Vineyard computing: sensor networks in agricultural production

Using ethnographic research methods, the authors studied the structure of the needs and priorities of people working in a vineyard to gain a better understanding of the potential for sensor networks in agriculture. We discuss an extended study of vineyard workers and their work practices to assess the potential for sensor network systems to aid work in this environment. The major purpose is to find new directions and new topics that pervasive computing and sensor networks might address in designing technologies to support a broader range of users and activities.