January 1992 | ROY WANT, ANDY HOPPER, VERONICA FALCÃO and JONATHAN GIBBONS
The Active Badge Location System is a novel method for tracking the location of individuals in an office environment. Staff members wear badges that transmit signals to a centralized location service through a network of sensors. The system also explores alternative location techniques, system design issues, and applications, particularly in telephone call routing. Privacy concerns are addressed, as location systems can raise issues about individual privacy.
The system uses infrared signals for communication between badges and sensors, which are small, cheap, and effective for indoor use. The badges emit a unique code every 15 seconds, allowing the system to track their location. The system is designed to be energy-efficient, with a battery lasting about a year. The badges can be worn on clothing, and the system can detect them even when they are in different locations.
The system includes a network of sensors that collect data and send it to a master station, which processes the data and makes it available to clients. The system can be integrated with computer networks, and it has been used in various applications, including telephone call routing and locating people in an office.
The system has been tested in a research laboratory and has shown to be effective in locating people and improving office operations. However, privacy concerns have been raised, and the system allows individuals to remove their badges to avoid being tracked. The system also includes features that allow users to control when calls are forwarded to them.
The system has been implemented in several locations, including a research laboratory and a university. It has been well-received, with staff finding it useful for locating people and improving office efficiency. However, privacy concerns remain, and there is a need for legislation to ensure that the system is used responsibly.
The Active Badge system is a technology-driven research project that has shown promise in various applications. It has the potential to be used in other areas, such as security and building management. However, there is a risk that the technology could be misused, and legislation is needed to protect individuals' privacy. The system is a useful and welcome office system for professionals responsible for their own work time.The Active Badge Location System is a novel method for tracking the location of individuals in an office environment. Staff members wear badges that transmit signals to a centralized location service through a network of sensors. The system also explores alternative location techniques, system design issues, and applications, particularly in telephone call routing. Privacy concerns are addressed, as location systems can raise issues about individual privacy.
The system uses infrared signals for communication between badges and sensors, which are small, cheap, and effective for indoor use. The badges emit a unique code every 15 seconds, allowing the system to track their location. The system is designed to be energy-efficient, with a battery lasting about a year. The badges can be worn on clothing, and the system can detect them even when they are in different locations.
The system includes a network of sensors that collect data and send it to a master station, which processes the data and makes it available to clients. The system can be integrated with computer networks, and it has been used in various applications, including telephone call routing and locating people in an office.
The system has been tested in a research laboratory and has shown to be effective in locating people and improving office operations. However, privacy concerns have been raised, and the system allows individuals to remove their badges to avoid being tracked. The system also includes features that allow users to control when calls are forwarded to them.
The system has been implemented in several locations, including a research laboratory and a university. It has been well-received, with staff finding it useful for locating people and improving office efficiency. However, privacy concerns remain, and there is a need for legislation to ensure that the system is used responsibly.
The Active Badge system is a technology-driven research project that has shown promise in various applications. It has the potential to be used in other areas, such as security and building management. However, there is a risk that the technology could be misused, and legislation is needed to protect individuals' privacy. The system is a useful and welcome office system for professionals responsible for their own work time.