Persuasive Computing, Ubiquitous Computing, Ambient computing, Disappearing computing!

The definitions of pervasive computing

1)Refers to the use of computers in everyday life, including PDAs, smartphones and other mobile devices. It also refers to computers contained in commonplace objects such as cars and appliances and implies that people are unaware of their presence. One of the Holy Grails of this environment is that all these devices communicate with each other over wireless networks without any interaction required by the user.

- pcmag.com

 2)The idea that technology is moving beyond the personal computer to everyday devices with embedded technology and connectivity as computing devices become progressively smaller and more powerful.

- http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/pervasive_computing.html

The definitions of ubiquitous computing 


1)Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) is a post-desktop model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been thoroughly integrated into everyday objects and activities. In the course of ordinary activities, someone "using" ubiquitous computing engages many computational devices and systems simultaneously, and may not necessarily even be aware that they are doing so. This model is usually considered an advancement from the desktop paradigm. More formally Ubiquitous computing is defined as "machines that fit the human environment instead of forcing humans to enter theirs.

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubiquitous_computing

2)We define ubiquitous computing environments as learning environments in which all students have access to a variety of digital devices and services, including computers connected to the Internet and mobile computing devices, whenever and wherever they need them. Our notion of ubiquitous computing, then, is more focused on many-to-many than one-to-one or one-to-many, and includes the idea of technology being always available but not itself the focus of learning.
Moreover, our definition of ubiquitous computing includes the idea that both teachers and students are active participants in the learning process, who critically analyze information, create new knowledge in a variety of ways (both collaboratively and individually), communicate what they have learned , and choose which tools are appropriate for a particular task. ( definition in regards to learning)

- http://www.rcet.org/ubicomp/what.htm

The definitions of Ambient Computing 


1)In computing, ambient intelligence refers to electronic environments that are sensitive and responsive to the presence of people. n an ambient intelligence world, devices work in concert to support people in carrying out their everyday life activities, tasks and rituals in easy, natural way using information and intelligence that is hidden in the network connecting these devices . As these devices grow smaller, more connected and more integrated into our environment, the technology disappears into our surroundings until only the user interface remains perceivable by users.

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambient_intelligence

The definitions of Disappearing computing


1)A vision of the future is one in which our world of everyday objects and places becomes infused and augmented with information processing and exchange. In this vision, the technology providing these capabilities is unobtrusively merged with real-world objects and places, so that in a sense it disappears into the background, taking on a role more similar to electricity - an invisible pervasive medium.

- http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?DisappearingComputer

2)The goal of making the computer disappear can happen in different ways. Disappearance can take different forms such as 

• physical disappearance refers to the miniaturization of devices and their integration in other everyday artefacts as, e.g., in clothes, so that you don’t see them anymore.
• mental disappearance refers to the situation that the artefacts can still be large but they are not perceived as computers because people discern them as, e.g., interactive walls or interactive tables. Thus, technology moves mentally into the background

Essentially disappearing computing is technology evolving to become apart of our life without us noticing. Such as computer tables and tvs embedded into our walls and speakers under the floor etc.




Analyse 


1.Essentially pervasive , ubiquitous and ambient computing are the same things with very slight differences. Each involve expanding technology into all walks of life and everyday objects as well as expanding current technology to be smaller and more powerful. The main aim is so that computers and machines fit into our lives rather than us trying to fit into  theirs.


As for the differences between them, each definition emphasizes slightly different aspects of the generic term pervasive or ubiquitous computing. For instance  persuasive and ubiquitous computing essentially both mean extending the computer outside of the personal computer. I.e putting computers in the common place and in everyday activities. 
Ambient computing is a slight branch of this term in which it involves technology which responds to human interaction and presence in a electronic environment. the technology particularly plays with out senses.
Disappearing computing is another branch of the generic term in which it involves integrating computers into our everyday lives without us realising that we are using a computer. For instance computerised tables. Essentially its still expanding computers in everyday activities, but its making them a part of our lives without the realisation that they are there.


All these definitions fit into group called a paradigm where technology is everywhere in our lives.