| Unit name | Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0106 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Fraser |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
COMS22100 |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit introduces the field of mobile and ubiquitous computing. As a developing subject and paradigm, mobile computing is revolutionising the way in which people encounter and interact with information in day-to-day situations. We consider a range of topics in the field from mobile protocols through wireless systems to applications and design of mobile computing. Topics will include: Mobile IP - We discover how the mobility of devices affects the requirements of transmission protocols. In particular, we look at connectivity and the use of care-of addressing; Wireless networking - Networking technologies will include the 802.11 family of protocols, GPRS/GSM, satellite and microwave transmission. Studies of devices will include issues relating to input (pen gesture recognition on PDAs, text input, the use of mobile cameras) and output (screen size, use of sound); Sensors and sensing - Design and use of sensor systems will include cellular partitioning, GPS, ultrasonic tracking, accelerometers and electronic compasses, and the incorporation of video tracking into such sensor networks. We will also look at physiometric systems (e.g. pulse, body movement); Mobile applications - The appropriate design of these systems will be conveyed through a discussion of Weiser's vision of ubiquitous computing, alongside concepts of context awareness, mixed reality and sensable design. Subject matter will be illustrated using existing application domains for mobile computing in such areas are gaming, workplaces, domestic spaces, museums and educational communities.
