Intelligent spaces - the vision, the opportunities and the barriers

Spaces can become intelligent when large numbers of sensors and appliances with embedded processors are able to communicate with each other and become part of the global information network. They can then be integrated into geographically defined intelligent spaces (iSpaces) to satisfy specific needs for humans. This overview paper outlines a vision for intelligent spaces and points to examples of application areas which will benefit from the technology. It describes the system components, the drivers and some of the research needed to create viable implementations of the overall vision. The paper is intended to demonstrate the full breadth both of the technology and of its areas of application.