Module Information

Introduction to mobile, embedded and wearable computers (2 lectures)

Definitions of the terms and what is particularly interesting, challenging and different about these types of technology. Outline of the key challenges for the technology. Brief discussion of characteristics of applications suitable to be addressed with this type of technology.

Existing applications (3 lectures)

Explanation of a number of existing applications of such systems and a technical analysis of their key properties with respect to the technology available and used in their construction. Detailed discussion of their advantage and limitations with respect to competitors and more conventional technology. Environmental limitations on their use and functionality will also be examined.

Fundamentals and effective application of the technologies (6 lectures and 2 practicals)

Examination of the key properties of a number of aspects of different available technologies and the pros and cons of particular usage patterns will be discussed. In particular the following will be addressed:
i)battery technologies and properties of each,
ii)processor technologies and mechanisms and their properties,
iii)energy budgets and heat dissipation requirements for various types of systems
iv)human-computer interface technologies and modes of interaction
v)technologies for context awaremess and sensing the environment.

Communication mechanisms (3 lectures and 2 practicals)

A range of short to medium range communication mechanisms will be discussed and analysed with respect to their functional properties in the types of environment in which mobile, embedded and wearable computer systems are deployed. This will include examination of:
i)Radio technologies including unlicensed low-power radio technology, mobile telephone technology and very low frequency radio signals
ii)Infra-red and ultrasound communications
iii)The possible uses and suitability of these technologies including ad-hoc networks and personal area networks

System integration and overall design issues for wearable systems (3 lectures)

By focussing on a complete wearable computer system designed for a particular application and environment, a coherent set of constraints and demands for that application will be identified. This will then be developed over a small number of lectures into a set of possible solutions for that particular application.

Wrap-up and reiteration of fundamentals (1 lecture, 1 practical)

An overview of the fundamentals of the course and their inter-relationship will be presented in order to leave the students with a coherent overall view of this area of technology.