Demonstrated at CES 2011, the Anti Sleep Pilot is an aftermarket automotive device intended to predict and prevent the consequences of driver fatigue. Personalized calculations of the driver’s fatigue level using reaction times established from initial tests allow the Anti Sleep Pilot to determine when to alert the driver to take a break. To see […]
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Sensing in the AR.Drone Quadricopter
Controlled by a cell phone (iPhone/iPod, Touch/iPad and others), Parrot’s AR.Drone quadricopter uses pressure sensors (for altitude) and camera sensors for its control. At the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas, Yoni Benatar, project manager for Parrot explains the sensors in the wirelessly-controlled aerial robot to Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank. The AR.Drone employs […]
IR Sensing Used in Instrument Panel Concept
At the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas, an expert in Visteon’s tent demonstrates infrared (IR) technology to sense where a driver points in a concept instrument panel to Sensor Tips senior editor Randy Frank. Occupant interface technology using IR sensing tracks the finger and has advantages over a capacitive proximity sensing. To see the […]
Robotic Floor Cleaner Relies on Sensors
At the Digital Experience at the 2011 International CES in Las Vegas, Evolution Robotics displayed a robotic hardwood floor cleaner that used several different types of sensing technologies. For navigation, the robot uses a NorthStar navigation system that provides a GPS-like beacon using infrared technology to the robot to guide the robot’s path across the […]
A Short Demonstration of GM’s EN-V Capabilities
I attended the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and had the opportunity to look for sensors in a variety of applications. General Motors two-wheel EN-V concept vehicle provided a great example. Driven in a variety of modes, including autonomous driven over a programmed path, the electric vehicles demonstrated both tracking and collision […]
Accelerometer Adds IEEE 1451.4 TEDS Capabilities
The IEEE 1451.4 Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) established common templates and descriptive language for plug and play sensors. Analog sensors with the self-identification have a paper-less method of managing sensor and calibration information. Meggitt Sensing Systems Endevco model 7290D series is one of latest to incorporate the capability. The 7290D series employs a variable […]
Monitor Gas Pipeline Vibration with 4-20 mA Transmitters
Monitoring machinery health is common in many industrial applications to reduce downtown and avoid catastrophic failures. When a hazardous environment such as a gas pipeline is involved, special packaging is required. IMI Sensors newest Series 640 (hazardous area-approved versions) transmitters are manufactured to meet specific natural gas industry design requirements, including certification in accordance with […]
Measure Industrial Differential Line Pressures up to 2,000 PSI
It’s amazing how much information a sensor’s package conveys regarding its application. American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) AST5400 screams industrial, high pressure. In fact, the wet / wet differential pressure sensor can measure line pressures up to 2,000 PSI. With microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology as the sensing mechanism, the package uses Krystal Bond Technology to […]
Sense Differential Pressure over a Wide Range in Medical Ventilation Applications
While many medical ventilation measurements are easily handled by a 0 to 500 Pa differential pressure sensor, some require a wider dynamic range. For these applications, Sensirion introduced the SDP2108-R sensor. Based on its SDP1108-R that covers a measurement range of 0 to 500 Pa, the SDP2108-R addresses a range of 0 to 3500 Pa.The […]
Acquire Motion Control and Position Sensing Data with Serial Synchronous Interface Module
Opto 22’s SNAP-SCM-SSI Serial Module provides a communications interface between digital encoders and its SNAP PAC System I/O processors or programmable automation controllers. The module’s two isolated serial synchronous inputs (SSI) simplify acquiring data from optical and mechanical encoders and other types of linear and rotary transducers. Accommodating an SSI clock frequency of up to […]