Description
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
Business Telecom Assignment
Submitted to: Dr. Madad Ali Shah
Submitted by: Afaq Ahmed Soomro Class: BBA-3
Sukkur Institute of Business Administration
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Q#5: Explain Virtual Reality, Robotics, Human- Computer Interaction & Artificial Intelligence in details & their linkage with modern computing technology. Ans: Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that allows you to enter and interact with a world that is generated by a computer. Special graphics, video images and stereo sound make this imaginary world seem real. Virtual Reality is a high-end user interface that involves real-time stimulation and interactions through multiple sensorial channels. These sensorial channels are visual, auditory, smell and taste. Virtual Reality can be described from the stimulation content point of view as unifying realistic realities with artificial reality. Three I’s of Virtual Reality Virtual reality is both interactive and immersive. These features are the two I’s that most people are aware of, however, virtual reality is not just a medium or a high-end user interface, it has application to solve real problems in engineering, medicine etc. These applications are designed by virtual reality developers. The extent, to which an application is able to solve a particular problem well, depends very much on the human imagination, the third “I” of Virtual Reality. Therefore, VR is an integrated trio of immersion-interaction-imagination (the three I’s of Virtual Reality). Types of Virtual Reality There are three main forms of virtual reality: The first is perhaps the most familiar. It consists of a helmet which has small TV screens and earphones fitted into it, and a glove (some systems use a joystick or wand instead of a glove). The helmet and glove are linked to computers which are programmed with special sounds and graphics. The second form of virtual reality uses video cameras to track the image of the user in a virtual world where you can also pick up or move objects. Both these VR systems allow more than one person to take part at the same time. The final type of VR is where three- dimensional images are played on a large, curved screen. The shape of the screen helps to give you a greater sense of being in the virtual world. By wearing special 3-D glasses, this effect can be greatly improved. Advantages of Virtual Reality Virtual Reality has many advantages. It allows disabled people to do those actions that they normally cannot do. Using VR, people in wheelchairs, can have liberty of movement which they do not have in normal life. At present, very few people can afford to buy a VR system. But as the technology is growing day by day, lightweight helmets and more powerful computers will take VR into ordinary homes.
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Using virtual reality, doctors have already been 'inside' a body. At the University of North Carolina, USA, virtual reality allowed doctors to enter a cancer patient's chest to make sure that radiation beams needed to treat the cancer were in the right place. Doctors will soon be able to look at and study tumours at first hand and in 3-D rather than from scans and x-rays. Uses of Virtual Reality The uses for virtual reality are wide ranging and cover games where you can drive a car, fly a plane, help train doctors in the art of surgery or teaching pilots to fly aircraft safety. These computer generated worlds can be of any size - as vast as the universe or as small as atoms and molecules. However, along with the good comes the bad. Virtual reality could also be used for destructive purposes, such as war and crime. Hence, the uses for virtual reality are infinite. Importance of Virtual Reality Virtual reality is important because it can visualize the unknown or the unpredictable. This might lead to virtual reality operators carrying out repairs in space, with the help of a robot. In a technique called virtual puppetry a robot is controlled by a skilled operator and mimics all the operator's movements. The possibilities for virtual reality are enormous. Future residents of new towns will be able to walk around virtual streets, shops, houses and parks before a single brick has been laid. There are already plans to redesign the whole of the city of Berlin, the capital of Germany, using virtual reality. Linkage with Modern computing technology The Modern as well as future computing technology will be Virtual Reality programs. First, Virtual Reality (VR) programs can be used to teach medical students. Virtual reality programs allow viewers to interact directly with a three-dimensional imaginary world. Second, Virtual Expo, an interactive, multimedia Web-based duplication of a trade show booth, complete with video presentations on all its products but without the hassle and cost of actually attending. More and more soft wares are now being developed using virtual reality programs. It gives entertainment as well as information and education. Virtual reality will soon be in classrooms, where students/children will use VR programs to learn their subjects. So, all in all, Virtual reality is greatly used in modern computing technology.
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Robotics: Robotics is the science and technology of robots, and their design, manufacture, and application. Robots are Self-governing, programmable electromechanical devices used in industry and in scientific research to perform a task or a limited range of tasks. Robots are a subcategory of automated devices. Although no generally recognized criteria exists that distinguishes them from other automated systems, robots tend to be more versatile and adaptable (or reprogrammable). . They offer the advantages of being able to perform more quickly, cheaply, and accurately than humans in conducting routines. They are capable of operating in locations or under conditions hazardous to human health, ranging from areas of the factory floor to the ocean depths and outer space. The term robot itself is derived from the Czech word robota, meaning “compulsory labor”. It was first used in the 1921 play R.U.R. (which stands for “Rossum's Universal Robots”) by the Czech novelist and playwright Karel Èapek, to describe a mechanical device that looks like a human but, lacking human sensibility, can perform only automatic, mechanical operations. In the play, however, the robots proved much more capable than that, eventually conquering and destroying their makers. Robots as they are known today are not really derivative of human or other living forms except in the limited aspect of digital awareness. Robots today are equipped with a small microprocessor or microprocessors that can handle the data being fed to them by various sensors of the surrounding environment. Making use of the principle of feedback, robots can then change their operations to some degree in response to changes in that environment. The commercial use of robots is spreading, with the increasing automation of factories, and they have long since become essential to many laboratory procedures. Japan is in the forefront of nations exploring robot technology. What Do Robots Do? Most robots today are used in factories to build products such as cars and electronics. Others are used to explore underwater and even on other planets. What are Robots Made Of? Robots have 3 main components ? Brain - usually a computer ? Actuators and mechanical parts - motors, pistons, grippers, wheels, gears ? Sensors - vision, sound, temperature, motion, light, touch, etc. With these three components, robots can interact and affect their environment to become useful.
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The Impact of Robotics on Society Since robots are used mainly in manufacturing, we see their impact in the products we use every day. Usually this results in a cheaper product. Robots are also used in cases where it can do a better job than a human such as surgery where high exactness is a benefit. And, robots are used in exploration in dangerous places such as in volcanoes & space, which allows us to learn without endangering ourselves.
Three Laws of Robotics Popular science fiction writer Isaac Asimov created the Three Laws of Robotics: #1 A robot must not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. #2 A robot must always obey orders given to it by a human being, except where it would conflict with the first law. #3 A robot must protect its own existence, except where it would conflict with the first or second law.
Problems with Robotics Yes there are problems. As with any machine, robots can break and even cause disaster. They are powerful machines that we allow to control certain things. When something goes wrong, terrible things can happen. Luckily, this is rare because robotic systems are designed with many safety features that limit the harm they can do. There's also the problem of evil people using robots for evil purposes. This is true today with other forms of technology such as weapons. Of course, robots could be used in future wars. This could be good or bad. If humans perform their aggressive acts by sending machines out to fight other machines, that would be better than sending humans out to fight other humans. Teams of robots could be used to defend a country against attacks while limiting human casualties. -5-
Advantages of Robotics The advantages are obvious - robots can do things we humans just don't want to do, and usually do it cheaper. Robots can do things more precise than humans and allow progress in medical science and other useful advances.
Job Displacement Some people are concerned that robots will reduce the number of jobs and kick people out of their jobs. This is almost never the case. The net affect of advanced technology such as robots (or cars, electric drills and other machines) is that humans become more productive.
The Future of Robotics The population of robots is growing rapidly. This growth is led by Japan that has almost twice as many robots as the USA. All estimates suggest that robots will play an ever-increasing role in modern society. They will continue to be used in tasks where danger, cost, and other barriers prevent humans from performing.
Linkage with modern computing technology Robotics has linkage with computing technology in a great way. We can control robots through computer. It is not possible to control them manually as they only understand commands given to it by computer, so modern computers are playing a key role in the working and managing of Robots, Robots in future will perform more and more tasks and will make difficult works quite easy, hence robotics science has got a great linkage with modern computing technology.
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Human-Computer Interaction: Human–computer interaction or HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. It is often regarded as the intersection of computer science, behavioral sciences, design and several other fields of study. The following definition is given by the Association for Computing Machinery. “Human-computer interaction is a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them."
HCI is also sometimes referred to as man–machine interaction (MMI) or computer– human interaction (CHI).
HCI vs. MMI MMI has been used to refer to any man–machine interaction, including, but not exclusively computers, where HCI is exclusively computer and human interaction. We can say that HCI is a subset of MMI.
Linkage with modern computing technology
Human-computer interaction is advancing day by day. All the future technologies are based on computers, whether it is virtual reality or artificial intelligence or any other technology, everything is enhancing humans interaction with computer, so this interaction will continue to develop more and more, and its has a become a necessity in today’s life to have interaction with computers in one or other way.
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Artificial intelligence “Artificial intelligence is the part of computer science concerned with designing intelligent computer systems, which exhibits the characteristics normally we associate with intelligence in human behavior.” Or “The study of how to make computers do things that minds can do.” Or “It is concerned with getting computers to do tasks that require human intelligence.” Or Different areas of AI are more closely related to psychology, philosophy, logic, and linguistics. AI is not just a sub-field of computer science but infact it can overlap it. Scope of Artificial Intelligence AI programs can do many different things. They can play games, predict share values, interpret photographs, diagnose diseases, plan travel itineraries, translate languages, take dictation, draw analogies, help design complex machinery, teach logic, make jokes, compose music, do drawings, and learn to do tasks better. Some of these things they do well. Expert systems can make medical diagnoses as well as, or better than, most human doctors. The world chess champion Garry Kasparov was beaten by a program in 1997; computers often predict share prices better than humans, and some AI-generated music sounds like compositions by famous composers. Other things, they do rather badly. Their translations are imperfect, but good enough to be understood.. And their jokes are poor, although some are found funny by children. To match everything that people can do, they would need to model the richness of human memory and common sense. Moreover, programs do only one thing, whereas people do many things. AI robots, although more flexible than industrial robots, are similarly limited. Very few can avoid obstacles smoothly, or move across uneven surfaces without falling over. Robots that plan their actions beforehand are vulnerable to unexpected environmental changes. Even if a robot performs successfully, it cannot undertake a wide
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variety of tasks. And its success often requires simplification of the environment: floorcleaning robots are useful only if the floor is uncluttered. Nevertheless, AI-robots can do boring, dirty, or dangerous jobs, sometimes in places that humans cannot reach.
Artificial Intelligence and Real Intelligence The question, “Is artificial intelligence possible?” is unclear. It may mean, “Can AI programs actually produce results that resemble human behavior?” This is a scientific question. The answer at present is yes, at least in some cases. Whether it would also be true to say that this is so in all cases, is not yet known. Some things that most people assume computers could never do are already possible. AI programs can compose appealing music, draw attractive pictures, and even play the piano “expressively”. Other things are more elusive: producing perfect translations of a wide range of texts; making fundamental, yet acceptable transformations of musical style; producing robots that move normally over rough ground, swim across rivers, or climb mountains. It is controversial whether these things are merely very difficult in practice, or impossible in principle. Alternatively, “Is artificial intelligence possible?” may mean, “Could any program (or robot), no matter how humanlike its performance, really be intelligent?” Some philosophers and AI researchers argue that intelligence can arise only in bodily creatures sensing and acting in the real world. If this is correct, then robotics is essential to the attempt to construct truly intelligent artifacts. If not, then a mere AI program might be intelligent. Whether an AI system could be conscious is an especially controversial topic. The concept of consciousness itself is ill understood, both scientifically and philosophically. Some people think it obvious that any robot, no matter how superficially humanlike, must be zombie-like. But others think it obvious that a robot whose functions matched the relevant functions of the brain (whatever those may be) would inevitably be conscious. The answer has moral implications: if an AI system were conscious, it would arguably be wrong to “kill” it, or even to use it as a “slave”. Linkage with modern computing technology Artificial Intelligence is a part of computer science so its linkage with computing technology remains at a high level. The computers at the present moment don’t have that much intelligence to perform works on their own but as artificial intelligence will advance; computing technology will have a great role to play in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
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Q#12(a): What are business tariffs charged by mobile telecom operators in Pakistan? How do these companies charge subscribers for roaming services? What are expected business plans of Mobilink, Warid, Telenor, Zong & Ufone? Give a comparative analysis of all these operators. Ans: There are five main mobile telecom operators working throughout Pakistan i.e. Mobilink, Warid, Telenor, Zong, Ufone. It has been observed that business people get special tariffs from all these operators. Business people mostly use Post-paid packages offered by these operators. The post-paid tariffs of these operators are given below
Mobilink: Mobilink is the oldest mobile network operator working in Pakistan. As Mobilink was the first company which introduced mobile technology in Pakistan, so most business people at that time started to use Mobilink and till now they are using this network operator. Mobilink’s Post-paid packages known as Indigo are mostly used by people working in business organizations. Post-paid tariffs of Mobilink are given below:
Details
1
Weekend Tariffs Rs/min Rs/min Rs/min Monthly Monthly Rs/Month Rs/msg Number 0.99 0.99
Freedom Plan
Freedom Unlimited
2 0.75 0.75 1.50 100 15 100 1.00 3 - 10 -
3 0.63 0.63 1.25 400 20 400 1.00 3
3+ 0.50 0.50 1.00 800 25 900 0.75 3
4 0.40 N/A 0.60 1200 30 1500 0.50 N/A
BASIC N/A N/A 0.30 5000 1,000 5,000 0.20 N/A
PREMIUM
N/A N/A 0.30 5000 1,000 6,000 0.20 N/A
F&F Charges Air Time Charges Free Minutes Free SMS Line Rent SMS F&F Line
2.0 0 10 0 1.0 3
Indigo gives its business users best services to maximize the speed of their business. Mobisafe: Mobilink shows care for the security of its business customers as much as they do. Through Mobisafe, users can now copy the contacts from their phone’s phonebook to Mobilink Server so that in case of Cell Phone theft, users can retrieve their contact details. Contacts can be uploaded via SMS or GPRS. Mobilink Connect Card: Mobilink Connect Card is a device which can be connected to any LAPTOP Computer. Users can then use the Internet anywhere within the coverage of Mobilink. Fax Mail: Now Mobilink Indigo customers can send and receive faxes through their mobile phone. PIA Reservation: This service allows the customers to know about PIA reservations and schedule timings. PSO Cards: Indigo customers can refuel their vehicles on any PSO Station across the country by simply swapping their Mobilink Indigo Rewards Cards. Stock Watch: From this service Mobilink Postpaid customers can get continuous updates on their stocks listed on the LSE (Lahore Stock Exchange) or KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange) anytime through Mobilink's Stock Watch.
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Postpaid Roaming: Zone Countries
Incoming Outgoing Call SMS SMS Call Incoming Outgoing Call Local International to Pak
$0.38 + Terminating Fee $0.38 + Terminating Fee $1.49 $0.90 $2.99 $0.13 $0.37
1
Bangladesh and others
2
Afghanistan, New Zealand and Middle east countries
$2.25
$0.90
$2.99
$0.13
$0.37
3
Australia, Canada, France, Srilanka, United States & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$2.99
$1.49
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
4
Germany, Poland, Sweden, Turkey & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$3.20
$1.49
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
5
Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Portugal, South Korea, United Kingdom Brazil, Kenya, Mexico & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$3.49
$0.90
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
6
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$4.95
$1.49
$4.95
$0.13
$0.37
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Warid: Warid Telecom is another mobile network operator working in Pakistan since 2005. Within 80 days of launch Warid Pakistan claims to have attracted more than 1 million users. Warid Telecom has 16.15 million subscribers as of September 2008. It is ranked as the fourth largest operator in Pakistan. Warid Pakistan claims it has the largest "post-paid" subscriber base in Pakistan. To attract business people, Warid has its postpaid plan branded by the name of Zahi Post-paid. International Roaming is also available to its post-paid users. Zahi post-paid tariffs are as under: Connection Line Rent Warid 250 250 Warid 750 750 450 300 Warid 1500 1500 900 600 Warid 2500 2500 1700 800 Warid Unlimited 4000 Unlimited 1000
Free 175 minutes(onnet) Free 75 minutes (offnet) ( Landline+ Other mobiles) Free SMS Airtime Weekend rates( onnet) On-net 0.43 0.63
250
500
Unlimited
0.35 0.50 0.70 0.75 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00
0.20 0.30 0.45 0.70 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00
0.10 0.13 0.38 0.68 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00 0.30 0.65 -
-
Off0.75 net(Other Mobile) Off-net 0.80 (Landline) Messaging SMS(on-net) 0.50 SMS(off-net) 1.00
International 5.00 MMS 3.00
5.00 3.00
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Warid Post-paid Roaming:
Country
Network Incoming Outgoing Call Charges Operator Call Inland Call Call to Charges back to any Pakistan other country Afghanistan AWCC $0.84 $0.82 $2.06 $4.11 Afghanistan Etisalat $0.56 $0.38 $1.37 $1.37 Australia Optus $0.54 $0.56 $3.47 $5.31 Australia Telstra $0.34 $0.65 $2.15 $5.35 United Orange $0.34 $0.56 $3.26 $3.37 Kingdom United AT & T $1.57 $1.68 $3.72 $3.89 States UAE Etisalat $0.34 $1.37 $2.06 $2.06
SMS Charges
$1.12 $0.69 $0.36 $0.37 $0.34 $0.51 $0.69
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Ufone: Ufone is a Mobile network operator working in Pakistan. It is a subsidiary of PTCL. After PTCL privatization, Ufone is now owned by Etisalat. Ufone postpaid services are marketed by the name “postpay”. These services are mostly targeted towards the business community of the country. Postpay Tariffs are as under, Talk Plans ZLR EASE Value Extra Postpay Unite
Monthly Line rent(Rs.) Outgoing Charges(per 30 sec) Ufone to Ufone Ufone to others Ufone to PTCL SMS Charges Ufone to Ufone Ufone to others International SMS Free Free minutes Free SMS
0
199
399
999
499
6am to 9am 0.90 0.99 1.00 0.60 0.99 0.80 0.50 0.99 0.70 0.40 0.90 0.60 0.50 1.40 1.20
9pm to am Free 0.90 0.70
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0 0
200 50
400 100
1000 200
-
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Ufone Roaming Tariff: Country Australia Canada China Incoming Call 0.21 1.27 0.83 Outgoing(Onnet) 0.58 1.21 0.81 Outgoing ( Pakistan) 2.30 2.50 2.35 SMS 0.40 0.37 0.39
Bangladesh (Warid)
0.39
0.73
0.73
0.19
Zong: Zong is the first International brand of China Mobile launched in Pakistan. Earlier, the same operator was working in Pakistan with the name of Paktel, but in 2007, Paktel was sold to China Mobile, hence CM renamed it as Zong. Zong also has postpaid packages to offer to Business Community. Its postpaid Tariffs are given below: All rates are applicable on 30 seconds.
Line Rent (Rs.) On-net (Rs.) Off-net (Rs.) Spouse No. Free SMS( On & Off-net) SMS Rate(Rs.) Free Minutes Breakup Free Minutes (Offnet) On-net
0 0.6 0.9 0.4 0 1 0 0 0
100 0.6 0.9 0.25 25 0.75 100 75 25
500 0.4 0.8 0.15 50 0.5 600 450 150
1000 0.3 0.75 Free 100 0.5 1200 900 300
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Zong also offers roaming services to their subscribers who visit other countries. The Roaming Tariffs of some major countries are as under: All rates are in US Dollars Country Incoming Inland Rate 0.75 0.46 1.41 0.55 0.70 1.16 0.57 1.13 Call to Pakistan 1.88 0.80 2.92 1.42 2.67 2.66 3.03 2.04 SMS
Afghanistan 0.90 Bangladesh Canada China Japan Saudi Arabia United Kingdom UAE 0.70 1.69 0.76 0.28 1.28 1.29 0.62
0.63 0.21 0.43 0.22 0.35 0.53 0.30 0.65
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Telenor: Telenor is a Pakistani GSM Cellular service provider and is a subsidiary of Telenor, Norway. It has a subscriber base of 18.63 million as of October 2008.
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Telenor Roaming Tariff: Country Incoming Call Charges 116.11 54.66 33.00 58.05 121.54
Outgoing (Local)
Canada (Rogers) Australia UK (Vodafone) UAE (Etisalat) USA (TMobile) • •
95.99 21.66 17.64 71.78 117.39
Outgoing( Outgoing Pakistan) ( Rest of the World) 172.10 377.78 124.98 246.99 129.72 225.82 444.84 246.99 389.16 417.82
Outgoing SMS 25.19 28.26 17.64 41.08 24.87
Incoming SMS are free All charges are in Pak Rupees
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References
For Q#2 • • • • • www.mobilinkgsm.com www.telenor.com.pk www.waridtel.com www.ufone.com www.zong.com.pk For Q#1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=journal&issn=1359-4338 www.library.thinkquest.org/26890/virtualrealityt.htm www.hyperlabs.net/vr/roma/01.html www.books.google.com.pk/books?isbn=0471360899... www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol1/kcgw/article1.html www.cs.unc.edu/Outreach/vr/Intro%20VR/VR_applications.html www.projects.edte.utwente.nl/proo/kommers.htm www.thetech.org/robotics/ www.howstuffworks.com/robot.htm www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/robotics.html www.library.thinkquest.org/C0126120/future.htm www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-computer_interaction www.formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/ www.technospot.net/blogs/evolution-and-future-of-artificial-intelligenceai-vs-human/
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doc_180061471.doc
Robotics & Artificial Intelligence
Business Telecom Assignment
Submitted to: Dr. Madad Ali Shah
Submitted by: Afaq Ahmed Soomro Class: BBA-3
Sukkur Institute of Business Administration
-1-
Q#5: Explain Virtual Reality, Robotics, Human- Computer Interaction & Artificial Intelligence in details & their linkage with modern computing technology. Ans: Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that allows you to enter and interact with a world that is generated by a computer. Special graphics, video images and stereo sound make this imaginary world seem real. Virtual Reality is a high-end user interface that involves real-time stimulation and interactions through multiple sensorial channels. These sensorial channels are visual, auditory, smell and taste. Virtual Reality can be described from the stimulation content point of view as unifying realistic realities with artificial reality. Three I’s of Virtual Reality Virtual reality is both interactive and immersive. These features are the two I’s that most people are aware of, however, virtual reality is not just a medium or a high-end user interface, it has application to solve real problems in engineering, medicine etc. These applications are designed by virtual reality developers. The extent, to which an application is able to solve a particular problem well, depends very much on the human imagination, the third “I” of Virtual Reality. Therefore, VR is an integrated trio of immersion-interaction-imagination (the three I’s of Virtual Reality). Types of Virtual Reality There are three main forms of virtual reality: The first is perhaps the most familiar. It consists of a helmet which has small TV screens and earphones fitted into it, and a glove (some systems use a joystick or wand instead of a glove). The helmet and glove are linked to computers which are programmed with special sounds and graphics. The second form of virtual reality uses video cameras to track the image of the user in a virtual world where you can also pick up or move objects. Both these VR systems allow more than one person to take part at the same time. The final type of VR is where three- dimensional images are played on a large, curved screen. The shape of the screen helps to give you a greater sense of being in the virtual world. By wearing special 3-D glasses, this effect can be greatly improved. Advantages of Virtual Reality Virtual Reality has many advantages. It allows disabled people to do those actions that they normally cannot do. Using VR, people in wheelchairs, can have liberty of movement which they do not have in normal life. At present, very few people can afford to buy a VR system. But as the technology is growing day by day, lightweight helmets and more powerful computers will take VR into ordinary homes.
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Using virtual reality, doctors have already been 'inside' a body. At the University of North Carolina, USA, virtual reality allowed doctors to enter a cancer patient's chest to make sure that radiation beams needed to treat the cancer were in the right place. Doctors will soon be able to look at and study tumours at first hand and in 3-D rather than from scans and x-rays. Uses of Virtual Reality The uses for virtual reality are wide ranging and cover games where you can drive a car, fly a plane, help train doctors in the art of surgery or teaching pilots to fly aircraft safety. These computer generated worlds can be of any size - as vast as the universe or as small as atoms and molecules. However, along with the good comes the bad. Virtual reality could also be used for destructive purposes, such as war and crime. Hence, the uses for virtual reality are infinite. Importance of Virtual Reality Virtual reality is important because it can visualize the unknown or the unpredictable. This might lead to virtual reality operators carrying out repairs in space, with the help of a robot. In a technique called virtual puppetry a robot is controlled by a skilled operator and mimics all the operator's movements. The possibilities for virtual reality are enormous. Future residents of new towns will be able to walk around virtual streets, shops, houses and parks before a single brick has been laid. There are already plans to redesign the whole of the city of Berlin, the capital of Germany, using virtual reality. Linkage with Modern computing technology The Modern as well as future computing technology will be Virtual Reality programs. First, Virtual Reality (VR) programs can be used to teach medical students. Virtual reality programs allow viewers to interact directly with a three-dimensional imaginary world. Second, Virtual Expo, an interactive, multimedia Web-based duplication of a trade show booth, complete with video presentations on all its products but without the hassle and cost of actually attending. More and more soft wares are now being developed using virtual reality programs. It gives entertainment as well as information and education. Virtual reality will soon be in classrooms, where students/children will use VR programs to learn their subjects. So, all in all, Virtual reality is greatly used in modern computing technology.
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Robotics: Robotics is the science and technology of robots, and their design, manufacture, and application. Robots are Self-governing, programmable electromechanical devices used in industry and in scientific research to perform a task or a limited range of tasks. Robots are a subcategory of automated devices. Although no generally recognized criteria exists that distinguishes them from other automated systems, robots tend to be more versatile and adaptable (or reprogrammable). . They offer the advantages of being able to perform more quickly, cheaply, and accurately than humans in conducting routines. They are capable of operating in locations or under conditions hazardous to human health, ranging from areas of the factory floor to the ocean depths and outer space. The term robot itself is derived from the Czech word robota, meaning “compulsory labor”. It was first used in the 1921 play R.U.R. (which stands for “Rossum's Universal Robots”) by the Czech novelist and playwright Karel Èapek, to describe a mechanical device that looks like a human but, lacking human sensibility, can perform only automatic, mechanical operations. In the play, however, the robots proved much more capable than that, eventually conquering and destroying their makers. Robots as they are known today are not really derivative of human or other living forms except in the limited aspect of digital awareness. Robots today are equipped with a small microprocessor or microprocessors that can handle the data being fed to them by various sensors of the surrounding environment. Making use of the principle of feedback, robots can then change their operations to some degree in response to changes in that environment. The commercial use of robots is spreading, with the increasing automation of factories, and they have long since become essential to many laboratory procedures. Japan is in the forefront of nations exploring robot technology. What Do Robots Do? Most robots today are used in factories to build products such as cars and electronics. Others are used to explore underwater and even on other planets. What are Robots Made Of? Robots have 3 main components ? Brain - usually a computer ? Actuators and mechanical parts - motors, pistons, grippers, wheels, gears ? Sensors - vision, sound, temperature, motion, light, touch, etc. With these three components, robots can interact and affect their environment to become useful.
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The Impact of Robotics on Society Since robots are used mainly in manufacturing, we see their impact in the products we use every day. Usually this results in a cheaper product. Robots are also used in cases where it can do a better job than a human such as surgery where high exactness is a benefit. And, robots are used in exploration in dangerous places such as in volcanoes & space, which allows us to learn without endangering ourselves.
Three Laws of Robotics Popular science fiction writer Isaac Asimov created the Three Laws of Robotics: #1 A robot must not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. #2 A robot must always obey orders given to it by a human being, except where it would conflict with the first law. #3 A robot must protect its own existence, except where it would conflict with the first or second law.
Problems with Robotics Yes there are problems. As with any machine, robots can break and even cause disaster. They are powerful machines that we allow to control certain things. When something goes wrong, terrible things can happen. Luckily, this is rare because robotic systems are designed with many safety features that limit the harm they can do. There's also the problem of evil people using robots for evil purposes. This is true today with other forms of technology such as weapons. Of course, robots could be used in future wars. This could be good or bad. If humans perform their aggressive acts by sending machines out to fight other machines, that would be better than sending humans out to fight other humans. Teams of robots could be used to defend a country against attacks while limiting human casualties. -5-
Advantages of Robotics The advantages are obvious - robots can do things we humans just don't want to do, and usually do it cheaper. Robots can do things more precise than humans and allow progress in medical science and other useful advances.
Job Displacement Some people are concerned that robots will reduce the number of jobs and kick people out of their jobs. This is almost never the case. The net affect of advanced technology such as robots (or cars, electric drills and other machines) is that humans become more productive.
The Future of Robotics The population of robots is growing rapidly. This growth is led by Japan that has almost twice as many robots as the USA. All estimates suggest that robots will play an ever-increasing role in modern society. They will continue to be used in tasks where danger, cost, and other barriers prevent humans from performing.
Linkage with modern computing technology Robotics has linkage with computing technology in a great way. We can control robots through computer. It is not possible to control them manually as they only understand commands given to it by computer, so modern computers are playing a key role in the working and managing of Robots, Robots in future will perform more and more tasks and will make difficult works quite easy, hence robotics science has got a great linkage with modern computing technology.
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Human-Computer Interaction: Human–computer interaction or HCI is the study of interaction between people (users) and computers. It is often regarded as the intersection of computer science, behavioral sciences, design and several other fields of study. The following definition is given by the Association for Computing Machinery. “Human-computer interaction is a discipline concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them."
HCI is also sometimes referred to as man–machine interaction (MMI) or computer– human interaction (CHI).
HCI vs. MMI MMI has been used to refer to any man–machine interaction, including, but not exclusively computers, where HCI is exclusively computer and human interaction. We can say that HCI is a subset of MMI.
Linkage with modern computing technology
Human-computer interaction is advancing day by day. All the future technologies are based on computers, whether it is virtual reality or artificial intelligence or any other technology, everything is enhancing humans interaction with computer, so this interaction will continue to develop more and more, and its has a become a necessity in today’s life to have interaction with computers in one or other way.
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Artificial intelligence “Artificial intelligence is the part of computer science concerned with designing intelligent computer systems, which exhibits the characteristics normally we associate with intelligence in human behavior.” Or “The study of how to make computers do things that minds can do.” Or “It is concerned with getting computers to do tasks that require human intelligence.” Or Different areas of AI are more closely related to psychology, philosophy, logic, and linguistics. AI is not just a sub-field of computer science but infact it can overlap it. Scope of Artificial Intelligence AI programs can do many different things. They can play games, predict share values, interpret photographs, diagnose diseases, plan travel itineraries, translate languages, take dictation, draw analogies, help design complex machinery, teach logic, make jokes, compose music, do drawings, and learn to do tasks better. Some of these things they do well. Expert systems can make medical diagnoses as well as, or better than, most human doctors. The world chess champion Garry Kasparov was beaten by a program in 1997; computers often predict share prices better than humans, and some AI-generated music sounds like compositions by famous composers. Other things, they do rather badly. Their translations are imperfect, but good enough to be understood.. And their jokes are poor, although some are found funny by children. To match everything that people can do, they would need to model the richness of human memory and common sense. Moreover, programs do only one thing, whereas people do many things. AI robots, although more flexible than industrial robots, are similarly limited. Very few can avoid obstacles smoothly, or move across uneven surfaces without falling over. Robots that plan their actions beforehand are vulnerable to unexpected environmental changes. Even if a robot performs successfully, it cannot undertake a wide
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variety of tasks. And its success often requires simplification of the environment: floorcleaning robots are useful only if the floor is uncluttered. Nevertheless, AI-robots can do boring, dirty, or dangerous jobs, sometimes in places that humans cannot reach.
Artificial Intelligence and Real Intelligence The question, “Is artificial intelligence possible?” is unclear. It may mean, “Can AI programs actually produce results that resemble human behavior?” This is a scientific question. The answer at present is yes, at least in some cases. Whether it would also be true to say that this is so in all cases, is not yet known. Some things that most people assume computers could never do are already possible. AI programs can compose appealing music, draw attractive pictures, and even play the piano “expressively”. Other things are more elusive: producing perfect translations of a wide range of texts; making fundamental, yet acceptable transformations of musical style; producing robots that move normally over rough ground, swim across rivers, or climb mountains. It is controversial whether these things are merely very difficult in practice, or impossible in principle. Alternatively, “Is artificial intelligence possible?” may mean, “Could any program (or robot), no matter how humanlike its performance, really be intelligent?” Some philosophers and AI researchers argue that intelligence can arise only in bodily creatures sensing and acting in the real world. If this is correct, then robotics is essential to the attempt to construct truly intelligent artifacts. If not, then a mere AI program might be intelligent. Whether an AI system could be conscious is an especially controversial topic. The concept of consciousness itself is ill understood, both scientifically and philosophically. Some people think it obvious that any robot, no matter how superficially humanlike, must be zombie-like. But others think it obvious that a robot whose functions matched the relevant functions of the brain (whatever those may be) would inevitably be conscious. The answer has moral implications: if an AI system were conscious, it would arguably be wrong to “kill” it, or even to use it as a “slave”. Linkage with modern computing technology Artificial Intelligence is a part of computer science so its linkage with computing technology remains at a high level. The computers at the present moment don’t have that much intelligence to perform works on their own but as artificial intelligence will advance; computing technology will have a great role to play in the field of Artificial Intelligence.
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Q#12(a): What are business tariffs charged by mobile telecom operators in Pakistan? How do these companies charge subscribers for roaming services? What are expected business plans of Mobilink, Warid, Telenor, Zong & Ufone? Give a comparative analysis of all these operators. Ans: There are five main mobile telecom operators working throughout Pakistan i.e. Mobilink, Warid, Telenor, Zong, Ufone. It has been observed that business people get special tariffs from all these operators. Business people mostly use Post-paid packages offered by these operators. The post-paid tariffs of these operators are given below
Mobilink: Mobilink is the oldest mobile network operator working in Pakistan. As Mobilink was the first company which introduced mobile technology in Pakistan, so most business people at that time started to use Mobilink and till now they are using this network operator. Mobilink’s Post-paid packages known as Indigo are mostly used by people working in business organizations. Post-paid tariffs of Mobilink are given below:
Details
1
Weekend Tariffs Rs/min Rs/min Rs/min Monthly Monthly Rs/Month Rs/msg Number 0.99 0.99
Freedom Plan
Freedom Unlimited
2 0.75 0.75 1.50 100 15 100 1.00 3 - 10 -
3 0.63 0.63 1.25 400 20 400 1.00 3
3+ 0.50 0.50 1.00 800 25 900 0.75 3
4 0.40 N/A 0.60 1200 30 1500 0.50 N/A
BASIC N/A N/A 0.30 5000 1,000 5,000 0.20 N/A
PREMIUM
N/A N/A 0.30 5000 1,000 6,000 0.20 N/A
F&F Charges Air Time Charges Free Minutes Free SMS Line Rent SMS F&F Line
2.0 0 10 0 1.0 3
Indigo gives its business users best services to maximize the speed of their business. Mobisafe: Mobilink shows care for the security of its business customers as much as they do. Through Mobisafe, users can now copy the contacts from their phone’s phonebook to Mobilink Server so that in case of Cell Phone theft, users can retrieve their contact details. Contacts can be uploaded via SMS or GPRS. Mobilink Connect Card: Mobilink Connect Card is a device which can be connected to any LAPTOP Computer. Users can then use the Internet anywhere within the coverage of Mobilink. Fax Mail: Now Mobilink Indigo customers can send and receive faxes through their mobile phone. PIA Reservation: This service allows the customers to know about PIA reservations and schedule timings. PSO Cards: Indigo customers can refuel their vehicles on any PSO Station across the country by simply swapping their Mobilink Indigo Rewards Cards. Stock Watch: From this service Mobilink Postpaid customers can get continuous updates on their stocks listed on the LSE (Lahore Stock Exchange) or KSE (Karachi Stock Exchange) anytime through Mobilink's Stock Watch.
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Postpaid Roaming: Zone Countries
Incoming Outgoing Call SMS SMS Call Incoming Outgoing Call Local International to Pak
$0.38 + Terminating Fee $0.38 + Terminating Fee $1.49 $0.90 $2.99 $0.13 $0.37
1
Bangladesh and others
2
Afghanistan, New Zealand and Middle east countries
$2.25
$0.90
$2.99
$0.13
$0.37
3
Australia, Canada, France, Srilanka, United States & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$2.99
$1.49
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
4
Germany, Poland, Sweden, Turkey & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$3.20
$1.49
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
5
Belgium, Denmark, Malaysia, Portugal, South Korea, United Kingdom Brazil, Kenya, Mexico & others
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$3.49
$0.90
$3.99
$0.13
$0.37
6
$0.38 + Terminating Fee
$4.95
$1.49
$4.95
$0.13
$0.37
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Warid: Warid Telecom is another mobile network operator working in Pakistan since 2005. Within 80 days of launch Warid Pakistan claims to have attracted more than 1 million users. Warid Telecom has 16.15 million subscribers as of September 2008. It is ranked as the fourth largest operator in Pakistan. Warid Pakistan claims it has the largest "post-paid" subscriber base in Pakistan. To attract business people, Warid has its postpaid plan branded by the name of Zahi Post-paid. International Roaming is also available to its post-paid users. Zahi post-paid tariffs are as under: Connection Line Rent Warid 250 250 Warid 750 750 450 300 Warid 1500 1500 900 600 Warid 2500 2500 1700 800 Warid Unlimited 4000 Unlimited 1000
Free 175 minutes(onnet) Free 75 minutes (offnet) ( Landline+ Other mobiles) Free SMS Airtime Weekend rates( onnet) On-net 0.43 0.63
250
500
Unlimited
0.35 0.50 0.70 0.75 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00
0.20 0.30 0.45 0.70 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00
0.10 0.13 0.38 0.68 0.50 1.00 5.00 3.00 0.30 0.65 -
-
Off0.75 net(Other Mobile) Off-net 0.80 (Landline) Messaging SMS(on-net) 0.50 SMS(off-net) 1.00
International 5.00 MMS 3.00
5.00 3.00
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Warid Post-paid Roaming:
Country
Network Incoming Outgoing Call Charges Operator Call Inland Call Call to Charges back to any Pakistan other country Afghanistan AWCC $0.84 $0.82 $2.06 $4.11 Afghanistan Etisalat $0.56 $0.38 $1.37 $1.37 Australia Optus $0.54 $0.56 $3.47 $5.31 Australia Telstra $0.34 $0.65 $2.15 $5.35 United Orange $0.34 $0.56 $3.26 $3.37 Kingdom United AT & T $1.57 $1.68 $3.72 $3.89 States UAE Etisalat $0.34 $1.37 $2.06 $2.06
SMS Charges
$1.12 $0.69 $0.36 $0.37 $0.34 $0.51 $0.69
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Ufone: Ufone is a Mobile network operator working in Pakistan. It is a subsidiary of PTCL. After PTCL privatization, Ufone is now owned by Etisalat. Ufone postpaid services are marketed by the name “postpay”. These services are mostly targeted towards the business community of the country. Postpay Tariffs are as under, Talk Plans ZLR EASE Value Extra Postpay Unite
Monthly Line rent(Rs.) Outgoing Charges(per 30 sec) Ufone to Ufone Ufone to others Ufone to PTCL SMS Charges Ufone to Ufone Ufone to others International SMS Free Free minutes Free SMS
0
199
399
999
499
6am to 9am 0.90 0.99 1.00 0.60 0.99 0.80 0.50 0.99 0.70 0.40 0.90 0.60 0.50 1.40 1.20
9pm to am Free 0.90 0.70
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0.50 1.00 1.50
0 0
200 50
400 100
1000 200
-
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Ufone Roaming Tariff: Country Australia Canada China Incoming Call 0.21 1.27 0.83 Outgoing(Onnet) 0.58 1.21 0.81 Outgoing ( Pakistan) 2.30 2.50 2.35 SMS 0.40 0.37 0.39
Bangladesh (Warid)
0.39
0.73
0.73
0.19
Zong: Zong is the first International brand of China Mobile launched in Pakistan. Earlier, the same operator was working in Pakistan with the name of Paktel, but in 2007, Paktel was sold to China Mobile, hence CM renamed it as Zong. Zong also has postpaid packages to offer to Business Community. Its postpaid Tariffs are given below: All rates are applicable on 30 seconds.
Line Rent (Rs.) On-net (Rs.) Off-net (Rs.) Spouse No. Free SMS( On & Off-net) SMS Rate(Rs.) Free Minutes Breakup Free Minutes (Offnet) On-net
0 0.6 0.9 0.4 0 1 0 0 0
100 0.6 0.9 0.25 25 0.75 100 75 25
500 0.4 0.8 0.15 50 0.5 600 450 150
1000 0.3 0.75 Free 100 0.5 1200 900 300
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Zong also offers roaming services to their subscribers who visit other countries. The Roaming Tariffs of some major countries are as under: All rates are in US Dollars Country Incoming Inland Rate 0.75 0.46 1.41 0.55 0.70 1.16 0.57 1.13 Call to Pakistan 1.88 0.80 2.92 1.42 2.67 2.66 3.03 2.04 SMS
Afghanistan 0.90 Bangladesh Canada China Japan Saudi Arabia United Kingdom UAE 0.70 1.69 0.76 0.28 1.28 1.29 0.62
0.63 0.21 0.43 0.22 0.35 0.53 0.30 0.65
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Telenor: Telenor is a Pakistani GSM Cellular service provider and is a subsidiary of Telenor, Norway. It has a subscriber base of 18.63 million as of October 2008.
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Telenor Roaming Tariff: Country Incoming Call Charges 116.11 54.66 33.00 58.05 121.54
Outgoing (Local)
Canada (Rogers) Australia UK (Vodafone) UAE (Etisalat) USA (TMobile) • •
95.99 21.66 17.64 71.78 117.39
Outgoing( Outgoing Pakistan) ( Rest of the World) 172.10 377.78 124.98 246.99 129.72 225.82 444.84 246.99 389.16 417.82
Outgoing SMS 25.19 28.26 17.64 41.08 24.87
Incoming SMS are free All charges are in Pak Rupees
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References
For Q#2 • • • • • www.mobilinkgsm.com www.telenor.com.pk www.waridtel.com www.ufone.com www.zong.com.pk For Q#1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=journal&issn=1359-4338 www.library.thinkquest.org/26890/virtualrealityt.htm www.hyperlabs.net/vr/roma/01.html www.books.google.com.pk/books?isbn=0471360899... www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~nd/surprise_96/journal/vol1/kcgw/article1.html www.cs.unc.edu/Outreach/vr/Intro%20VR/VR_applications.html www.projects.edte.utwente.nl/proo/kommers.htm www.thetech.org/robotics/ www.howstuffworks.com/robot.htm www.auburn.edu/~vestmon/robotics.html www.library.thinkquest.org/C0126120/future.htm www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human-computer_interaction www.formal.stanford.edu/jmc/whatisai/ www.technospot.net/blogs/evolution-and-future-of-artificial-intelligenceai-vs-human/
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doc_180061471.doc