Ubiquitous Computing: Smart Devices, Environments and Interactions [Hardcover]

Stefan Poslad (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470035609 | ISBN-13: 978-0470035603 | Publication Date: May 19, 2009 | Edition: 1

This book provides an introduction to the complex field of ubiquitous computing

Ubiquitous Computing (also commonly referred to as Pervasive Computing) describes the ways in which current technological models, based upon three base designs: smart (mobile, wireless, service) devices, smart environments (of embedded system devices) and smart interaction (between devices), relate to and support a computing vision for a greater range of computer devices, used in a greater range of (human, ICT and physical) environments and activities. The author details the rich potential of ubiquitous computing, the challenges involved in making it a reality, and the prerequisite technological infrastructure. Additionally, the book discusses the application and convergence of several current major and future computing trends. 

Key Features:

• Provides an introduction to the complex field of ubiquitous computing
• Describes how current technology models based upon six different technology form factors which have varying degrees of mobility wireless connectivity and service volatility: tabs, pads, boards, dust, skins and clay, enable the vision of ubiquitous computing
• Describes and explores how the three core designs (smart devices, environments and interaction) based upon current technology models can be applied to, and can evolve to, support a vision of ubiquitous computing and computing for the future
• Covers the principles of the following current technology models, including mobile wireless networks, service-oriented computing, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, context-awareness, autonomous systems, micro-electromechanical systems, sensors, embedded controllers and robots
• Covers a range of interactions, between two or more UbiCom devices, between devices and people (HCI), between devices and the physical world.
• Includes an accompanying website with PowerPoint slides, problems and solutions, exercises, bibliography and further reading

Graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering and telecommunications courses will find this a fascinating and useful introduction to the subject. It will also be of interest to ICT professionals, software and network developers and others interested in future trends and models of computing and interaction over the next decades.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book provides an introduction to the complex field of ubiquitous computing

Ubiquitous Computing (also commonly referred to as Pervasive Computing) describes the ways in which current technological models, based upon three base designs: smart devices (mobile, wireless, service), smart environments (of embedded system devices) and smart interaction (between devices), relate to and support a computing vision for a greater range of computer devices, used in a greater range of (human, ICT and physical) environments and activities. The author details the rich potential of ubiquitous computing, the challenges involved in making it a reality, and the prerequisite technological infrastructure. Additionally, the book discusses the application and convergence of several current major and future computing trends. 

Key Features:

•Describes how current technology models based upon six different technology form factors have varying degrees of mobility wireless connectivity and service volatility: (tabs, pads, boards, dust, skins and clay), and how they enable the vision of ubiquitous computing

•Explores how the three core designs (smart devices, environments and interaction) can be applied, and how they  to and can evolve to, support a vision of ubiquitous computing and computing for the future

•Covers the principles of the following current technology models, including mobile wireless networks, service-oriented computing, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence, context-awareness, autonomous systems, micro-electromechanical systems, sensors, embedded controllers and robots

•Covers a range of interactions, between two or more UbiCom devices, between devices and people (HCI), between devices and the physical world.

•Includes an accompanying website with PowerPoint slides, problems and solutions, exercises, bibliography and further reading

Graduate students in computer science, electrical engineering and telecommunications courses will find this a fascinating and useful introduction to the subject. It will also be of interest to ICT professionals, software and network developers and others interested in future trends and models of computing and interaction.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 502 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (May 19, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470035609
• ISBN-13: 978-0470035603
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #617,161 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First & Excellent Textbook on Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing, May 12, 2009

By 

Ira Laefsky "Ira Laefsky" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ubiquitous Computing: Smart Devices, Environments and Interactions (Hardcover)

Much has been said and written on the ideas and technologies of Ubiquitous Computing since Mark Weiser's pioneering work at Xerox PARC in the late 1980's to mid 1990's. There have been conferences in many related areas, proceedings books and journal articles, and Adam Greenfield's popular yet wide-ranging book "Everyware", reviewing some of the relevant technologies, social implications, and policy concerns. Yet, until now there has been no comprehensive textbook suitable for a course in the Computer Science curriculum covering all of the component technologies of Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing. Professor Poslad's comprehensive textbook provides a tutorial and reference on all of the component technologies and study areas relevant to this increasingly important field, covering such topics as sensors and actuators, distributed systems, embedded operating systems, various form factors including "smart dust" and wearable systems, and the HCI and security issues which are concerns for research and development in this area. This well-organized and comprehensive textbook will serve for classroom teaching and reference in the Computer Science curriculum and ancillary fields including Architecture, Psychology and Public Policy that will be profoundly affected by these technologies in the coming years.

I heartily recommend this text as a comprehensive and technical introduction to the fields and literature of Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing, a research, development and human endeavor that will become increasingly important in the near future.

--Ira Laefsky