The school of tomorrow is here, today! The school is a joint effort between Microsoft and the State school organiasation. And the included you tube videos detail some exciting details that are similar to my Device. RFID is used, with each pupil having it embeded in their ID cards. Allowing access to lockers, canteen services and other personal features.

Each student is also given a laptop.In much the same way i see my digital device would be utlised. Another intereting point is that there are no ’set class rooms’ for subjects . Instead students are informed via software updates on their laptops when and where each class will be occurring during the day.

News mini-feature

Government technology Video

“Rapid Advances in computing are transforming the wat we teach, learn and live. one of the lets to helping the next generation realise its potential is empowering todays teachers to use technology creatively
this is why microsoft and the school district of Philadelphia have partnered together on the school of the future – it is creating an environment where students and teachers can explore the tremendous possibilities of computing.”
- Bill Gates

Interesting artical from a related blog detailing some of the principles that would benefit my device.  Some of the features (such as security and attendance monitoring) could be implemented using excisting and established technology. RFID tagging springs to mind.

Some interesting and related RFID material can be found at its Wiki. There is also additional historical info at The Register 

Medical uses are an obvious avenue for practical Smart device application. Users with Cronic illness such as Diabeties, heart or cognative issues could utilise such a device to document patient development remotly.

For example blood pressure, temperature and other criteria could be linked to a patients smart device. This can be documented and fed into a local hospital/ GP system which monitors patient status continuously. Any alarming changes in data above certain threshholds would immediatly inform the corresponding service or official.

Such systems are already being developed. Such as IBM and the University of Florida there is also a (quite idealistic) video accompaying…

In this video (And in a typical american sentimental way) there are some reletive ways smart devices and the convergence of these with other technologys could revolutise health care in the future.

Also worth a mention is the ongoing NHS IT system that is utilising RFID tagging to track equipment, medicines and patients in a similar manner .