Cloud computing and Ubiquitous computing systems Callum pilling

Cloud computing and Ubiquitous computing systems Callum pilling

1. Ubiquitous means ‘existing everywhere’. Processors can be embedded in any device, including clothing, appliances, vehicles, buildings and people, to connect them to the internet so that the data generated by the processors will be readily available.

2. Radio frequency identification (RFID)

   • The RFIDs register when any product leaves the premises.
     • Some futuristic examples of ubiquitous computing include:
       • a car that can inform the owner when it needs servicing, book itself into the garage and place orders for any parts needed
         • a refrigerator that can monitor its contents, compile an order as food is used and add the items to the user’s online shopping account.
   • An example of a use of RFID is the cat flaps that only open for the animal that has the correct chip in its collar

3. Applications of ubiquitous computing

   • Currently, there are computing systems in place which monitor the shelf and warehouse stock. This technology is used by many industries (supermarkets, book and DVD suppliers, car part manufacturers, etc)
     • When the stock reaches a certain minimum level, an order is automatically placed with the appropriate supplier electronically. Mainly this is done by a process where the tills feed product sales to a central computer, which then calculates the present stock.
       • Currently manual checks still have to be made to allow for ‘shrinkage’ (i.e. loss due to theft or damage).

4. Cloud computing – This is when a computer uses services provided by another organisation’s computer systems.

   • Servers – A computer hardware system which acts as a host for other computers on the same network
     • Cloud storage – This is when a computer’s storage, access and retrieval facilities are hosted by another computer system.
       • Radio frequency identification (RFID) – The use of a wireless non-contact system which uses radio waves to transfer data from a tag attached to an object or person. The technology is mainly used for the purposes of automatic identification and tracking.