| A sensor is a device that responds to an input | | | | networks. A sensor network is a group of specialized |
| quantity by generating a functionally related output | | | | transducers with a communications infrastructure |
| usually in the form of an electrical or optical sight. | | | | intended to monitor and record conditions at varying |
| There are many different types of sensors: position | | | | locations. Areas commonly monitored include |
| sensors, load sensors, tilt sensors, and vibration | | | | temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction and |
| sensors to name a few, and they are present in | | | | speed, illumination intensity, vibration intensity, sound |
| multiple fields that warrant the technology. | | | | intensity, power-line voltage, chemical concentrations, |
| In the past twenty years there has been | | | | pollutant levels, and vital body functions. This |
| tremendous growth in the number of products and | | | | intelligent is achieved by using solely or a combination |
| services that utilize information acquired by monitoring | | | | of the tilt, load, vibration, and position sensors |
| and quantifying different types of sensors. Sensors | | | | mentioned in the introduction. |
| have been produced to match the need of these | | | | A sensor network can be broken down further into |
| afore mentioned services, and is referred to as | | | | multiple detection stations called ‘sensor |
| sensor technology. Sensor technology encompasses | | | | nodes.’ Each sensor node is minute, lightweight, |
| a broad range of services including those applicable in | | | | and portable. Each node is equipped with a |
| the environment, medicine, commerce, and industry. | | | | transducer, microcomputer, transceiver, and power |
| Organizations of the relevant areas are realizing the | | | | source. The transducer generates electrical signals |
| implications of encouraging the growth of sensor | | | | based on sensed physical effects. The |
| technology. Most sensors are electrical or electronic, | | | | microcomputer both processes and stores the sensor |
| though other types exist. Sensors are used in | | | | output. The transceiver (being hard-wired or wireless) |
| everyday life with applications in areas such as | | | | receives commands from a centralized computer and |
| automobiles, machines, medicine, and robotics. | | | | transmits data back to the computer. The power for |
| Sensor Networks | | | | each sensor node is derived from the electric utility |
| Sensors usually work in a network, called sensor | | | | or from a battery. |