The traditional
Personal Computer offers capabilities for working with complex
information and managing local personal devices.
• Often, this layer is even omitted, since most pervasive
appliances are able to access their provider's networks directly.
• Devices like set-top boxes can replace or complement the
personal workstation as a gateway between personal devices
and public networks.
Pervasive Information Technology
Server
• Web servers, enterprise servers and mainframes mainly focus
on storing and processing large amounts of information using
their strong computing power.
• Pervasive Computing introduces significant changes on software
products.
Pervasive Information Technology
Behind this hierarchy of computing systems two underlying
layers can be identified, which are of increasing importance:
Pervasive Information Technology
Services
• Numerous kinds of services complete the Pervasive Computing
landscape.
• They establish the infrastructure for the widespread usage of
computing, since information is intrinsically combined with the
accompanying services to provide them.
Pervasive Information Technology
Standards
• There is a broad basis of common standards on which the
information technology is based upon.
• Standards ensure interoperability and connectivity of systems
as well as information and application exchange.
• Since standards are an important issue for Pervasive Computing,
they will be ubiquitous throughout this book.
Acknowledgements
These slides contain material developed and copyright by:
• Pervasive Computing Handbook - Uwe Hansmann
Acknowledgment

These slides contain material developed and copyright by:

• Pervasive Computing Handbook - Uwe Hansmann