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Pervasive Computing Systems
nickynicky9doors writes "Washington Technology has an article on Smart Conference Rooms.
'Pervasive-computing systems
...will come about through large numbers of small devices and sensors, some so unobtrusive that people won't know they're interacting with a computer at all.' The Smart Flow System was designed with open-source middle ware and the data acquistion system is based on a Linux cluster of 14 computers."
Sounds like with the microphone array it will be able to hear stomachs growling and go ahead and order lunch for everyone.
appended to the end of comments you post, 120 chars
Aww, crap, it really is a cluster. Well that's not very funny, now is it?
Nope, no sig
I like the secured room in Nueromancer (Count Zero? I forget) that you have to pay by the minute for complete privacy. No possibility of listening devices or transmitters. A complete 180 from this idea. Everyday privacy is being drawn and quartered. Granted a conference room might not seem to be the most secure place to discuss a sensitive topic, but a voice recognizing cluster of Linux boxes? Give me a break. What is to stop employers from deploying this technology throughout the office space in the name of security? See why 2002 will be like 1984.
Technology is great, but sometimes we all need a bit of peace and quiet. Am I the only one who actually unpluggs his phone, set the answering machine to silent and simpy read a book in peace? I find that haveing too many gadgets all around you makes for a stressfull time, something is always beeping at you. It's like haveing 5 kids continously asking for attention.
I propose a petition. There should be one room in every house without ANY computers, telephones, or other devices that need "attention" of any kind. Keep computers out of my bathroom!
On the surface, this may seem like a Good Thing(tm), but think for a second: Do you really want your walls recording everything you do, everything you say over the course of a day?
Think For Yourself. Question Authority.
In his novel A Deepness in the Sky Vinge talks about sensors so small they are like dust motes floating through the air, but so pervasive (and networked) that the person tapping into them can get detailed surveillance and biometric data anywhere the sensors are floating. Sounds very much like where we're headed.
Was that out loud?