Subscribe to our Newslist? Click here Next issue (December 2001): Free Software / Open Source: Towards Maturity Vol.II, Issue no. 5, October 2001 Ubiquitous Computing  Published on behalf of CEPIS by Novática and Informatik/Informatique Guest Editors: Friedemann Mattern, Manuel Ortega Cantero and Jesús Lorés Vidal Whole issue: [PDF: 41 pages; 2.3 MB] Individual articles Cover page [PDF: 277 KB] by Antonio Crespo Foix, © ATI 2001 Other editions available: German (some articles online and printed) Italian (abstracts online)  Spanish (abstracts and some articles online; full edition printed) Acrobat Reader is required to display PDF files

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The Vision and Technical Foundations of Ubiquitous Computing [PDF: 5 pages, 342 KB]
Friedemann Mattern

Abstract: Continuing technical advances will soon lead to an abundance of very small and very cheap microprocessors, which are equipped with sensors and have wireless communication capabilities. Information processing will then become ubiquitous and will permeate almost every type of object. We illustrate the vision of Mark Weiser, the visionary behind ubiquitous computing, and describe its technical foundation and current trends. We also give a brief overview of its implications for privacy and outline possible applications.
 

The Dreaming [PDF: 6 pages, 298 KB]
Jakub Wejchert

Abstract: Vision and underlying motivation can play an important role in research --yet these aspects are often overlooked. Using the disappearing computer initiative as a starting point, this article describes how the germ of a vision was used as the basis for a call for research proposals in the area. The article suggests that in the future, vision needs to be explored more deeply per se. In addition, it suggests that vision should not only be used as a set of initial conditions, but should co-evolve with the research process --research can influence vision just as much as vision can influence research. To anchor the discussion, the article gives a simple example of how metaphors (in this case taken from aboriginal culture) can be used to trigger alternative views. In broad terms, the article suggests that Europe needs to 'dream' more about specific research futures, and in particular, if such "imagining" could co-evolve with research itself, this could trigger new perspectives to unfold.
 

Where Computation and Artefacts Meet [PDF: 6 pages, 806 KB]
Hans-Werner Gellersen

Abstract: Rather than being a technology phenomenon, ubiquitous computing is a vision challenging us to reconsider the role of computers and computation in our lifeworld. It is a vision in search of a fundamentally new quality of computer use, approached by deep interconnection of computation with the designed environments of modern life. This article reflects on the wider context this imposes on the study of computing systems, and provides an overview of research on how computation may relate to physical artefacts.
 

AULA: A Ubiquitous Language Teaching System [PDF: 7 pages, 192 KB]
Manuel Ortega Cantero, Maximiliano Paredes Velasco, Miguel Ángel Redondo Duque, Pedro Pablo Sánchez Villalón, Crescencio Bravo Santos, José Bravo Rodríguez

Abstract: AULA is a ubiquitous system being developed by the CHICO group of UCLM with the aim of studying ways and means of bringing new technologies into the classroom. New technologies which are based on principles of ubiquitous and collaboration computing but do not necessarily imply any radical changes in classroom dynamics. As a case study the system has been used in the teaching of languages, in particular, English.
 

A Ubiquitous Interactive Computing Model applied to the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Montsec Area [PDF: 5 pages, 144 KB]
Montserrat Sendín, Jesús Lorés, Carles Aguiló, Alexandra Balaguer

Abstract: In this article we look at a mobile and context sensitive multimedia environment, applied to the natural and cultural heritage of the Montsec area. It is a project based on a ubiquitous architecture, one of today's emergent interaction paradigms, which Alan Kay calls "Third Paradigm Computing". The mountains of Montsec are situated at the western end of the Catalan low Pyrenees (in the province of Lleida). It is an area of outstanding geological, historical, paleontological and scenic wealth, boasting a valuable natural and cultural heritage, which is why it is so highly regarded as a truly natural laboratory. The application of the model presented here in the Montsec area will help to conserve and make people more aware of the park's natural resources and cultural heritage, by turning the area into a truly "interactive space". There will be a terminal available for every visitor to the park which will make it possible to identify users and offer them all kinds of information. This information will be tailored to the visitors' requirements providing them with a personalized, interactive guide according to their profile, geographical location and user history. This will turn our information system into a valuable itinerant multimedia source of information which meets all the requirements of a ubiquitous system.
 

Pervasive and Mobile Computing Middleware: How to Support Pervasive Internet Portals[PDF: 6 pages, 814 KB]
Klaus Rindtorff, Martin Welsch

Abstract: Internet access is no longer primarily a domain of browsers based on desktop PCs. The number of non-PC mobile access devices is fast outgrowing that of traditional PC based access devices. How can existing content as well as new services be delivered to all kinds of mobile Internet devices?
 

A World Model for Location-Aware Systems [PDF: 5 pages, 246 KB]
Matthias Grossmann, Alexander Leonhardi, Bernhard Mitschang, Kurt Rothermel

Abstract: Advanced location-aware applications require a detailed model of the real world. The goal of the Nexusplatform is to provide such a model together with generic functionality to a wide variety of location-aware applications. We describe the characteristics of this Augmented World Model and the architecture of the Nexus platform. We look in more detail at the two main components responsible for the main aspects of the world model, namely the spatial data and the position information of mobile objects.

A Comparative Study of Communication Infrastructures for the Implementation of Ubiquitous Computing[PDF: 6 pages,148 KB]
Pablo Haya, Xavier Alamán and Germán Montoro

Abstract: This article focuses on communication networks that could be used in a ubiquitous computing environment. These networks are heterogeneous due to the variety of device types that can be connected and the different kinds of traffic that can be transmitted. Communications networks can be split into two major types: control networks and multimedia networks. A separate study has been made of wireless networks, since their being so different from wired networks makes them of special significance to ubiquitous computing.

Presentation.- Ubiquitous Computing: The Trend Towards the Computerization and Networking of All Things

We are at the dawn of a new era of computing, one that will change our lives dramatically --this is becoming ever clearer. While the personal computer, the Internet, and the World-Wide Web have already affected many aspects of business, and there are clear signs of a wider convergence of whole industries such as media, entertainment, consumer electronics, telecommunications, and information technology, the next wave of the technological revolution will affect us much more directly and in every aspect of our daily lives.

Where are we heading? Contrary to previous popular predictions, the 21st century is likely to be characterized less by settlements on the moon, underwater cities and nuclear-powered cars (all of which require huge investments in infrastructure), than by applications based on miniaturized and therefore almost invisible technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and microelectronics --and it will be very interesting to see what synergies develop between these areas.

Of course, advances in microelectronics are nothing new. On the contrary, for more than 30 years Moore's well-known law, according to which processor performance doubles every 18 months, has held true. A similar performance improvement applies to some other important technology parameters as well. We are now certain that the present trend will continue for a good few years to come, which makes this whole area of development so intriguing. It is now apparent that the near future will be characterized by tiny, spontaneously communicating processors that, because of their small size and low price, will be integrated into almost all everyday objects. Information technology will therefore become ubiquitous and pervade all aspects of our lives.

Internet-enabled mobile phones and Personal Digital Assistants that communicate wirelessly with other devices in their vicinity are only the first indications of the coming "post-PC era". Initially, the main aim is to permit access to information of any kind from anywhere, at any time, evidenced by the current efforts of industry to integrate mobile and wearable information appliances into Web-based business processes and electronic commerce scenarios. In the long term, however, the continuing technological trend may result in the computer merging with typical everyday objects so that it becomes literally invisible.

Even if the physical world is not transformed into a single huge interactive computing platform as quickly as some experts believe, it is clear that, with the increasing computerization and networking of everyday objects, we are becoming ever more dependent on reliable IT systems. Hence, adequate IT concepts, well-trained experts, and computer science as a whole will play an even more important role in the future than they do today.

This issue of the journal is dedicated to the current trend towards the "computerization and networking of all things" which is often denoted by the terms ubiquitous computing or pervasive computing. It aims to provide a first insight into the techniques, expectations, and background of this exciting development, leading to a future pervaded by information technology. Thanks to the authors for their valuable contribution and happy reading!

The Guest Editors

Manuel Ortega Cantero got his M. Sc. Degree in Science and his doctorate in Science at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). He is professor of Lenguajes y Sistemas Informáticos at the Escuela Superior de Informática de Ciudad Real of the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). His research focuses on Artificial Neural Networks, Computers in Education, Collaborative Systems and Ubiquitous Computing. He is the secretary of the Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Informática Educativa (ADIE) in Spain, editor of the Revista de Enseñanza y Tecnología and coordinator in Spain of the Red Iberoamericana de Informática Educativa (RIBIE). <mortega@inf-cr.uclm.es>

Jesús Lorés Vidal is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science of the University of Lleida (Catalonia, Spain). He founded a Research Group on Human Computer Interaction (GRIHO) and has been its director since 1993. He teaches regularly courses on Introduction to HCI, multimedia and Web accessibility and usability. He is the president of the Spanish Human-Computer Interaction Society (AIPO). His main research interest is in the area of development of systems based on new interaction paradigms using scenarios. Currently, he is coordinating the development of a common and virtual course on an Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction in Spanish. <jesus@eup.udl.es>

The English Editors

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