Sunday, February 24, 2013
CIS 120 Telecomunications Topic: The Smart Home of the Future
Technology is ubiquitous in the modern era. Computers and microcomputers
are installed almost everywhere; nowadays cars, household appliances,
utilities, and many other devices utilize a computer component in place
of analog controls. The smart home of the future will incorporate the
functions of many smaller computers into one control device, which would
be able to remotely or automatically control many household functions.
Mobile computing has changed how people communicate and interact with
digital environments. It is only a matter of time before this diverse
platform allows people to operate a smart home's control panel. The
smart home would have an array of devices connected in the home network.
Lights, air conditioners, and home appliances could be controlled
remotely. For example, a smart home would 'know' when the owner arrives
using a personal area network to detect the proximity of the owner. The
smart home would detect the owner walking towards the door and unlock it
without any input. It then could turn on lights, operate temperature
controls, and turn on a TV screen with a custom setting configured by
the owner. Perhaps the home owner likes to take a long, hot bath after
returning home. The smart home could be programmed to draw a hot bath
minutes before the owner arrives. This technology exists today and is
feasible. The future of the smart home will most likely incorporate
robotics. Small home robots already exist, such as the popular Roomba
vacuum cleaner. One day, home robots will perform more complex tasks
such as preparing food. As technology improves, the smart home will
become common. The impact of the smart home would revolutionize the
quality of life, yet it may make society more placid and sedentary. The
repercussions of such a technology are not known as of yet, but like
mobile communications, people will adapt and adopt new technology
eventually.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
CIS 120 Internet Topic: Google and Bing
For my computer information systems class, I discussed the similarities and differences between the two most popular search engines, Google and Bing. I felt strongly about this topic because I believe Google is the innovator of search, while other search companies attempt to duplicate Google's success. The search giant isn't without its flaws, they show as I delve a bit deeper into the subject.
Google and Bing are the two most used search engines, with Google far in the lead, in terms of traffic. These two search engines perform the same basic function: they provide results to the user who enters a query. However, Google and Bing serve different results based on that search term.
The code that interprets the search term is a highly sophisticated technology. Google uses algorithms that place importance on link popularity, diversity, and even back links to pages that have relevant content. The tags in HTML code also serve as a factor. Bing uses a different approach to the relevance of a search query. For example, Bing does not pay attention to HTML code such as H1 tags and meta descriptions, while Google does. Another important factor in providing results is the financial backers of both companies. Obviously, their products and services appear before a competitors would.
Google and Bing provide advertisements which is the major source of income in the search business. The code that tells which ad to display to a client is another highly advanced piece of technology. Have you ever searched something, gone back and searched for something else, and something in the ad pops up that is just what you were looking for? Google and Bing both remember a profile based on your search input. Google's technology is far more advanced than Bings in how it uses this information to serve advertisements.
I prefer Google over Bing because it has been around longer, it provides accurate results, and it is the original. Bing is a poor imitation of Google to invade the 'market share' in my opinion. Bing was the response to Google's success.
Part of our discussion was to provide alternative search engines. I do not use these sites because I find Google adequate. I had to mention them just for the sake of critical inquiry.
Because of the tracking and profiling of personal information, many people have become suspicious about how these companies are using it. DuckDuckgo.com was a response to this. It does not log any personally identifiable information, nor cookies, and it discards your information when you leave the site. Both Google and Bing use all of these devices to maintain an identity based on each user. Other search engines similar to DuckDuckgo include Startpage, Ixquick, and Blekko. Many search alternatives feature privacy, yet their results might be lacking compared to Google or Bing. Another search engine that I've personally known for a long time is dogpile.com. I mentioned this search engine because before Google, searches yielded paltry results. Back then dogpile.com was very useful, along with similar websites, because they combined the requests of many search engines to provide a large amount of results.
Google and Bing are the two most used search engines, with Google far in the lead, in terms of traffic. These two search engines perform the same basic function: they provide results to the user who enters a query. However, Google and Bing serve different results based on that search term.
The code that interprets the search term is a highly sophisticated technology. Google uses algorithms that place importance on link popularity, diversity, and even back links to pages that have relevant content. The tags in HTML code also serve as a factor. Bing uses a different approach to the relevance of a search query. For example, Bing does not pay attention to HTML code such as H1 tags and meta descriptions, while Google does. Another important factor in providing results is the financial backers of both companies. Obviously, their products and services appear before a competitors would.
Google and Bing provide advertisements which is the major source of income in the search business. The code that tells which ad to display to a client is another highly advanced piece of technology. Have you ever searched something, gone back and searched for something else, and something in the ad pops up that is just what you were looking for? Google and Bing both remember a profile based on your search input. Google's technology is far more advanced than Bings in how it uses this information to serve advertisements.
I prefer Google over Bing because it has been around longer, it provides accurate results, and it is the original. Bing is a poor imitation of Google to invade the 'market share' in my opinion. Bing was the response to Google's success.
Part of our discussion was to provide alternative search engines. I do not use these sites because I find Google adequate. I had to mention them just for the sake of critical inquiry.
Because of the tracking and profiling of personal information, many people have become suspicious about how these companies are using it. DuckDuckgo.com was a response to this. It does not log any personally identifiable information, nor cookies, and it discards your information when you leave the site. Both Google and Bing use all of these devices to maintain an identity based on each user. Other search engines similar to DuckDuckgo include Startpage, Ixquick, and Blekko. Many search alternatives feature privacy, yet their results might be lacking compared to Google or Bing. Another search engine that I've personally known for a long time is dogpile.com. I mentioned this search engine because before Google, searches yielded paltry results. Back then dogpile.com was very useful, along with similar websites, because they combined the requests of many search engines to provide a large amount of results.
A Belated Introduction
Nothing about my life is conventional, so I suppose it is proper to address my introduction long after my blog has been published.
My name is John Miller, and I recently moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to pursue my education. I have been living in Tuba City, Arizona for more than ten years. My knowledge in computing is by no means limited. I am a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to software, programming, and design.
I received my first computer from a goodwill store, which was an ancient Commodore 64. I learned the BASIC programming language with ease. This language was a solid foundation to start from. Since then, I have programmed in all manners of languages and for many types of devices, from a TI-83 graphing calculator to Adobe Flash web games. Some other languages I have dabbled in include HTML, Javascript, PHP, Actionscript, mySQL, Visual Basic, C, Python, and LUA. I've designed 3d models for personal projects, created websites, and have modified firmware for android devices and media players.
I realized after all I have mastered was that the professional world does not take anything seriously unless you have a degree. With my formal education I hope to learn a few tricks of the trade, so I can have a professional appearance when I work towards my career path.
My name is John Miller, and I recently moved to Flagstaff, Arizona to pursue my education. I have been living in Tuba City, Arizona for more than ten years. My knowledge in computing is by no means limited. I am a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to software, programming, and design.
I received my first computer from a goodwill store, which was an ancient Commodore 64. I learned the BASIC programming language with ease. This language was a solid foundation to start from. Since then, I have programmed in all manners of languages and for many types of devices, from a TI-83 graphing calculator to Adobe Flash web games. Some other languages I have dabbled in include HTML, Javascript, PHP, Actionscript, mySQL, Visual Basic, C, Python, and LUA. I've designed 3d models for personal projects, created websites, and have modified firmware for android devices and media players.
I realized after all I have mastered was that the professional world does not take anything seriously unless you have a degree. With my formal education I hope to learn a few tricks of the trade, so I can have a professional appearance when I work towards my career path.
Solar Powered DIY Portable Hotspot
Re-reading my post I made in 2010, I realized this was before 4G phones and widespread wifi tethering. I am pleased that technology moves inexorably forward.
This is an amazing project in solar development. An array of these autonomous Wifi broadcasters networked together in a web smart grid of sorts will provide blanket WiFi access affordable for entire cities and municipalities. With some clever programming, these devices can distribute the bandwidth load, commonly called “grid computing” or “cloud computing”. Notice the theme? Can we develop systems to make the internet as accessible as it is open? Free Internet for all? As Moore’s Law marches on this might be inevitable.
Mad Scientist's Ramblings III: Memory Chips in Our Brains
After reading the article, "Implant Memory Chips in Our Brains," I was fascinated about the idea. Who wouldn't want to improve their mind with a simple implant, if it was proven safe? This is another segment of Mad Scientist's Ramblings from my old blog. It may be a bit dated, note the reference to older technology.
In a futurist perspective, these ‘chips’ will allow us to ‘google’ just by thinking, someday. It is only a matter of time, consider the following: Voice recogition was once poor for a machine, now it’s matured. With voice recognition software you can perform searches just by talking. For example, Vlingo’s voice software on Blackberries and other mobile devices.
Visual recognition, while poor now, it’s expanding quickly. For example Google’s new image search can discern differences in color with the help of quantum computing. It’s probably not a far fetched idea to assume we’ll be able to ‘Google’ just by looking at something soon.
Mind recognition is at a infantile state. There are some experimental ‘mind-reading’ caps that aren’t invasive in development, even a toy. Invasive mind-machine interfaces have been around for some time and, while barbaric, interfaces between neurons and transistors have become much more symbiotic. By nature they are similar.
Advances in this technology will also revitalize people with physical disabilities and paralysis. Prosthetics will become more integrated with the available nerves. As we learn to interpret our own bioelectronic signals we can design a more compatible and less invasive system. And it would be nice to google by thinking about it.
In a futurist perspective, these ‘chips’ will allow us to ‘google’ just by thinking, someday. It is only a matter of time, consider the following: Voice recogition was once poor for a machine, now it’s matured. With voice recognition software you can perform searches just by talking. For example, Vlingo’s voice software on Blackberries and other mobile devices.
Visual recognition, while poor now, it’s expanding quickly. For example Google’s new image search can discern differences in color with the help of quantum computing. It’s probably not a far fetched idea to assume we’ll be able to ‘Google’ just by looking at something soon.
Mind recognition is at a infantile state. There are some experimental ‘mind-reading’ caps that aren’t invasive in development, even a toy. Invasive mind-machine interfaces have been around for some time and, while barbaric, interfaces between neurons and transistors have become much more symbiotic. By nature they are similar.
Advances in this technology will also revitalize people with physical disabilities and paralysis. Prosthetics will become more integrated with the available nerves. As we learn to interpret our own bioelectronic signals we can design a more compatible and less invasive system. And it would be nice to google by thinking about it.
Mad Scientist's Ramblings II: More Thoughts on Robotics
This is another post from my failed blog: Transhumanism, the Singularity, and You.
I believe we should develop simple and inexpensive robots that exist to harvest energy, process data, replicate, and ‘die’ like ordinary life forms. We need to research already proven biological systems to provide insight for new directions in the field of robotics. Two great developing forces are BEAM (Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics) robotics and a practical commercial outlet of them at solarbotics.com.
What is important with these types of robots is that there is no ‘brain’ needed to operate. Most species of life don’t have a brain to speak of, notably jellyfish. They manage to survive and reproduce effectively without one. With the simplest robot design in mind we can create a sustainable network of autonomous machines.
Using energy from the sun is obviously the first source. But using this harvested energy is inefficient for locomotive use. Instead, chemical energy should replace it while the electricity is used solely to process information. The fuel should be a digested mass of organic matter. The resulting composition should be full of potential chemical energy to be consumed by cell-like chemical engines.
The use of a microcontroller and radio communication can organize these machines by processing a real-time virtual array. Each robot is aware of each other and a botmaster signal for reprogramming. Within this neural net (array) each individual robot will provide statistical feedback. When a majority of the robots can detect an unexpected drop in light exposure, for example when a large cloud passes, it will trigger every machine instantly to go into a low power hibernation. You could compare this to when a flock of birds take off simultaneously when only one is startled to flight.
The application of these simplistic robots is not commonly approached. Their purpose is to exist self sufficiently and provide a small cloud computing array. Consider the microcontroller as the thought organ, its radio is a communicating organ, and the chemical actuators used to move is akin to their muscles. Providing a biological parallel allows these machines to emulate the proven systems in life today.
Why not consider other uses for these machines? Providing difficult tasks requires specific programming which makes it less autonomous. Receiving feedback from the simple data can provide clues to help the machines to evolve. And as the machines become better at their simple task of gathering energy and computing, a massive resource of computing power becomes available. Maybe the PCs of the future will be sprawled across your lawn, processing this webpage by cutting your grass and soaking up sun rays. Or maybe the nodes are used globally as brain cells of an omnipresent digital organism…
I believe we should develop simple and inexpensive robots that exist to harvest energy, process data, replicate, and ‘die’ like ordinary life forms. We need to research already proven biological systems to provide insight for new directions in the field of robotics. Two great developing forces are BEAM (Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics) robotics and a practical commercial outlet of them at solarbotics.com.
What is important with these types of robots is that there is no ‘brain’ needed to operate. Most species of life don’t have a brain to speak of, notably jellyfish. They manage to survive and reproduce effectively without one. With the simplest robot design in mind we can create a sustainable network of autonomous machines.
Using energy from the sun is obviously the first source. But using this harvested energy is inefficient for locomotive use. Instead, chemical energy should replace it while the electricity is used solely to process information. The fuel should be a digested mass of organic matter. The resulting composition should be full of potential chemical energy to be consumed by cell-like chemical engines.
The use of a microcontroller and radio communication can organize these machines by processing a real-time virtual array. Each robot is aware of each other and a botmaster signal for reprogramming. Within this neural net (array) each individual robot will provide statistical feedback. When a majority of the robots can detect an unexpected drop in light exposure, for example when a large cloud passes, it will trigger every machine instantly to go into a low power hibernation. You could compare this to when a flock of birds take off simultaneously when only one is startled to flight.
The application of these simplistic robots is not commonly approached. Their purpose is to exist self sufficiently and provide a small cloud computing array. Consider the microcontroller as the thought organ, its radio is a communicating organ, and the chemical actuators used to move is akin to their muscles. Providing a biological parallel allows these machines to emulate the proven systems in life today.
Why not consider other uses for these machines? Providing difficult tasks requires specific programming which makes it less autonomous. Receiving feedback from the simple data can provide clues to help the machines to evolve. And as the machines become better at their simple task of gathering energy and computing, a massive resource of computing power becomes available. Maybe the PCs of the future will be sprawled across your lawn, processing this webpage by cutting your grass and soaking up sun rays. Or maybe the nodes are used globally as brain cells of an omnipresent digital organism…
Mad Scientist's Ramblings: Scavenger Robots
I had a small, unsuccessful blog that postulated the effects of the technological singularity. A nerd's wet dream, the technological singularity is a hypothetical outcome of the convergence of technology. The point of no return is when machines can improve upon themselves, and create more advanced machines. Until that point, humanity has the ability to curb the accelerating progress, or embrace it. I will share a page from that ill-fated blog...
"Scavenger Robots"
Next post: More thoughts on Robotics
"Scavenger Robots"
A solution to our surmounting waste problem is
robots. Their job description is already suited for the task: they do
tasks repeatedly and unerringly, even in undesirable environments. So
why not develop robots for waste management?
There are plenty of automatic sorting machines
already established in the recycling industry. However the majority of
waste does not get the chance to be recycled. Society end up with landfills
brimming with recyclable waste.
An idea, I propose, is an autonomous scavenger
robot. Many robotics get inspiration from insects and I believe this is a
perfect application. It will be mostly autonomous in the sense that it
will live, operate, and replicate in waste environments virtually by
itself. Being a scavenger by nature, these machines will get their
energy anyway they can. In a landfill there is an abundance of energy to
be harnessed. Some species of robot will thrive on generating power
from food wastes by chemical means. Others will break down plastics
inside an electronic stomach to produce energy, and as a side effect,
make those plastics available for recycling. Automating these machines will prove the most difficult process because, by inheritance, they should self-replicate.
Next post: More thoughts on Robotics
CIS 120 Internet Topic: Domain name
In my computer information systems class we post about various technology subjects. I wish to share a post today about domain names. Not too thrilling, but I am waiting for an archive of my earlier posts, so this will have to do until then.
One of my classmates typed up this response:
"I think that one big thing to think about is if the name you choose is still available. There are who knows how many people out there that have looked up good names and will probably sell them to you for a pretty penny. Some favorites may be Nascar.com, or Muleycarzy.com."
My reply:
What you have described is "domain parking". Some people think it's profitable to predict a popular domain name, register it, and wait for a potential customer to come along and ask for the rights. While I believe it is silly, there is profit it in somewhere, and that fills another niche in the internet economy.
When considering a domain name one must think about how catchy the name is, among other considerations. Another critical factor is the ease of which the name goes in the address bar. And above all, as you mentioned, it must be unique.
One of my classmates typed up this response:
"I think that one big thing to think about is if the name you choose is still available. There are who knows how many people out there that have looked up good names and will probably sell them to you for a pretty penny. Some favorites may be Nascar.com, or Muleycarzy.com."
My reply:
What you have described is "domain parking". Some people think it's profitable to predict a popular domain name, register it, and wait for a potential customer to come along and ask for the rights. While I believe it is silly, there is profit it in somewhere, and that fills another niche in the internet economy.
When considering a domain name one must think about how catchy the name is, among other considerations. Another critical factor is the ease of which the name goes in the address bar. And above all, as you mentioned, it must be unique.
Failed introduction: From the office of Jay Krognus, PI
When I first created this blog, I had the idea to write short fictions with a speculative fiction theme. Having failed to make a coherent scene, plot, and likable characters, I wished to share my failure in hopes that one day something could come of it.
[Across the byroads of the internet lie an old, decrepit warehouse. An anomaly jutting out from the flat plane of binary order. Having arrived at this address, thetechinspector, at blogger square, one would have expected more. A warm glow from the ruddy windows gives a life to the otherwise static background. The visitor, as one would soon materialize to be, would see an earthen construction portrayed against an immutable void of code. Who or more properly, what, thought of this device to express itself? now a conscious, obvious intelligence separate from the cold, formless data.
Greetings, fellow tech aficionados. I am Wallace Furthington and I would like to introduce you to the...]
[Across the byroads of the internet lie an old, decrepit warehouse. An anomaly jutting out from the flat plane of binary order. Having arrived at this address, thetechinspector, at blogger square, one would have expected more. A warm glow from the ruddy windows gives a life to the otherwise static background. The visitor, as one would soon materialize to be, would see an earthen construction portrayed against an immutable void of code. Who or more properly, what, thought of this device to express itself? now a conscious, obvious intelligence separate from the cold, formless data.
Greetings, fellow tech aficionados. I am Wallace Furthington and I would like to introduce you to the...]
The Tech Inspector: My purpose
Greetings internet denziens,
With my blog, I hope to realize the implications of technology in our lives. Additionally, I will be tracking the progress I make in my college courses. My opinion and articles might provide a source of information for those looking for alternative insight. Welcome, dig in, and enjoy!
-Krognus
With my blog, I hope to realize the implications of technology in our lives. Additionally, I will be tracking the progress I make in my college courses. My opinion and articles might provide a source of information for those looking for alternative insight. Welcome, dig in, and enjoy!
-Krognus
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