Palpable Computing, a new perspective on Ambient Computing

PalCom is a new project launched by FET, the Unit dealing with Future and Emerging Technologies and acting as the pathfinder of IST by exploring new science and technology frontiers.

PalCom aims to research and develop a new perspective on ambient computing denoted palpable computing. Palpable denotes that systems are capable of being noticed and mentally apprehended. Palpable applications will support control and choice by people. More particularly, when interacting with people, palpable systems will support them in understanding what is going on at the level they choose.
The main objectives of PalCom are to design an open architecture for palpable computing and a conceptual framework to understand palpable technologies.,In addition the project will,- design and implement a toolbox for the construction of palpable applications,,- develop a range of palpable prototypes and,- gain a firm understanding of a range of practices into which palpable technologies may be introduced.
PalCom will go beyond state-of-the-art and complement the vision of ambient computing: ,- the invisibility of ambient applications will be complemented with visibility-on-demand,,- the construction approach for ambient components will be complemented with the possibility of de-construction (logical, functional, and physical),,- the ability to deal with heterogeneity and change in ambient systems will be complemented with means for creating and maintaining coherence and stability,,- the autonomous sense-making and negotiation of ambient components will be complemented with possibilities for user control and,- scalability will be supplemented with means for understandability.
The Palcom project , through its objectives, has been tailored to support the transfer of results from research to products and services.,The project will apply a participatory design process, where technical possibilities and scientific analysis are balanced with a strong focus on use. The project will entail continuous involvement of a number of user sites for insights, inspiration, design contributions and demonstrations of its usefulness from a number of different scenarios and prototypes.,Initially, prototypes will be developed for the healthcare sector. The vision is to combine everyday technology such as phones, PDAs and TVs with bio-sensors, related instuments and information spaces to form the basis for palpable applications. Applications that are capable of functioning in and across very different settings and situations: the hospital, at home, at work, while travelling etc.
The PalCom Consortium consists of a number of universities and companies, including SMEs, with top-level competencies in the areas of ambient computing, software architecture, embedded systems, user interfaces, participatory design and management of R&D projects. The participants are: University of Aarhus, University of Siena, Lund University, Malmoe University, Lancaster University, Aarhus School of Architecture, Kings College London, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, OOVM APS, Siemens Aktien Geselischaft, , Whitestein Technologies A.G and the Alexandra Institute A/S.
Project Information in Brief,Project type: Integrated Project,Duration: 48 months,EC Project Funding: 7.00 million Euro,For more information: http://palcom.dk/ ,Contact Persons: Professor Morten Kyng, E-mail: [e-mail] and associate Professor Preben Mogensen, E-mail: [e-mail]

Countries

Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom