Knowledge Management and Specialized Information Systems - Principles of Information Systems - page 471

OTHER SPECIALIZED SYSTEMS
In addition to artificial intelligence, expert systems, and virtual reality, other interesting spe-
cialized systems have appeared. Segway, for example, is an electric scooter that uses sophis-
ticated software, sensors, and gyro motors to transport people through warehouses, offices,
downtown sidewalks, and other spaces ( www.segway.com ). Originally designed to transport
people around a factory or around town, more recent versions are being tested by the military
for gathering intelligence and transporting wounded soldiers to safety. The military and
DARPA are developing energy-efficient, mechanical computers that have the ability to
operate in environments that are too harsh for traditional chip-based computers. 72 A Japanese
company is experimenting with using specially designed floor mats that contain wires and
other electronic components to generate electricity when people step on them. 73 The 3VR
Security ( www.3vr.com ) system makes a video face-recognition system to identify people
from pictures or images. 74 According to a security officer for the Bank of Hawaii, “It seemed
too good to be true, but since being installed at bank branches in December, it has re-
duced our surveillance time, and it's especially useful in tracking multiple transactions by an
ID thief.”
A number of special-purpose systems are now available in vehicles. Ford Motor Company
and Microsoft have developed a voice-activated system called Sync that can play music, make
phones calls, and more. 75 The Advanced Warning System by Mobileye warns drivers to keep
a safe distance from other vehicles and drivers. 76 Automotive software allows cars and trucks
to connect to the Internet. The software can track a driver's speed and location, allow gas
stations to remotely charge for fuel and related services, and more.
Many new computing devices, such as Microsoft's Surface, are also becoming
available. 77 The Surface is a touch-screen computer that uses a glass-top display. It looks like
a coffee table or dining room table with a built-in computer. Microsoft's Smart Personal
Objects Technology (SPOT) allows small devices to transmit data and messages over the air.
SPOT is being used in wrist watches to transmit data and messages over FM radio broadcast
bands. The new technology, however, requires a subscription to the Microsoft MSN Direct
information service. Some manufacturing is also being done with inkjet printers to allow
them to “print” 3-D parts. For example, the printer sprays layers of polymers onto circuit
boards to form transistors and other electronic components. Some new computers can even
be worn on your body. Smith Drug, for example, uses a wearable computer by Vocollect,
Inc. ( www.vocollect.com ) to help its employees monitor inventory levels. 78 The waist-worn
computer that includes a headset with a microphone and speaker dramatically increases pro-
ductivity and helps eliminate errors. According to a corporate executive, “Previously, they
had a clipboard with 25 items per sheet. Now, they don't have to look at the paper. Their
hands are free, and all they have to do is listen and think.”
Increasingly, companies are using special-purpose tracking devices, chips, and bar
codes. 79 As mentioned previously, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that contain
small chips with information about products or packages can be quickly scanned to perform
inventory control or trace a package as it moves from a supplier to a company to its cus-
tomers. 80 Many companies have used RFID tags to reduce costs, improve customer service,
and achieve a competitive advantage. 81 When attached to clothing and worn close to a mirror,
some RFID tags will display sizes, styles, color, suggested accessories, and images of models
wearing the clothing on the mirror or a display screen. 82 RFID tags are even used to help
track lost airline luggage. 83 The state of Colorado uses RFID to track elk herds. Farmers are
looking into using these tags to track cattle to help identify and control mad cow disease. An
Italian cheese consortium uses RFID tags in the crust of cheese wheels. The RFID tags contain
information about when and where the cheese was made to ensure freshness and avoid
spoilage. Two German students have developed a smart beer mat, which uses sensor chips
to help determine the weight or amount of beer in a glass or beer mug. When the chips sense
that the beer mug is nearly empty, the sensor chip sends an alert to a computer monitor
telling the bartender that a customer needs more beer. The endorsement of an electronic
product code standard will likely make RFID even more popular. 84