Sentient computing

Sentient computing is a form of ubiquitous computing which uses sensors to perceive its environment and react accordingly. A common use of the sensors is to construct a world model which allows location-aware or context-aware applications to be constructed. One famous research prototype of a sentient computing system was the work at AT&T Laboratories, Cambridge (now defunct). It consisted of an ultrasonic indoor location system called the "Active Bats" which provided a location accuracy of about 3 cm. The world model was managed via the SPIRIT database, using CORBA to access information and spatial indexing to deliver high-level events such as "Alice has entered the kitchen" to listening context-aware applications. The research continues at the Digital Technology Group at the University of Cambridge. Some example applications of the system include: * A "follow-me phone" which would cause the telephone nearest the recipient to ring. * Teleporting desktops via VNC just by clicking their Active Bat near the computer. * Spatial buttons which were activated by clicking the Active Bat at a particular spot (such as a poster). * Measuring and surveying buildings. * Location-based games

Sentient computing is a form of ubiquitous computing which uses sensors to perceive its environment and react accordingly. A common use of the sensors is to construct a world model which allows location-aware or context-aware applications to be constructed. One famous research prototype of a sentient computing system was the work at AT&T Laboratories, Cambridge (now defunct). It consisted of an ultrasonic indoor location system called the "Active Bats" which provided a location accuracy of about 3 cm. The world model was managed via the SPIRIT database, using CORBA to access information and spatial indexing to deliver high-level events such as "Alice has entered the kitchen" to listening context-aware applications. The research continues at the Digital Technology Group at the University of Cambridge. Some example applications of the system include: A "follow-me phone" which would cause the telephone nearest the recipient to ring. Teleporting desktops via VNC just by clicking their Active Bat near the computer. Spatial buttons which were activated by clicking the Active Bat at a particular spot (such as a poster). Measuring and surveying buildings. Location-based games "The sentient office is coming", The Economist. Sentient Computing Project Home Page, AT&T Laboratories archive, Cambridge University Computer Laboratory

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