“Sensors are small and usually unobtrusive – but without
them, higher-level systems could not get the information they need to take
appropriate action. Siemens
researchers from various disciplines are working on the development,
adaptation, and integration of physical, chemical, and biological sensor
systems” (Siemens). This excerpt
shows the importance of sensors in the overall scheme of a system. Although they might be really small and
you may not even be able to see them, they serve as the backbones and form of
communication between different aspects of most higher-level systems.
Mathas believes that Smart Sensors are the future. Not only are they intelligent, but they
are adaptable as well. A smart
sensor, according to generally accepted industry definitions, combines a
sensing element, analog interface circuit, an analog-to-digital converter
(ADC), and a bus interface, all in one housing. Making the grade against the newest generation of smart
sensors, however, means that additional functionality must be included, such as
self-testing, self identification, self-validation, or self-adaptation. Of particular interest and importance
to designers are such smart sensor capabilities as self-calibration and self-diagnosis,
the ability to use signal processing and multi-sensing capabilities. There are many truly smart sensors now
on the market measuring inclines, linear movement, acceleration, etc. (Mathas).
A real world example of smart sensors in the world today is
their use in homeland security for surveillance. Automated systems that detect, track, and classify threats
without radar experts or signals intelligence experts, will allow the U.S. to
deploy a nationwide system that is secure, has low false alarms, and cues the
operators only when a real threat is detected. Automated solutions, while bringing about a reduction in
personnel costs, also contribute to time savings. A lot of technology out there is gathering tons of data. “If
you have to review the video from thousands of cameras manually, then it’s
hopeless.” “That is why we’re so
keen on smart applications in which the camera or collection system has the
capability to perform preliminary analysis, and then report interesting stuff
to humans who can further access the data (Howard).
The need for smart sensors in the world today is continually
growing and they have the potential to be an extremely integrated part of the
future in intelligent systems.
Sources:
"Sensor Technology." - Siemens Global Website.
N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.
Mathas, Carolyn. "Smart Sensors - Not Only Intelligent,
but Adaptable." Digi-key Corporation. N.p., n.d. Web.
Howard, Courtney E. "Smart Sensors - Military &
Aerospace Electronics." Smart Sensors - Military & Aerospace
Electronics. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.
I'm assuming these smart sensors can be designed to observe or track objects other than people. The reason I say this is because if my comment is true, then smart sensors can for example be used to detect machinery being used in a construction site or where an individual might be at one point in the building. A smart sensor could relay pertinent information from the construction site that the construction or project managers would care to see. We may reach a point in the future where we can ask a computer linked to the building's smart sensors where "Steve" is located and it would tell us on what floor he currently occupies. Your example of smart sensors is also spot on, as cameras nowadays can use facial recognition to link a new picture of a person to their profile.
ReplyDeleteit's really interesting how these smart sensors can be used in a variety of applications. it's amazing how the it can be used in homeland security for surveillance, and how they can detect, track, and classify threats without radar experts. I totally agree with on that the need for smart sensors in the world today is continually growing, and how they are going to be a part of the future intelligent systems.
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