Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of technologies enabling ubiquitous and pervasive computing; in particular in networking, processing, and positioning.
2. Recognise the suitability of software structures dependent on the addressed hardware requirements
3. Analyse the technological requirements of current problems in ubiqcomp,
4. Identify the maturity of the technology required for a particular problem
5. Assess the feasibility to market a certain product in comparison to the time available for its development.
Syllabus Content:
In this module, the interdisciplinarity of the approaches in Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing will be addressed. The red line is considered to span from technological prerequisites, over software and hardware required, to applications.
The view will be enriched by the consideration of ongoing research and development in this area on an international level.
Pre-requisites:
1. Basic programming skills (graduate of a BSc or BEng involving significant programming experience)
2. Moderate understanding of computer networking
3. Moderate understanding of computer architecture and of operating systems.
4. Moderate understanding of distributed computing
Indicative syllabus content:
1. Overview and driving factors of ubiquitous and pervasive computing
2. Enabling Technologies
2.1. Wired communication technology (Infrastructure network, Audio/Video networks, Internet Protocol, etc.)
2.2 Wireless and mobile communication technology (WLAN, Bluetooth, wireless control networks, sensor communication, etc.),
2.3. Ad hoc networking
2.4 Positioning Technology (indoor vs. outdoor, GPS, GSM-positioning, infrared, ultrasonic, visual, dead reckoning, hybrid)
3. Context Awareness, Autonomous Computing
3.1. Wireless Sensor Networks
3.2. Sensors and Actuators
3.3. Computational Perception
4. Software infrastructures
4.1. Universal Plug and Play
4.2. Home Audio Video Interoperability
4.3. Super Distributed Objects
4.4 Middleware issues
5. Power Supply for ubiquitous devices
5.1. Batteries
5.2. Energy scavenging from environment
5.3. Human body as energy supply
6. Application Areas
6.1 New Materials
6.2. Small Artefacts
6.3. Networked Embedded Systems
6.4. Vehicular communication (communication with vehicles, communication between vehicles)
6.5. User- or Individual-centric Networking
6.6. "Smart" Appliances, Ambient Intelligence, User interfaces
Applications, Prototypes,
6.7. Emerging scenarios in research and business
7. Social, Privacy and Security impacts
Practical Programme:
The heterogeneity of the module requires focusing the practical assignment on individually selected topics.
The practical approach in this module will require students to prepare individual presentations of 30 to 60 min based on selected research papers/issues.