Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 9.10
Semantics surfaces in ubiquitous computing environments.
and data-knowledge representation. We believe that the active knowledge
semantic surface approach could alleviate the need for rote memorization,
could minimize unnecessary mental simulation, and could thus reduce the
need of adaptation to a great extent. Hopefully by reducing technological
burden on human minds we could open more space for creativity, stimulate
positive thinking, and create conditions for deeper understanding and
increased performance without mental stress.
The proposed method offers novel opportunities for accessing IT resources
and for information analysis and understanding. Self-explanatory interfaces
would be aware of what a person knows and could thus adjust to individual
mental and physical abilities as well as to the time, the place, and the type
of activity that happens. In this way advanced adaptive features of domain-
oriented interfaces could also be implemented and, for example, specific
market segments such as education, tourism as well as different professional
and age groups could be targeted.
In addition to printed materials, semantic surfaces are also applicable
at more global levels. At city and street levels, for example, they can be
employed for determining positions of cars and people and could be of
particular help for people with disabilities. Precise tracking of positions and
orientations of robots and special machines, like fire department vehicles
and ambulance cars, could be of great importance when disasters strike.
Position tracking could also be used as a basis for extracting and supplying
rich, context-dependent information about places, related tourist and history
data, available services, shops, local businesses, and so forth. At building
and room levels precise position tracking may provide guidance and
orientation and could be crucial for determining the escape routes in case
of fire and other disasters. The proposed method provides higher resolution
