BEIJING, Jan. 9 -- Research on the paradigm shift of computing won one of China's top science prizes at the annual National Science Awards on Friday.

The team, led by Zhang Yaoxue -- president of Central South University and a professor with Tsinghua University -- invented the concept of transparent computing.

The term refers to pervasive programming in which users are not "aware" of the software, like operating systems and applications, and can access and accomplish tasks from any type of device, such as personal computers or intelligent appliances.