A Super Tablet for Everyone
# A Super Tablet for Everyone #
M always gets edgy when 007 is on assignment. She can't wait for 007 to report whenever 007 has a spare moment. So, she asks Q to equip 007 with a tracking device to let her see and hear what situation 007 is in at anytime. Q says it is quite possible. Mobile phones and tablets already have eyes and ears and transmitters. Q says he can combine a phone and a tablet into a wearable personal assistant --possibly in the shape of an armour plate to protect both 007 and the tracking device. There is a small problem with power supply. Q says the device could be powered by converting 007's physical activities into electricity without restricting 007's movement. But the extra energy demand from 007 to drive this tracking device could mean life-and-death for 007 at a critical time. So a special extra-longlife and extra-lightweight battery is needed. For 007 to carry a little extra weight of the device and the battery would have negligible effect on his performance. M signs a classified order for Q to carry out on 007.
## Design for 007-Tablet ##
> a little peek at the secret specification sheet:
* 007-tablet must not significantly restrict any sensory function. (Current designs of mobile phones and computing devices demand total concentration to operate thus virtually restricting all sensory functions and motions. Governmental authorities around the world have outlawed people multi-tasking with one of these devices in many situations. For examples texting while driving, surfing the Net while working and playing games on guard duty.)
* 007-tablet must be integrated into normal activities and allow unrestricted functioning of normal activities. To put in another word: 007-tablet can be operated while other activities are being carried out - concurrently.
...
> So, we need a personal assistant that works with us and we don't have to give it total and continuing supervision. < What the point of having a helping hand when we have to help our helping hand at all time? >
We need lightweight wearable device that fits in with our usual dress. < Not one that we have to fumble to find when we need to use it. >
We need a lean and efficient device that can work on and on for a long time. < It would be perfect, if it can scavenge power from the environment, so we don't need to charge it at all. >
We need a self-protecting (from viruses and malware), self-updating (with latest capability and best practice) and self-reconfiguring (changing modes and options to fit demand) device. < In simple words a 'learning and adapting' device. >
...
> Look Ma no keyboard! It can read my gesture, body language, voice and my mind (like a dog)!
## Interface and Interoperability ##
You know we can remotely operate some machines and some devices over the Internet (including computers) if certain protocols are included in these devices (satellites, cars, tractors, mining transporters, traffic lights, robotic surgeons, ...)
We can make a number of personal assistants work together towards our common goal -- in a mission team. (Our PA must communicate, delegate, co-operate and synchronize with others.)
We need "open" specifications and standard protocols for interfacing and inter-operating. (We do not want "propriety" or patented "devices" like those from 'Apple' and 'Microsoft'. Presently, Linux based Android has problems providing full capacity drivers for many devices because Apple and Microsoft are against device makers providing open-drivers for their products. (Why? Market control may be their major goal. They can see how IBM lost the PC market by allowing third party participation in the development of the --IBM--PC. We should be thankful for what IBM has done for humanity!)
> Look Ma I can look after the children; my tablet can look after their tablets and your home management system too.
## High Tech Development at Home ##
Making and selling electronic consumer gadgets may need a lot of money and technologies. But to develop proof-of-concept prototypes need a lot less resources. We can use our imagination, our ingenuity and what we have to develop, simulate and test our ideas.
Future products start today. We can buy when they come on the market or we can develop them and put our products out to the world.
We can see what tablets can and may do. But we can see that tablets are not the do-all-and-end-all but just another form-and-function (like a species) in evolution space. Functionality (like DNA) of tablets will improve, mutate and be tested. Some forms and functions may survive. Many forms and functions will become obsolete.
The good news is we now have tablets to learn, to use, to see what is good and what should change. We can develop next generation supertablets at home.
> Look Ma I can use a supercomputer cloud's spare-time to help me design my next generation PA.
Q comes to report to M. A tracking tablet is built and tested and will be fitted to 007 on his next assignment. M asks "You have problems with the battery, didn't you say?" Q replies "That's solved. We combined a battery with his underpants. It won't interfere with his movements." M asks "What happens when he takes off his underpants?" Q grins and in his best school master accent, he replies "Madam, a man is entitled to his privacy when he takes off his underpants. We won't track his movements there and then.
ความเห็น (5)
....OK ... We won't track his movements there and then.
This is an example of wearable computers in development.
link here 24 Nov 2012 - 06:14pm
Researchers say smart specs for the blind could replace guide dogs in as little as two years.
Recently, I discussed similar issue with Khun Rin (Ajarn Sila's husband). We wonder what will happen to gadgets in the future since the current IT seem already advance. The possibility is "Artificial brain" implant in human body. It would lessen our concern about Alzheimer disease. Therefore I really intrigued by your view - "We need a self-protecting (from viruses and malware)" That's nice to have vision and let see.
เป็น visions ของ Ubiquitous Computing เลยครับ
ผมว่าการพัฒนาการของเทคโนโลยีของโลกก็ไปในทิศทางนั้นแล้วครับ สามสี่ปีที่ผ่านมาเราเห็น touch interface เป็น mainstream แล้ว และตอนนี้เรากำลังเข้าสู่ voice interface (Siri ใน iOS) ส่วน gesture interface นั้นก็อีกไม่ไกลครับ Microsoft Kinect นั้นน่าสนใจมากเลยครับ
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