Ubiquitous Computing: Characteristics, Advantages & Challenges.

Ashesh Anand Cover page

Jun 09, 2022

Computing everywhere and at any time not only improves efficacy and
efficiency, but it also saves money. The concept of ubiquitous computing, also
known as pervasive computing, ambient intelligence, or "everywhere," is one of
the most advanced forms of computing. The simplicity of being in-network has
always offered an assortment of technological breakthroughs in both wired and
wireless networks, thanks to the emergence of ubiquitous computing
applications. However, "What is Ubiquitous Computing?" is a question that
emerges here.

Pervasive computing, also known as Ubiquitous computing, is a new concept

that involves embedding microprocessors in ordinary things so that they can
share information. It refers to the incorporation of computers into everyday
objects so that people are oblivious of their presence. All of these gadgets
communicate with one another across wireless networks without requiring the
user's involvement.

What Is Ubiquitous Computing and What Does It Mean?

Ubiquitous computing is a computing paradigm in which information

processing is linked to each action or object encountered. It entails linking
electronic equipment, as well as incorporating microprocessors for data
communication. Devices that use ubiquitous computing are always connected
and always available.
Ubiquitous computing focuses on learning by eliminating the complexity of
computing and increasing efficiency while utilizing computers for many daily
tasks.

Ubiquitous computing, also known as ambient computing or pervasive

computing, is the saturation of work, residential, and transportation settings
with interconnected gadgets. Because of contextual data gathering and
application, smooth, intuitive access points, and fluid payment mechanisms,
these embedded systems would make these settings and transit methods
significantly more fun and convenient. An autonomous vehicle that recognises
its allowed passenger through smartphone proximity, docks and charges itself
when needed, and handles toll, emergency response, and fast-food purchases by
connecting with infrastructure is a prime example of a ubiquitous computing
experience.

Origins of Ubiquitous Computing

The concept of ubiquitous computing dates back to the late 1980s. The phrase
"ubiquitous computing" was coined by Mark Weiser, who worked as the Chief
Technologist at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) in 1988. He co-
authored some of the first studies on the issue alongside PARC Director and
Chief Scientist John Seely Brown. Weiser is credited with coining the term
"ubiquitous computing" and exploring its key difficulties.

Applications of Ubiquitous Computing

The progress of the omnipresent environment is dependent on technological

advancement. It is necessary for the environment to be self-configurable and
self-healing. The network can be quick and dependable if robust computer
networks (using Ethernet technologies and security gateways) are implemented.
The potential of ubiquitous computing is enormous, and it will have an impact
on a wide range of fields. Smart automobiles can help to avoid accidents and
provide convenient routes.

- Smart energy meters improve energy efficiency. Household

equipment may be easily maintained because the sensor tag affixed to
the equipment notifies you when maintenance is necessary or when
the warranty expires, allowing you to prevent costly repairs.
- Embedded smart chips in healthcare will automate and regulate
processes while also improving the patient's environment. Obesity
levels can be reduced by creating a healthy eating environment. It can
also provide a comparison of fast food vs. home cooking, raising
health awareness and improving quality of life.
- Family and relatives, as well as strangers, could be identified by the
cameras installed at your front door. Any stranger with a criminal
history can be checked against the criminal database, and an
automated emergency call and email (along with a photo) will be sent
to the local police station.

Ubiquitous Computing Layers

Ubiquitous computing is made up of numerous layers, each with its own

function, that work together to form a single system.
 - The Task Management layer examines user tasks, context, and
indexes. It also takes care of the territory's complicated
interdependencies.
- The Environment Management layer keeps track of resources and
their capabilities, as well as mapping service requirements and
user-level statuses of specific capabilities.
- The Environment layer keeps track of important resources and
manages their dependability.

Sentient Computing

Sentient computing is a type of ubiquitous computing that employs sensors to

detect and react to its surroundings. The sensors are frequently used to build a
world model that allows location-aware or context-aware apps to be built.

Sentient computers gather data from a variety of sources, including background

processes, data pushed to the user, the user's location, time of day, current
speed, average speed over time, previous behaviours such as clicks and
subscriptions, and the user's friends on another platform.

Characteristics of Ubiquitous Computing

The basic goal of ubiquitous computing is to create smart, linked products that
make communication and data sharing easier and less intrusive.

The following are some of the key characteristics of ubiquitous computing:

- The human component is taken into account, and the paradigm is

placed in a human, rather than a computational, environment.
 - Use of low-cost processors, resulting in lower memory and storage
requirements.
- Real-time properties are captured.
- Computer gadgets that are always linked and available.
- In the environment, focus on many-to-many relationships rather
than one-to-one, many-to-one, or one-to-many, as well as the idea
of technology, which is always present.
- Takes into account local/global, social/personal, public/private, and
invisible/visible characteristics, as well as knowledge creation and
distribution.
- It is built on the convergence of the Internet, wireless technologies,
and modern electronics.
- Because digital gadgets are worn and always connected, there may
be increased surveillance and possibly restrictions and interference
with user privacy.
- As technology advances, the reliability of many pieces of
equipment may be impacted.

Advantages of Ubiquitous Computing

Some of the advantages of ubiquitous computing include lower service costs

through smart networks, increased industrial scheduling and productivity, and
faster response times in health care settings. More precise targeted
advertising and more convenient personal financial transactions are two further
advantages.

People profit from ubiquitous computing because it combines sensors,

networking technology, and data analytics to monitor and report on a variety of
things, such as purchase preferences, manufacturing processes, and traffic
patterns.

Anomalies, errors, and pollutants in the workplace can be detected by these

computing systems, allowing for early intervention or preventing a workplace
disaster. Ubiquitous computing can also measure resource utilization, inputs,
and outputs, enabling for better resource management during peak loads or
better resource distribution over time.

The implementation of ubiquitous computing sensors and networks in rural

areas can also aid service delivery to remote locations. Doctors can monitor
patient vital signs from considerable distances, allowing medical treatments to
be provided outside of the confines of a hospital or clinic.

Rural education can also be delivered via interactive media delivery technology,
which allows students and instructors to communicate in a personal setting
without having to be in the same classroom.

Challenges of Ubiquitous Computing

One of the most serious issues that ubiquitous computing faces is privacy.
Protecting system security, privacy, and safety is critical in ubiquitous
computing.

It's also worth noting that, despite progress in ubiquitous computing, the sector
continues to confront challenges in areas like human-machine interfaces
and data security, as well as technical impediments that cause concerns with
availability and reliability.
Despite the rapid proliferation of smart devices today, making ubiquitous
computing available to everyone with a comprehensive infrastructure and ease
of use is a difficult undertaking. Senior persons and individuals living in rural
areas are still at a disadvantage, which must be addressed if ubiquitous
computing is to be adopted in a healthy way.

Information Processing in Ubiquitous Computing

Information has evolved into a connected, dynamic 4th dimensional field that
can only be seen when a portion of it is requested. It is impossible to feel or
access all of it at once, and our interfaces are still limited in that we can only
access this data through flat, two-dimensional screens.

Wireless, Internet-enabled devices provide constant access to a vast network of

data from which we can retrieve any piece of information we need. We no
longer need to find the next phone booth or wait for a specific feature to play in
a movie theatre; instead, we may utilize mobile devices to watch a video clip or
use communication features to communicate anywhere, at any time, in a
number of ways (both textual and auditory). Technosocial gadgets reduce the
amount of area and time required to connect to data sources. At the stroke of a
button, our ears can travel to the next neighbourhood or Japan.