Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Jason Leong
Abstract:
In 1992, Roy Want and Andy Hopper of Olivetti Research Labs unveiled a system which would increase
the efficiency of a modern organisation tremendously. The "Active Badge Location System" as they
dubbed it, could determine the whereabouts of a single staff member anywhere within the office.
The system achieved this feat through a network of infrared sensors, scattered about the office
space. By sensing the transmissions from the "Active Badges" worn by office staff, the system
could determine the exact location of any staff member instantaneously.
The goal in designing NetBadge was to produce a location system in the same vein as "Active Badge".
This system would focus on elegance through simplicity, with a penchant towards expandability.
Thus, the NetBadge system was produced. Its performance was excellent - the system accurately
located several subjects going about their daily tasks. The subjects agreed with the systems
usability and unobtrusiveness. The system's design portrays modularity, flexibility and
expandability. The possibilities for NetBadge are obvious and endless. With increasing
sophistication, the system would find a home in a myriad of location applications.
Papers:
NetBadge Thesis
Conference Paper
Additional material:
Source code | Schematics | PCBs
About
the Author
Dept of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
Jason Leong leong_j@yahoo.com
Last modified 13/10/99