Ubiquitous Computing

Ubiquitous computing is a new paradigm for distributed interactive systems, that moves computers into the background of people's attention while using them to support their activities and interactions in the workplace and beyond. The ubiquitous computing paradigm is underpinned by the development of devices small enough to be embedded in almost everything, of networks that provide dense inter-connection of very large numbers of components, and of sensing technologies that enable systems to become aware of their physical environment.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course students will:
  • obtainan understanding of key technologies involved in the development of thenext generation of computing systems, and gain insights into designchallenges both from a systems viewpoint and from a human-computerinteraction perspective.
  • be exposed to technologytrends and system design challenges that are expected to have a majorimpact across a wide range of application domains.

    This course will consider technology trends in devices, networks,physical interfacing and discuss challenges in system, software andinteraction design towards ubiquitous computing.

Syllabus

  • Device trends: smart embedded devices, information appliances and wearable computers
  • Sensingand context acquisition in ubiquitous computing: location andidentification technologies, wireless sensor platforms, and distributedmachine perception
  • New trends in networking andcommunications, e.g. proximity-based networking and communicationprotocols for wireless sensor networks
  • Human interactionin ubiquitous computing environments: tangible user interfaces, ambientdisplays and augmented reality interfaces.
  • Privacy and security

Assessment

Assessment is by coursework only (100%).

The coursework consists of a presentation of a paper in class, participation in and documentation of a group design exercise, and writing of an essay reflecting on material covered in the module.

Recommended Reading

Students will be provided with selected papers on state of the art developments in Ubiquitous Computing for preparation of a presentation in class.

Dates and Details

Lecturers: Dr Hans Gellersen and Dr Mike Hazas