Pervasive Computing

Pervasive Computing means Ubiquitous computing or ubicomp. It refers to post-desktop model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been thoroughly integrated into everyday objects and activities. Thus Pervasive computing refers to increasing integration of Information Technology into human life and environment. This has been made possible by growing availability of microprocessors with inbuilt communications facilities.

The core principle of Pervasing Computing shares a vision of small, inexpensive, robust networked processing devices, distributed at all scales throughout everyday life and generally turned to distinctly common-place ends. This is based upon a simple assumption that millions of embeded microprocessors being produced today which may be used in devices ranging from a few millimetres in size such as small sensors to displays and surfaces ranging several meters. The wire or wireless technology can interconnect them into extremely capable networks and this lead to a greater degree of user control over the surrounding environment.

For example, a domestic ubiquitous computing environment might interconnect lighting and environmental controls with personal biometric monitors woven into clothing so that illumination and heating conditions in a room might be modulated, continuously and imperceptibly. Another common scenario posits refrigerators “aware” of their suitably tagged contents, able to both plan a variety of menus from the food actually on hand, and warn users of stale or spoiled food.

Applications of Pervasive Computing:

There can be an array of applications for pervasive computing ranging from healthcare, home care, transport and environmental monitoring and agriculture. In Healthcare, it may have applications such as in diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases by remote sensors and monitoring technology. Similarly, Environmental Monitoring Pervasive computing may provide ways to monitor the environment by allowing real-time data collection and analysis via remote, wireless devices.