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Sensors and Sensing
An Introduction


Prof. David Bernstein
James Madison University

Computer Science Department
bernstdh@jmu.edu

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Definitions
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  • Sensor:
    • A component which detects or measures one or more properties of its environment
  • Physical Sensor:
    • Physical device (often electronic and/or mechanical) that measures properties of its physical environment
Definitions (cont.)
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  • Sensitivity:
    • A measure of the change of sensors output from a change in the inputs (i.e., a change in the environment)
  • Resolution:
    • The smallest amount/size of the property that can be measured
Desirable Properties
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  • Sensitivity/Insensitivity:
    • Sensitive to the property being measured and insensitive to other properties
  • Uninfluential:
    • Does not influence the property being measured
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics
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  • Point in Space, Point in Time:
    • Measure the property at a single location at a single point in time
  • Point in Space, Interval of Time:
    • Measure the property at a single location for an entire interval of time
  • Length/Area/Volume of Space, Point in Time:
    • Measure the property at multiple points at a single point int time
  • Length/Area/Volume of Space, Interval of Time:
    • Measure the property at multiple points for an entire interval of time
There's Always More to Learn
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