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