Japanese Ubiquotous Network Project: Ubila

Recently, the advent of sophisticated technologies has stimulated ambient paradigms that may include high-performance CPU, compact real-time operating systems, a variety of devices/sensors, low power and high-speed radio communications, and in particular, third generation mobile phones. In addition, due to the spread of broadband access networks, various ubiquitous terminals and sensors can be connected closely. However, as many researchers argue, as addressed by Weiser in 1991 [32], the real goal of ubiquitous computing remains far beyond current R&D levels. In Japan, a more pragmatic approach focused on what we called ubiquitous networking. A roadmap of such ubiquitous networking projects in Japan is depicted in Figure 1. Ubiquitous networks cooperatively support user-centric services and applications anywhere and anytime. The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) started a study on ubiquitous networking around 2000 and in 2002 issued a report on “Ubiquitous Networking” [11]. It argued that the context aware computing environments embedded in our real world interconnected by broadband fixed/mobile networks will greatly enhance services to end users and bring amenity and security to all people. At the same time, the Ubiquitous Networking Forum [29] was founded in June 2002 mainly by Japanese communication industries to accelerate and promote studies on ubiquitous networking. The forum’s objectives included the following: