Internet Of Things (IoT) Brings Smart Meters, Security And More To The Home

The Internet of Things refers to non-intrusive physical objects, which are embedded with electronic parts, processors, and other components, and which link and interact with other such objects and systems via either infra-red or radio-frequency technology and/or via other forms of human interaction over the Internet or various communication networks. Some of the most popular examples of Internet of Things devices include remotely hosted video gaming consoles, digital signage panels, medical imaging systems, personal digital assistants (PDAs), consumer electronics like laptops and cell phones, televisions, and digital signage. The Internet has also created new applications for a variety of fields, including transportation, manufacturing, warehousing, finance, distribution, utility services, real estate, entertainment, education, medicine, government, and telecommunications. The Internet allows for a virtual “whole network” of devices that can be networked together and is increasingly being used to manage these different devices in a collective manner. The concept is relatively simple: data can be shared between devices with the use of IP networking while maintaining integrity and flexibility at the same time.

For example, a PDA connected to a digital signage panel in New York City is able to communicate to a server running the corporate office’s email system, and from there, to the web services company where the PDA is provided by the manufacturer. Likewise, a medical device, like a glucose meter, is able to monitor and save data related to blood sugar levels. However, each and every piece of this connected device is completely independent, as no one device is able to interact with any other device. In fact, there is nothing at all linking these devices, except for the fact that they are all connected through the Internet.

An Internet Of Things sensor collects data about its environment. For example, a door sensor can determine whether the door is open, closed, or if someone is present inside. A smoke alarm can sense the presence of a fire, or if someone is trying to leave the building. Digital Pressure Transducers (DTP) and Components for Infrared Energy Scattering (CIS) are used in many Internet Of Things devices to monitor temperature and moisture levels, in a complete range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Smart Contact Locks are Internet-related devices that allow multiple points to connect via the Internet without the need for manual configuration. For instance, a business operator can install smart contact locks in all their company vehicles, at their head offices, at their warehouses, and at any location where employees are expected to be working. These locks then provide data about the position of each vehicle in real-time, allowing security personnel to respond quickly and prevent the theft of company-valued merchandise. Smart contact locks can be coupled with biometric authentication systems, such as fingerprints, voice recognition, and iris scans. The data collected by these systems can be transmitted to centralized control panels, which allow for the collection, storage, processing, distribution, and usage of the data.

Internet Of Things (IoT) devices are becoming an integral part of business processes everywhere. From vehicle and truck tracking to retail point of sales, sensors that provide real-time information are quickly establishing themselves as the preferred method of monitoring. For instance, in the auto industry, a car owner can now receive detailed information about his vehicle’s fuel efficiency, speed, acceleration, braking, geographic location, and even traffic violations, courtesy of automobile manufacturers’ new Real-Time Information System or RHTIS. Through consumer research and surveys, the technology has also found its way into many other industries.

Internet Of Things (IoT) devices enable distribution companies to create smarter, more efficient business processes. Smart meters, for example, allow a business to read the amount of energy it consumes in real-time. With this information, they can greatly reduce their energy costs, which translates into lower prices for consumers. Similarly, smart housewares can detect when appliances break down and immediately alert the homeowner by sending an automated phone message or text message. In addition to all of these exciting uses for Internet Of Things (IoT) sensors, there are several other areas where they can be utilized. As the technology evolves, there will be many more ways for businesses to gain access to intelligent, data-driven devices and systems that allow them to better serve their customers.