ABSTRACT : Smart sensors represent the next evolutionary tools for studying the environment..

The smart environment relies first and foremost on sensory data from the real world. Sensory data comes from smart sensors of different modalities in distributed locations. Smart sensor systems are capable of prediction, interpretation,communication and intelligent interaction with the environment & hence will leverage new fault management of devices and control for distributed resources. Tremendous advances in digital signal processing and laser capabilities in recent years have enabled many new sensor developments ,one of these being smart sensors. Fundamental research has already been carried out to develop smart sensors to monitor and control robotics, mobile vehicles, cooperative autonomous systems, mechatronics and bioengineering systems. Emerging sensors and instrumentation technology can be exploited for enhanced research and operational capabilities. Such smart information technology manifests the potential for varied applications. It is envisioned that concepts of smart sensors and information technology can be transferred and applied to numerous system. The implementation of large networks of interconnected smart sensors can monitor and control our world. Better understanding of smart sensors perform satisfactorily in real-world conditions and can help improve efficiency and reliability.A sensor network consisting of a large number of smart sensors, enabling the collection, processing analysis and dissemination of valuable information gathered in a variety of environments is being implemented quickly .
integrating sensors and sensor systems

Validation of sensors is required to avoid the potential disastrous effects of the propagation of erroneous data. The incorporation of data validation into smart sensors increases the overall reliability of the system . Data fusion techniques are required in order combine information from multiple sensors and sensor types and to ensure that only the most relevant information is transmitted between sensors. SIGNIFICANCE OF SENSOR NETWORK : Sensing accuracy: The utilization of a larger number and variety of sensor nodes provides potential for greater accuracy in the information gathered as compared to that obtained from a single sensor. Area coverage: A distributed wireless network will enable the sensor network to span a greater geographical area without adverse impact on the overall network cost. Fault tolerance: Device redundancy and consequently information redundancy can be utilized to ensure a level of fault tolerance in individual sensors. Connectivity: Multiple sensor networks may be connected through sink nodes, along with existing wired networks (eg. Internet). Minimal human interaction: The potential for self-organizing and selfmaintaining networks along with highly adaptive network topology significantly reduce the need for further human interaction with a network other than the receipt of information. Operability in harsh environments: Robust sensor design, integrated with high levels of fault tolerance and network reliability enable the deployment of sensor networks in dangerous and hostile environments.

CHALLENGES : Changing network topology:Advanced communication protocols are required to support high level services and real-time operation, adapting rapidly to extreme changes in network conditions. Resource optimization: Optimised sensor scheduling for distributed networks, through accurate determination of the required density of sensor nodes in order to minimize cost, power and network traffic loads, while ensuring network reliability and adequate sensor resolution for data accuracy. Limitations: Power, memory, processing power, life-time. Failure prone: Individual sensors are unreliable, particularly in harsh and unpredictable environments. Addressing sensor reliability can reduce the level of redundancy required for a network to operate with the same level of reliability. Network congestion resulting from dense network deployment: The quantity of data gathered may exceed the requirements of the network and so evaluation of the data and transmission of only relevant and adequate information needs the be performed. Security is a critical factor in sensor networks, given some of the proposed applications. An effective compromise must be obtained, between the low bandwidth requirements of sensor network applications and security demands . APPLICATIONS OF SMART SENSORS: SMART SENSOR FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING:

Recent reports of accidents involving sport utility vehicles have led to tire recalls and fingerpointing at vehicle design, tire quality, tire pressure, or driver error as the underlying cause of the problem. The information must be wirelessly transmitted to the driver, typically via RF, and displayed in the cabin of the vehicle. The remote sensing module consists of a pressure sensor, a signal processor, a temperature sensor that compensates pressure variations due to temperature changes, and an RF transmitter. The system is powered by a battery with embedded intelligence that prolongs its operating life. Because battery replacement is out of the question, and replacing the entire module

is not a cost-effective option for the average car owner, most of the existing specifications require up to 10 years of battery life. TPMS(Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor): The receiver can either be dedicated to TPM use or shared with other functions in the car. For instance, the receiver controller could be the existing dashboard controller or the body controller. Or the receiver itself could be shared with the remote keyless entry (RKE) system since both systems are using the same frequency range. This functional sharing feature helps with the system cost, reduces design cycle time, and makes the TPMS easier to integrate into the automobile. TPMS SENSOR MODULE THE OTHER APPLICATIONS INCLUDE: Bushfire response using a low cost, typically dormant, distributed sensor network early warning and localisation of bush fires can be achieved, hence saving life and property, whilst reducing the cost of monitoring Intelligent transportation low cost sensors build into roads and road signs can assist to manage traffic flow and inform emergency services of traffic problems Real-time health monitoring a nano-technology based bio-sensor network can assist in monitoring an ageing population, and inform health care professionals in a timely manner of potential health issues. Unmanned aerial vehicle surveillance swarms of low cost unmanned autonomous and co-operating aerial vehicles could be deployed to conduct surveillance and monitoring in remote or hostile environments Water catchment and eco-system monitoring and management sensor networks that keep track of water quality, salinity, turbity and biological contamination, soil condition, plant stress and so on could be coordinated to assist environmentally sustainable management of entire water catchment areas

Robotic landmine detection A sensor network for the detection and removal or deactivation of landmines. A reliable sensor network will enable the safe removal of landmines in former war zones, reducing the risk to those involved in the removal process. The cost effectiveness of the network will aid in the its application throughout third world nations where the after effects of war continue to take a toll on people living in areas still containing live explosives. The utilization of smart sensor technology to detect explosives, will overcome difficulties in detection of un-encased landmines.

CONCLUSION: Thus we conclude that the smart sensors are cost effective, highly accurate and reliable small in size and have a varied future scope beneficial to mankind. The sensor revolution are entirely practical applications that are just coming on the market.

Reference:

WEBSITES : www.sensorsetworks.com www.complexibotics.com www.opengis.org www.businessweek.com www.wikipedia.com www.sensors-research.com www.sensorsportal.com www.sentix.org www.sensorsynergy.com

BOOKS: R. Frank, and D. Zehrbach; Testing the System on a Chip Sensors, vol. 15. Crovella, Robert M., Sensor Networks and Communications R. Frank, Understanding Smart Sensors