| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/H047379/1 |
| Title: |
Waiter there really is a computer in my soup and it's telephoning me! : Revealing invisible computers. |
| Principal Investigator: |
Magill, Professor E |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Computing Science and Mathematics |
| Organisation: |
University of Stirling |
| Scheme: |
Partnerships- Public Engage |
| Starts: |
01 October 2010 |
Ends: |
31 May 2012 |
Value (£): |
82,001
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Human-Computer Interactions |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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09 Mar 2010
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Partnerships for Public Engagement 14th Call
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Some are familiar with the ability to programme computers such as PCs or laptops. However many individuals that do not engage in programming will purchase and use such applications. In contrast to these visible boxes , embedded computers hidden within appliances such as fridges and washing machines traditionally cannot be programmed by users. They are also used extensively in cars for engine control and supplementing breaking and steering. They are essentially invisible. However as computers become more powerful and cheaper we are witnessing a merging of these philosophies . Mobile phones contain computers which are both hidden and programmable with downloadable apps . There is now the potential to go further and make computers embedded in (say) appliances programmable after they are in place.Advances in communications now allow such computers to be linked together. They become networked computers . So screens on fridges can show web pages, cars can communicate speed and speed history to each other, and a mobile phone can control the lights in your home.In addition small cheap sensors, often with their own small computers are being developed. Small cheap actuators are also appearing. Actuators might simply switch lights on and off, but they can also control the flow of fuel to an engine. They too can communicate with each other. So in addition to sensing the environment, computer systems can use actuators to control and change it. But how is this control exercised? It may be manual so a user on a wireless PDA might set the temperature of the home central heating. However there is much excitement in the research community in how an array of networked small computers can cooperate to automatically alter the behaviour of a system. A simple example would be positional information on family mobile phones controlling their home environment.The integration of these technologies also offers the advent of new applications; in the home for homecare and healthcare; in the hospital for patient monitoring and support; and in the office to boost productivity. This project proposes to inform the public about this potent mix of technologies and explain the importance of their integration. We will develop a highly interactive show in partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre to be presented to large audiences through its Science Show programme. We want to describe the technologies, and use recent research work to show the audience the potential possibilities of their integration, and how this will radically alter the way we think about and use computers. To support the show we will provide additional, more detailed material for educational use and for those who wish to explore the topic further. While conventional web based interfaces will be used, we expect to have a presence in YouTube and also to explore newer virtual worlds such as Second Life. The project is being carried out by two universities, Glasgow and Stirling and each brings essential and compatible aspects to the project. Glasgow offers experience in effective public engagement, and evaluation, while Stirling will bring the research drive and technological expertise. The two groups have already collaborated together and with Glasgow Science Centre on successful PE and research projects.We plan to carry out the work in three phases. In the first three month phase we will design the show in detail. Once this is in place, the equipment will be assembled and the necessary software developed. This second phase will last just 9 months as existing research prototypes can be used as a base. In the final 4 month phase the show will be evaluated and refined using the Science Centre Theatre with audiences. Training of Science Centre staff will also take place in this phase. It is also at this stage that the Science Centre will take over the regular delivery of the show for both their regular in-house shows and to their external outreach programme
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.stir.ac.uk |