Ubiquitous Computing

Applications in the Virtual,

Human and Physical World
1.Computer-Computer
Interaction Application
 Types of Common Networks

• GSM(Global System for Mobile Communications) and other wireless

telecom networks.
Ex:- Jio, Airtel, VI

• TCP/IP-based wireless access networks linked to the internet.

Ex:-Home Wi-Fi networks, Public Wi-Fi in cafes, restaurants,
airports, etc.

• Satellite networks like GPS.

Ex:-GPS devices in cars,Mobiles ,tracker device
How Services are Bundled ?
services like video, voice and data are bundled together.

For example:
• Triple-play: Video, voice, and data over one network.
• Quad-play: Adding mobile services to triple-play.
• Penta-play: Adding radio broadcasts to quad-play.

Phones, PDAs(Personal Digital Assistant) and mobiles offering

multiple services which Includes video, voice, data, and radio.
 Main Ideas for Development of network
The plan for better networks focuses on three things:
• Using technology anywhere (like at home, outdoors, in cars).
• Using technology anytime (at home, out with friends, on the
move).
• Connecting anything (like devices to devices, people to
objects, etc.).
2.Human-Computer Interaction
Application
 i) Ubiquitous Audio-Video Content Access
Access Anywhere, Any Device:
• Users should access multimedia content on any network with any device.
• This gives flexibility and convenience to users.

Types of Multimedia Content:-

• Downloaded content is often non-interactive and read-only.
• Locally created content by users can be changed.
• Users want to add value by splitting, annotating, and combining different
types of content.

Challenges with Services:

• Voice, video, and audio services often work separately.
• They should be user-configurable for better use.
• For example: i) pause or mute TV or Radio when a voice call comes in.
ii) Voice calls can be recorded in answerphone devices.
To support the Dynamic Service Composition we requires:-
• A strong network infrastructure.
• Standard formats for sharing multimedia data.
• Dynamic discovery of services.
Audio-Video Device Setup:
•Devices are connected in a simple local network, often with a PC as the central hub.
•Other clusters could include home security, lighting, and heating systems.
ii) Ubiquitous Information Access and Ebooks
Distributed Information Apps:
• Like personal digital calendarsThese apps allow users to store, manage,
and organize their schedules, events, tasks, and appointments.
• Accessed on various devices: PCs, smartphones, etc.
Interaction Types:
• Pull-type: Users initiate info exchange (e.g., web search).
• Push-type: Notify users of events (news, lottery).
Advantages of Ebook Readers:
•Lightweight, thin, pocket-sized devices with touch screens.
•Enable touch-based page turning.
•Specialized for comfortable reading experiences.

Benefits Over Traditional Paper:

•Content can be wirelessly delivered to ebook readers.
•Eliminates the need to physically collect books or newspapers.
•Eco-friendly: Reusable in a sustainable process.
 iii) Universal Local Control of ICT
Systems
•Traditional Control Methods:
• Computers are controlled with input devices while seated.
• Wireless options like mouse and keyboard for distant control.

•Device Interfaces:
• Many appliances use short-range infrared interfaces.
• Common buttons for tasks like volume control and power.

•Universal Control Devices:

• Two types proposed: hardware and software.
• Both need manual configuration and device codes.
• Hardware controllers have fixed buttons for multiple devices.
•Software-Based Controllers:
• Combine hardware buttons with display for flexibility.
• Can customize for different users and device configurations.
• Can be personalized and adapt to locally accessible devices.

•Discovery and Configuration:

• Devices discover local devices via Web URLs.
• Device UI configured based on downloaded information.(car app)
• Adds complexity and delay to device access.

•Mobile Devices as Controllers:

• Phones and PDAs attractive for control due to features.
• Can make simple tasks harder but complex tasks easier.
• Limitations include direct appliance manipulation often being more
convenient.
3.Human-Human Interaction
Application
1. Transaction-based M-Commerce
and
U-Commerce Services
E-Commerce Basics:
• Buying and selling of goods and services online.
• Human interaction: Negotiating price, making
payment , delivering goods.
• Payments: Transfer money from buyer to seller's
bank.

M-Commerce (Mobile Commerce):

• Using mobile phones/tablets for online shopping.
• Examples: Music, ringtones, videos.
• Payment methods: Added to phone bill (small),
regular e-commerce for larger transactions.
 U-Commerce (Ubiquitous Commerce)
• It is an extension of m-commerce that uses all kinds of smart devices for
transactions.
• Focus on personalized, continuous communication between businesses and
customers.

•Key Features:
• Ubiquity: Available everywhere.
• Universality: Works in different environments.
• Uniqueness: Tailored to location and context.
• Unison: Multiple parties can collaborate.

Between U-Commerce and M-Commerce:

•U-commerce uses various smart devices, like contactless smart cards for
payments.
•It offers dynamic pricing based on where and when you're buying.
•It makes it easy to buy things impulsively because of how fast and simple the
process is.
2.Enhancing the Productivity of Mobile
Humans
It refers to using technology and strategies to make people who work
on-the-go or use mobile devices more efficient and effective in their tasks.

▪ It provides them with the right information at the right time

▪ Using location-awareness to improve navigation and access to local
services.
Ex:- GPS navigation to display maps, routes, and local services.
▪ By utilizing mobile applications for business tasks like emails.
▪ By promoting two-way communication for faster decision-making which
helps in quicker feedback.
▪ Creating environments where peers can easily exchange information.
 3.Human-Physical
World-Computer
Interaction (HPI) and (CPI)
applications
1.Smart Utilities: Making Energy Use
Smarter
Why Energy Matters:
•Powers activities like heating, lighting, and travel.
•Essential for daily tasks such as cooking and moving.
Energy Sources:
•Mix of non-renewable (like coal) and renewable (like solar) sources.
•Some devices need continuous power, others use rechargeable or renewable
sources.
Increasing Demand:
•More devices mean higher energy needs.
•Focus on making devices more efficient to save costs and reduce waste.
Efficiency is Key:
•Many devices are only 50% efficient, leading to energy wastage.
•Improving efficiency to make devices last longer on a single charge.
Goal:
Efficient, eco-friendly energy use.
Empowering consumers with control over energy usage.
1.Smart Utilities: Making Energy Use
Smarter(cont)
Responding to Demand:
Adjust energy use during peak times to save money.
Energy companies remotely control devices to manage high-demand periods.
Context-Aware Devices:
Turn on/off based on presence, like heating adjusting when occupants are
home.
Smart Grid Technology:
Devices work efficiently together in the electricity system.
For example, only necessary lights turn on when someone is present.
Smart Energy Meters:
Track real-time energy usage.
Helps users adjust habits and save on energy bills.
 2. Smart Buildings and Home
Automation: Making Homes Smarter
1.What is Home Automation:
1. Uses technology to automate tasks in homes.
2. Examples: Lights, climate control, security, entertainment systems.
2.How Automation Works:
1. Devices can be surface-mounted or built into the building.
2. They react to darkness, movement, or body heat.
3.Installation Process:
1. Control wires added early in new buildings.
2. Alternatives for existing homes: powerline or wireless protocols.
4.Home Automation Trends:
1. More common in the USA than Europe.
2. Devices often used separately, not integrated.
5.Challenges with Remotes:
1. Different remotes for each device can be confusing.
2. Users may not know available actions or system status.
 3.Smart Living Environments and
Smart Furniture
1.Intelligent Home Features:
• Doors, lights, taps, and ventilation adapt to human presence and actions.
• Example: A fridge that tracks food stock and freshness.
2.Smart Fridge Functionality:
• Detects low food quantities or expired items.
• Can automatically reorder items or suggest shopping lists.
3.Challenges and Solutions:
• Detecting remaining food quantity (using transducers).
• Empowered to order food based on set policies (like not ordering if nobody's
home).
4.Promoting Healthy Living:
• Home designs supporting healthy eating habits.
• Use of networked components for monitoring food consumption and
suggesting balanced diets.
 3.Smart Living Environments and
Smart Furniture..(cont)
1.Enhanced Furniture:
• Sense Chair adjusts based on body weight and height distribution.
• Smart clocks provide context info like weather or location.
2.Innovative Mirrors:
• Can optimize vision, like car mirrors tilting for better views.
• Linked to actuators and sensors for guidance, such as toothbrushes with cameras.
3.Future Smart Home Ideas:
• Smart wardrobe suggests outfits based on weather.
• Smart bed adjusts settings for a soothing wake-up experience.
• Smart pillow reads books or plays music based on sleep stages.
• Smart mat recognizes users by weight and footprint.
• Smart sofa enhances TV or gaming experiences with vibrations.
 4. Smart Vehicles, Transport and
1.Embedded Computer Systems:
Travel
1. Used in vehicles for improved operation and safety.
2. Examples include antilock brakes, air-bag control, cruise speed, climate control,
and collision avoidance.
2.Location Tracking:
1. Systems enable tracking of vehicles and goods remotely.
2. Passengers can know the status of arriving and departing vehicles.
3.Smart Transport Information:
1. Accessible through mobile devices at transport points.
2. Electronic tickets allow remote request, payment, and contactless verification.
4.Advancements in Passenger Services:
1. Internet access on trains, planes, and boats.
2. Vehicles can upload data to the Internet, offering real-time updates on
environmental conditions.
5.Internet Connectivity:
Access to online data and services from smart vehicles.
Monitoring vehicle status and environmental data uploaded to the Internet.