Evolution of Conventional Items
There are several examples of smart objects classified either as smart objects of virtual nature or smart objects of physical nature. Hence, in this sense, physical smart objects are those that exist in the real world having a physical manifestation. However, it must not be thought of that physical smart objects are void of connections to the virtual aspects or computer related processes as these physical smart objects require the use of computer technology in order to provide its function.
A popular example of physical smart object is the smart chair. Understandably, there are different variants of smart chairs all under development but one that is most notable is the smart chair developed by Alexy Kosik. The smart chair developed by the Russian does not merely address one of the problems regarding the use of conventional chairs, but rather aims to address all of the problems altogether (Innovations Report).
Problems such as back pain and wrong posture are commonly the only problems associated with the comfort or seating angle that a chair provides, in reality though, for a person that requires to be seated for a long time, such as a professional that mainly works with a personal computer, there are numerous factors which eventually lead to body pain and other problems.
Usually, the sources of these problems are neglected by the individual, leading to detrimental effects; thus, the smart chair gathers information regarding the surrounding of the individual, as well as the seating position and even body temperature, and adjusts the parameters that need to be taken care of according to its assessment and computations, and automatically corrects the sources of problems (Innovations Report).
Another physical smart object is the smart textiles technology. Developed by a Europe based research group, the smart textile aims to provide a more continuous system of monitoring the health conditions of an individual through the use of minute sensors (Science Daily “Smart Clothes”). The analysis of health conditions is done through painless methods as the smart textile is understandably to be used for the production of smart clothing.
The sensors embedded in the textile monitors the body conditions especially in terms of pH and the ratio of ions present inside the body; since the sensors provide continuous reading of body conditions, the researchers have developed a method wherein no replacement of parts is needed per assessment (Science Daily “Smart Clothes”). As expected such promising technology, other similar studies are being conducted in other parts of the world. In Australia, a different type of smart textile or clothing is being developed. It also aims to monitor health conditions by assessing different parameters.
Instead of measuring ion levels and pH, the smart suit determines the heart rate and respiratory condition of an individual in a continuous manner; the main advantage of the smart suits according to the developers is that not only can one wear multiple sensor types at once, but also the smart suits can be treated as normal clothes and thus can be washed and cleaned through conventional methods (Science Daily “Smart Suit”). As seen in the presented examples, the development physical smart objects aim to provide individuals with an incessant manner of monitoring internal or external factors that are of importance to an efficient way of living.
The smart chair provides a way in which the individual may focus on productivity without having to constantly mind health related factors in prolonged seating. The smart textiles and the smart suits enable an individual to live normally without the need of constantly thinking about monitoring current health conditions, which is evidently beneficial for individuals with the need to do so. Such conventional items as exemplified by chairs, textiles, and clothing in this case, will not be able to evolve and become physical smart objects without the applications of computer technology.
It is indeed true that even though physical smart objects are considered to have more of a physical aspect of smart objects technology as opposed to its purely virtual counterparts, it is still necessarily connected to computer technology and programming which essentially forms its virtual counterparts. Hence, physical smart objects should not exclusively be referred to regarding its physical aspects but its virtual based components must be taken into consideration as well. Works Cited Innovations Report. “A Smart Armchair will Take Care of You.
” Innovations Report – Information Technology Articles. 16 Oct. 2006. 21 Apr. 2009 <http://www. innovations-report. com/html/reports/information_technology/report-72100. html> Science Daily. “Smart Clothes: Textiles that Track Your Health. ” Science Daily Science News. 31 Mar. 2008. 21 Apr. 2009 <http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2007/07/070703172336. htm>. “Smart Suit Doesn’t Miss a Beat. ” Science Daily Science News. 6 Jul. 2007. 21 Apr. 2009 <http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2007/07/070703172336. htm>
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