Difference between a typical & ambient computing system

In one of the previous notes, we initiated our discussion on how a typical and an ambient computing systems differ. We will take this up at length here.

Throughout the history, the burden of using systems (mechanical, and more recently, technical) have always on humans. Humans were always asked to utilize the systems as per the use. This has been the case primarily due to two reasons:

• Full control provided an opportunity for customization
• Lack of perception capabilities by systems.

There has been a lack of emphasis on the idea of why technology cannot comprehend human needs and seamlessly serve them in the background. And, a logical answer to that which revolves around the difficulty of mechanical systems to understand human requirements and act accordingly.

I believe, fundamentally, ambient systems are aimed toward challenging the above-mentioned notion. With advanced perception capabilities, our digital technical systems are capable to perceive a situation and trigger its process to help humans reach an objective. As I mentioned while introducing the concept, the ambient system’s technology powerhouse uses sensors and interfaces to assist humans at the right time, place, and with the right context. This is diagonally opposite from traditional technical systems where users (humans) need to use sensors, and interfaces in order to access/utilize technology powerhouse and reach their objective.

We can summarize the difference between ambient and traditional technical systems in two ways at this point:

• The burden of engaging with systems → As elaborately mentioned in the pain points note, the burden of engaging with systems has always been with humans. But with the ambient system’s critical placement and attention, this can change. Ambient systems are by design built to remove the burden of engagement, by completing the tasks on their own based on their perception of the situation.
• Perception capabilities → Unlike traditional systems, ambient systems contain situational perception capabilities which can be utilized to assist humans by understanding their requirements from the background. Collection of datapoints and further interpretation of the dataset is a key differentiation factor.

Characteristics of an ambient system

I believe any ambient system is characterized by three things: objective, data points, and perception of the situation

1. Objective → The system should have a clear objective or final end goal.
2. Data Points → Distinct data points and structured methods to collect the required data.
3. Interpretation → Situation should be less prone to interpretational differences. Less subjective segments.

All the ambient systems built in the past had a clear single objective, an easy way to collect the day, and a non-subjective environment. It restricted the system's placements. We will discuss some of these systems in a bit. But, with our advanced perception and interpretation capabilities, the boundaries of all three characteristics have been extended in the modern era. Systems are capable to handle complex objectives and interpreting subjective situations just like humans. Similarly, our perception capabilities and methods to collect the required data have also advanced.

Ambient Systems around us

Let’s explore the physical and digital ambient systems in our surroundings.

1. Physical

1.1 Aquaducts

Roman aqueducts are a perfect example of how ancient civilizations used technology to create a system that could operate without constant human intervention. By channeling water from a source to a destination, the aqueducts allowed cities to be supplied with water for drinking, washing, and irrigation. They had clear objective, way to collect data naturally, and no subjective interpretation of the system or corresponding process was required.

1.2 Hunting Traps

Hunting traps, like the deadfall trap, are another perfect example of ambient systems in action. They are designed to work without any human input and are triggered by an animal's natural behavior. By setting the trap and then leaving the area, the hunter allows the trap to function on its own, catching the prey and providing food without further effort.

2. Digital

2.1 Overhead water tank sensors

Overhead water tank sensors automatically activate the pump based on the water levels of the underground and overhead tanks. The system contains a clear objective (filling overhead tank), simple data points (of both tanks), and nonsubjective situation interpretation.  

2.2 Auto Screen Brightness

Current-day phones are capable of exactly adapting the screen brightness and resolution based on the external environment. This system contains a clear objective (making screen usability convenient), and data points (lighting conditions of the external environment), and doesn’t require any subjective interpretation of the situation.  

2.3 Thermostat

Nest, back in 2012, was considered to be most advanced thermostat because of its ambient nature. The system automatically detects the weather, and room conditions, number of people in a room, their preferences to determine the right temperature.

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