jimmyz%oak.DECnet@PINE.CIRCA.UFL.EDU ("OAK::JIMMYZ") (06/02/88)
I've been realizing recently that there are a LOT of smart machines out there. Cars that monitor their usage to automatically adjust fuel flow for better gas efficiency, warn of doors being ajar, sense when someone is sitting in a seat and request that person fasten their seat belts. And the blasted things talk back to you. Then there are those new refrigerator/Freezer machines that have precise tempature AND humidity control, along with the smart cars ability of warning when the door is ajar. Now, how about those smart elevators? THey can adjust their movement patterns based on time of day and floor level, which comes from constant monitoring of usage of the elevators. THey can tell when someone is just playing with the buttons, and cancel the 12 different floor requests little jonny punched in. And in general, make life easier for everyone. So where is it going to end? Smart newspaper machines, Smart VCR's, Smart TVs(THat'd be a switch,) smart toaster ovens? I'd like to find more information about these "smart" devices. Can anyone out there tell me of some articles to look up? I'm also interested in various gadetery, things like the electronic tape measure, or computerized angle measurer/level. "It's the wave of the future folks, so don't wipeout." ------