More Microwave Sensors To Keep Midtown Traffic "In Motion"

 The DOT's "Midtown in Motion" congestion management system will double in size, growing from a 110-block zone to a 270-block service area. The innovative system launched last July, and the DOT says it's resulted in an overall 10% improvement in travel times on the avenues. Using 100 microwave sensors, 32 traffic video cameras and E-ZPass readers at 23 intersections to measure traffic speeds, engineers in the DOT’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) have been able to spot congestion as it occurs and use "networked Advanced Solid State Traffic Controllers (ATSC) to remotely adjust Midtown traffic signal patterns" and unplug bottlenecks.

The expansion will include an additional 110 microwave sensors, 24 traffic video cameras, and 36 E-ZPass readers, and will become fully operational this September. According to an announcement from the DOT, the service area will more than double in size to include Midtown, from 1st to 9th avenues and from 42nd to 57th streets. The expansion will cost $2.9 million, with $580,000 coming from the city, and the rest from New York State. Another $2 million is being invested in 200 new ASTCs, $1.6 million of that from the Federal Highway Administration and the remainder from the city taxpayers.

The data from the sensors and cameras is transmitted wirelessly in real time to the TMC in Long Island City, where engineers make constant adjustments to traffic signals. The real-time Midtown in Motion traffic information is also available on DOT’s website, on smartphones and tablets (and is also accessible to app developers).

Midtown's bike network is also getting an upgrade as part of the DOT's bike lane expansion. The DOT plans to install four new pairs of crosstown bike lanes through Midtown; if approved, the lanes would be tightly spaced, located on 39th and 40th Streets, 43rd and 44th, 48th and 51st, and 54th and 55th. Head on over to Streetsblog for a closer look at the lanes' "odd" design.

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Advanced CO2 Sensor Industry North America Market Research Report 2016

The North America Advanced CO2 Sensor Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Advanced CO2 Sensor industry.

The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Advanced CO2 Sensor market analysis is provided for the North America markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.

Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.

The report focuses on North America major leading industry players providing information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Advanced CO2 Sensor industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.

With 152 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.

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Nonlinear Correction of Methane Sensor Based on Functional Link Neural Network

The nonlinear relation between methane concentration and the output voltage of the sensor is indicated by analysis of detection principle of catalytic methane sensor.

This paper proposes a nonlinear correction model based on functional link neural network (FLNN) with the output voltage of methane sensor as input and the methane concentration as output to eliminate the nonlinear errors in methane detection. By adding some high-order terms, the model applies the single-layer network to realize the network supervised learning.

The approach has advantages of nonlinear approach ability and independent on accurate mathematical model, it can improve network learning speed and simplify the network structure.

The experimental result shows that the maximum relative error of simulation curves is reduced to 0.86%, which is much smaller than that of piecewise linear fitting curve with 3.09%. The detection accuracy of methane sensor is improved.

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Apple’s iPhone 6 update: Pressure, temperature and humidity sensors all landing?

 It’s another week, and of course another iPhone rumour has popped up, this one concerning the sensors which will be on board the next-gen smartphone.

Specifically, the iPhone 6 could have temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors on board, according to an electronics analyst by the name of Sun Chang Xu (whose comment was spotted by G for Games, via Mac Rumours).

Apparently the news chief analyst at ESM-China has spoken to the usual inside sources to obtain this information – and also the report noted that the “pressure” sensor in question wouldn’t be a health-related (i.e. blood pressure) sensor, but that the iPhone 6 would be gauging atmospheric pressure. So Siri’s (short-term) local weather predicting skills could be augmented along those lines…

Indeed, the iPhone 6 will be expected to be bristling with various sensors – and given the S5’s move into health (with a heart-rate sensor for starters), and the serious growth predicted in the digital health and fitness market, we’d be surprised if we didn’t see a lot more health-related kit on board Apple’s next smartphone.

In another piece of iPhone 6 gossip, The News Tribe also bunged up a concept render of the next-gen iPhone which was spotted online. The leaked image supposedly indicates the general “design and size” of the device, but you’ll need a bucketful of salt (and then some) to go with that claim. See the shot below – it actually shows no bezel whatsoever on the side of the screen.

While this is fanciful to say the least, previous mock-ups, such as this one from last week, have shown an ultra-thin bezel on the sides – and this would certainly help to give the iPhone a slick new aesthetic.

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Gas Sensor Market 2016 Manufacturing Technology Development and Trends in Global and Chinese Region

Market-Research-Reports.com adds "Global and Chinese Gas Sensor Industry, 2016 Market Research Report" latest study of 150 pages, published in Jan 2016, to the Electrical & Electronic intelligence collection of its store.
This report estimate 2016-2021 Gas Sensor Industry Cost and Profit with Market Competition of Gas Sensor Industry by Country: (Including Europe, U.S., Japan, China etc.), By Company and Application.
This Global and Chinese Report 2016 is a result of industry experts' diligent work on researching the world market of Gas Sensor. The report helps to build up a clear view of the market (scenario and survey), identify major players in the industry, and analyzes the upstream raw materials, downstream clients, and current market dynamics of Gas Sensor Industry.
The report reviews the basic information of Gas Sensor including its classification, application and manufacturing technology. This report explores global and China's top manufacturers of Gas Sensor listing their product specification, capacity, Production value, and market share etc. The report further analyzes quantitatively 2011-2016 global and China's total market of Gas Sensor by calculation of main economic parameters of each company.
The first chapter introduces the Gas Sensor Industry by Brief Introduction, Development & Status of Gas Sensor Industry.
The second chapter focuses on Manufacturing Technology of Gas Sensor, the third one gives Analysis of Global Key Manufacturers (Including Company Profile, Product Specification, 2011-2016 Production Information etc.)
The fourth chapter deals with 2011-2016 Global and China Market of Gas Sensor. The chapter 5 summarizes Market Status of Gas Sensor Industry.

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Digital Humidity Sensors with Integrated Contamination Protection

At the SENSOR+TEST 2016 the Austrian sensor specialist E+E Elektronik presents for the first time the new digital humidity sensors and temperature sensors EEH110 and EEH210. The integrated E+E proprietary coating protects the sensors optimally from pollution and leads to excellent long-term stability even under harsh conditions. Several interfaces and supply voltages (3 V or 5 V) allow for easy integration of the accurate RH/T sensors in a wide range of applications.

By employing the E+E proprietary coating, developed for harsh industrial environment, EEH110 and EEH210 set a new standard on the digital sensor market. A special hygroscopic layer protects the active sensor surface from contamination and corrosion, which considerably improves the long-term stability. Additional components, such as filter caps, are not required. This simplifies the design-in of the sensors, reduces space requirements and significantly helps to reduce costs.

Precise humidity and temperature factory adjustment ensures a high accuracy of ±2% RH and ±0.3 °C (±0.5 °F). The measured values are available on I2C, PWM and PDM digital interfaces. Additionally, EEH210 features a SPI interface, while EEH110 offers an analog output for relative humidity. The choice of supply voltage, 5 V for EEH110 and 3 V for EEH210, increases the versatility of the sensors. With very small dimensions of only 3.6 x 2.8 x 0.75 mm (0.14 x 0.11 x 0.03 inch), the sensors can also be used in applications with space restrictions.

EEH110 and EE210 are optimized for mass manufacturing and can be processed automatically thanks to the DFN enclosure. The digital RH/T sensors are ideal for use in smart home applications, in air conditioning or in the field of consumer and entertainment technology.

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Using VOC Sensors to Monitor the Performance of Air Purifiers

Pollution can significantly reduce the quality of both indoor and outdoor air and is detrimental to human health. With respect to indoor air pollution, common activities like using a boiler or cooking releases dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide.

In extreme circumstances these gases can causes serious problems. When humans breathe, they produce carbon dioxide naturally. This gas can reach harmful levels if several people are sharing a single room that lacks proper ventilation.

High levels of carbon dioxide can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches and more. Office workers who spend an extended amount of time in enclosed buildings frequently report these kinds of symptoms. This phenomenon is known as sick building syndrome, and one of its risk factors is known to be poor air quality.

Symptoms often become worse with poor air quality; particularly in people who suffer from allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma. Other sources that contribute to poor air quality are cigarette smoke, dust and pollen carried in from the outdoors.

Indoor Air Pollution from Volatile Organic Compounds

Another common source of indoor air pollution are volatile organic compounds (VOC sensors), which are highly volatile substances. VOC’s sources in work and home environments include paint and varnishes, cosmetics, cleaning products, sofas, mattresses, carpets, newspapers and photocopiers.

VOCs emit an unpleasant smell, and contain several harmful compounds including chloride, benzene, acetone and formaldehyde. These compounds can cause irritation to the throat, nose and eyes, and can result in nausea and headaches. People with respiratory problems are more susceptible to these compounds.

Improving Air Quality with an Air Purifier

For people working or living in a building with poor VOCs.

  Ultraviolet light - Microorganisms are destroyed by UV light, which acts as a sterilizer. These pathogens include airborne viruses that can cause flu and other kinds of diseases.

  Activated carbon - These filters use porous carbon, which has a large surface area for particle absorption. As a result, VOCs are effectively removed.

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Toyota recalls 390,000 vehicles over fuel pressure sensors

 Toyota Motor Corp on Wednesday recalled around 390,000 vehicles in Japan and overseas to tighten a fuel pressure sensor attachment to the delivery pipe to remedy an issue which may result in leakage.

The recall by the Japanese automaker affected around 326,000 vehicles sold in Japan, including the Crown, the luxury sedan model made for the domestic market, and the Mark X sedan, along with the Lexus IS250. Production periods ranged from December 2003 to October 2007.

A total of 64,000 Lexus IS250 and GS300 vehicles were also recalled in Europe, Oceania, Asia and other regions.

Separately, Toyota recalled nearly 17,000 Crown and Crown Majesta models in Japan, produced between January 2008 and July 2013, over electrical issues with the stereo amplifier system.

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Position Sensor Market Worth 5.85 Billion USD by 2022

The increasing integration of position sensors in automotive and growing trends of industrial automation among others are the major drivers for the position sensor market.

inear position sensors are expected to lead the position sensor market
Linear position sensors are one of the most commonly used devices for position sensing. The growth is precedential due to the growing adoption of linear sensor types such as encoders, linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs), magnetostrictive sensors, potentiometers, and others in application areas such machine tools, material handling, robotics, and others to determine the linear position or displacement of the target and provide information in the form of feedback to facilitate control activities.

The market in the robotics application expected to grow at a high rate
Robotics is expected to be one of the major applications for Position Sensor Market in the coming years. Position sensors play a vital role in the operation of a robot. It provides significant information in the form of electronic signals to the controller, which helps the robots to do its tasks. Position sensors such as encoders, potentiometers, and resolvers are widely used in robotics for sensing and controlling the position of robots. Moreover, the increasing adoption of robotics in various industries such as manufacturing, automotive and others is expected to drive the market for position sensors in the near future.

Asia-Pacific expected to grow at a high rate between 2016 and 2022
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the high demand from manufacturing, packaging, and automotive industries in this region for position sensors. Additionally, the growing trend of industrial automation in Asia-Pacific is expected to fuel the position sensor market further.

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Ultra-sensitive optical oxygen sensors for characterization of nearly anoxic systems

Oxygen quantification in trace amounts is essential in many fields of science and technology. Optical oxygen sensors proved invaluable tools for ​oxygen measurements in a broad concentration range, but until now neither optical nor electrochemical oxygen sensors were able to quantify ​oxygen in the sub-nanomolar concentration range. Herein we present new optical oxygen-sensing materials with unmatched sensitivity. They rely on the combination of ultra-long decaying (several 100 ms lifetime) phosphorescent boron- and aluminium-chelates, and highly ​oxygen-permeable and chemically stable perfluorinated polymers. The sensitivity of the new sensors is improved up to 20-fold compared with state-of-the-art analogues. The limits of detection are as low as 5 p.p.b., volume in gas phase under atmospheric pressure or 7 pM in solution. The sensors enable completely new applications for monitoring of ​oxygen in previously inaccessible concentration ranges.

Oxygen undoubtedly belongs to the most important analytes on earth. Traditionally, most oxygen sensors were designed for the physiological range. However, numerous applications require monitoring of ​oxygen at significantly lower concentrations, for example, corrosion protection, surface treatment, the semiconductor industry and biological research. For instance, it was demonstrated that bacteria can show respiration and potentially aerobic growth far below the Pasteur point (~10 μM dissolved ​oxygen (DO)). Recently, sensors that quantify DO in concentration ranges of 100 nM and below have gained special interest as biologists explore aerobic life in areas very close to anoxic conditions. Unfortunately, few sensors are capable to resolve at such low concentration, and measurements below 0.5 nM are currently impossible.

Optical sensors proved to be indispensable tools for ​oxygen quantification that have mostly replaced the more conventional Clark electrode. Their advantages include minimal invasiveness, simplicity, suitability for miniaturization, versatility of formats (planar optodes, fibre-optic sensors, micro- and nanoparticles, paints and so on) and suitability for imaging of ​oxygen distribution on surfaces or in volume. Moreover, optical oxygen sensors are tuneable over a wide range of concentrations. Optical oxygen sensors rely on quenching of a phosphorescent indicator by the analyte. Both the nature of the indicator and the matrix (which acts as a solvent and support for the dye and as a permeation-selective barrier) are of great importance since the sensitivity of an oxygen sensor is roughly proportional to the luminescence decay time of the indicator and to the ​oxygen permeability of the matrix. State-of-the-art indicators are dominated by phosphorescent complexes with platinum group metals that possess decay times varying from microseconds to a few milliseconds. Dyes with significantly longer decay times are extremely rare and are so far limited to fullerenes(which have rather low luminescence brightness at ambient temperatures) and some phosphorescent BF₂-chelates. Both classes are not inherently compatible with highly ​oxygen-permeable matrices (for example, silicone and Teflon AF). Hence, the sensors based on these indicators and other matrices (for example, ethylcellulose and polystyrene (PS)) are not drastically more sensitive than sensors relying on more conventional dyes (for example, Pd(II) porphyrins) immobilized in highly ​oxygen-permeable polymers.

Herein, we present a new type of oxygen-sensing materials that show sensitivities well beyond state-of-the-art trace oxygen sensors. They rely on new blue light-excitable BF₂ and Al(III) chelates featuring ultra-long room temperature phosphorescence. The chelates are modified with perfluoroalkyl chains to ensure compatibility with highly ​oxygen-permeable and chemically inert perfluorinated polymers. The resulted ultra-sensitive sensors are ideally suitable for characterization of nearly anoxic systems.

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Fiber Optic Sensors: Fundamentals and Applications

Fiber optic sensing technology has evolved over 60 years of development and commercialization. While many applications are for point sensors, the most rapid expansion has been for distributed fiber optic sensor systems, which will be the focus of the presentation.

Distributed fiber optic sensing systems fall into two categories: quasi-distributed (multipoint) systems and continuous systems. The technologies associated with these systems will be covered in detail, including Bragg grating and interferometric methods, as well as Raman, Brillouin and Rayleigh scattering. These sensing concepts can be used to measure strain, temperature, vibration, pressure, acoustic emission, electric and magnetic fields, chemical detection and other parameters. The availability of this sensor capability has been used in a range of applications including oil and gas exploration and extraction, industrial monitoring, homeland security and military surveillance, and smart structures.

A very important point that is understated is that fiber optic sensing systems have enabled smart oil and gas wells that are allowing North America to gain energy independence. The technology has not yet reached maturity and will likely expand and create many new applications and commercialization opportunities. A brief overview of the market will be presented.

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The iPhone 6 has a barometer sensor!

One of my major research projects has been to explore the potential for improving weather prediction using the pressure sensors in smartphones, something I have talked about in previous blogs.

A number of Android phones has decent barometer sensor in them, including the highly popular Samsung Galaxy series.   A Windows-based phone, the Nokia 1020, also has a pressure sensor.   Amazingly, tens of millions of phones in North America have pressure sensors!

But we now have a major new addition to the pressure-enabled smartphone stable:  the new iPhone 6.

According to online reports, the iPhone6 has a Bosch BMP280 sensor (see image), with fairly good numbers:  absolute accuracy of +-1 hPa and relative accuracy for pressure changes of +-.1 hPa (normal sea level pressure is roughly 1013 hPa).   To give you a better idea of the accuracy of this barometer, the average decrease in pressure with height near sea level is 1 hPa per 8 meters (26 ft) .

So why am I so excited by smartphone atmospheric pressure sensors?  Why do I believe they have revolutionary potential for weather prediction?

Because they offer the chance to get a extraordinary density of pressure observations, which  provides the potential to describe small scale atmospheric structures.  Structures we need to knwo about if we are to predict key weather features like strong thunderstorms.

Let me illustrate how many surface pressure observations there are.  Currently, I am getting real time feeds from two small companies, Cumulonimbus, Inc, (with the Pressurenet app) and OpenSignal (with their WeatherSignal app).   Right now, there are about 115,000 pressure observations coming in per hour from these innovative firms, (90% of them coming from the PressureNet app).  Here is the map.

Amazing coverage from DC to Boston, and around other major cities.  But there is substantial density beyond, particular east of the Mississippi and along the West Coast.

 But keep in mind that this is less than one-hundredths of the smartphones with pressure sensors.  Yes, 1/100.  In a few years there will be at least 100 millions smartphones over North America with pressure sensors. So the additional of the iPhone 6 pressure sensors will only accelerate the growth, with Cumulonimbus, Inc already working on an appropriate iPhone pressure app.

If we could collect, say pressure from 1/10 of the phones with barometers, the eastern U.S. would be virtually covered and only few uninhabited western areas would have pressure observations.

So why would these pressure sensors be a boon for weather prediction?  Because the numerical weather prediction is now going to smaller and smaller scales, and meteorologist are trying to do much better in predicting  what will happen during the next few hours (called Nowcasting).

To forecast fine-scale weather features (like thunderstorms), you need a fine-scale description of the atmosphere, and the current observational network is often insufficient.  We need millions of observations per hour over the U.S. to do the job.  Same situation in China, Europe, and the rest of the world

And pressure is the perfect surface observation:  it reflects the deep structure of the atmosphere and has less exposure problems than temperature or wind.  Pressure can be measured inside our outside a building, in your pocket or hanging on your belt.  A number of number experiments have shown that  surface pressure measurements alone can produce a very good THREE-DIMENSIONAL description of the atmosphere.  Almost sounds like magic.

I believe that dense pressure observations could radically improve weather prediction, and early numerical experiment support this claim.

But the big promise will NOT be met until we find a way to collect a higher percentage of the smartphone pressures.

Google could obviously do this.  I have approached Google about capturing pressure observations on Android phones, but Google management does not seem interested (but a number of Google engineers have been very supportive).

Another approach would be for Samsung or Apple to preinstall the code for capturing and transmitting the pressure information

Or a group with a very popular app (like the WeatherChannel or the Weatherunderground) could include the relevant code .

Anyway, it is frustrating...a huge improvement in weather prediction is possible.  Their is no major technical hurdle.  The pressure sensors are in place.  And we have not put it together.   Maybe soon....

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Use capacitive sensing to Implement reliable liquid level sensor

Capacitive sensing technology has become the primary technology underlying touch interfaces.  However, capacitive sensing is not limited to creating dynamic buttons and sliders on different appliances for the user interface. There are numerous applications where capacitive sensing can replace traditional ways of implementing specific functions like liquid level sensing, humidity sensing, and sensing of metallic objects. This article will discuss how to implement liquid level measurement using capacitive sensing technology.

Point level measurement
To begin, liquid level measurement can be implemented in one of two ways.  Using point level measurement, sensors placed at discrete levels within the tank are used for tank full detection, tank empty detection, and various fixed liquid levels.  Point level measurements are generally low resolution.  With continuous level measurement, the liquid level of the tank can be detected at finer levels for those applications, which need greater accuracy. Both these types of measurement require different implementation topologies. To illustrate how capacitive sensing can be used to monitor liquid levels, this article will concentrate on point level measurement implementations approaches and challenges.

Consider a coffee machine. Typically, such a machine has two reservoirs: a main reservoir for the water used to produce the coffee and another one serving as for a drip tray which is used to hold wasted water. A cappuccino machine will have a third reservoir for milk. Normal operation of the machine will be temporary interrupted whenever the water level in the main reservoir is below a predefined minimum level or when the level in the drip tray has reached its maximum capacity and not been emptied. For both of these situations, a single point level measurement is sufficient. 

Engineers can implement point liquid level measurements in several ways:
Mechanical float: With this approach, a magnet is mounted on a float, which moves with the level of liquid changes in tank (Figure 1). The magnet in the float actuates a reed switch to control the system and provides high repeatability. However, due to its use of moving parts, floats have a shorter operating life and so are less reliable.

Figure 1: Mechanical float
Ultrasonic sensor: An ultrasonic transmitter and receiver can be mounted on top of the tank pointed towards the liquid. The system transmits ultrasonic pulses towards the liquid’s surface and observes the echo signal. The delay between the transmitted signal and the echoed signal indicates the liquid level in a given reservoir (Figure 2).   

Figure 2: Ultrasonic liquid level sensor
Conductivity measurement: Two conductive electrodes are used to measure conductivity. This method is reliable, compared to mechanical and ultrasonic measurements, but it cannot be used for beverages or flammable liquids.

Capacitive measurement: A change in the liquid level results in a corresponding change in capacitance that can be measured directly. Using a capacitive sensor, there is no need for direct contact between the sensor and liquid.  In addition, since there are no mechanical or moving parts, this approach has a long operating life with high reliability.

Basics of Capacitive Measurements
To understand how a capacitive-based liquid sensing measurement is made, let us first take a look at the basics of capacitance sensing. For a parallel plate capacitor, the capacitance is defined as:

From this equation, if there is a slight change to either e_r, A, or d, the value of capacitance will change. By measuring this change in capacitance, the relation between the various parameters that caused the change in capacitance and the physical quantity with which the change occurs can be determined using Equation 1.

There are numerous methods by which capacitance can be measured. Some methods are based on absolute capacitance measurements and others are based on relative measurement. In relative capacitance measurement, only the change in capacitance, which respect to a reference capacitance value is measured. For absolute capacitance measurements, the actual sensor capacitance is used.

Capacitive sensing has evolved in the user interface domain where there are many choices of microcontrollers optimized for capacitive sensing applications. Although predominately used for user interface related features, these controllers can be used to implement other functions as well.

If we look at the capacitive sensing system, the sensor capacitance in the absence of the liquid (or any conductive object) is as shown in figure 3. This capacitance is called parasitic capacitance (C_p). 

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NASA, UC Merced successfully test miniature methane sensor

Researchers from the UC Merced Mechatronics, Embedded Systems and Automation (MESA) Lab and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) recently tested JPL miniature methane sensor similar to one developed for use on Mars, on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

A team conducted the tests at the end of February on the Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve. During the controlled testing, researchers flew a small UAV equipped with the Open Path Laser Spectrometer (OPLS) sensor at various distances from gas sources to test the accuracy and robustness of the system.

The JPL-developed sensor enables detection of methane sources at much lower levels than previously available for the industry. The jointly conducted test furthers a methane testing and demonstration program on various platforms conducted since 2014. The ability of the OPLS sensor to detect methane in parts per billion by volume, as opposed to the parts-per-million sensors that are commercially available, could help more accurately pinpoint small methane leaks.

The advanced capabilities provided by small UAVs, especially enhanced vertical access, could extend the use of methane-inspection systems for detecting and locating methane gas sources.

Additional flight testing this year will feature a fixed-wing UAV, which can fly for longer durations and across longer distances. This is a capability necessary for monitoring natural gas transmission pipeline systems, which are often hundreds of miles long and possibly located in rural or remote areas.

This testing, funded by Pipeline Research Council International, furthers the team’s goal to develop small UAVs as an improvement to traditional inspection methods for natural gas pipeline networks, which could provide enhanced safety and location accuracy benefits.

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Reading a photo sensor with the Raspberry Pi B+

Another simple real world measurement that can be performed with the Raspberry Pi B+ is to make measurements of the physical world around you. As several have shown before, you can get digital sensors to determine temperature, humidity, distance, motion, and a host of other things. But sometimes you may not have a digital photosensor, or your budget doesn't allow for it. The lack of an Analog to Digital converter  built into the Raspberry Pi would seem to be a hindrance, but that is not entirely true. You can use a few inexpensive discrete components and approximate analog values by combining an analog sensor, like a photocell, or an analog temperature sensor, or any other sensor that changes resistance based on external stimuli, with a capacitor of fixed value. This creates an RC circuit. Where R means resistor and C means capacitor. According to wikipedia (and probably every electronics textbook in the world) :

"The simplest RC circuit is a capacitor and a resistor in series. When a circuit consists of only a charged capacitor and a resistor, the capacitor will discharge its stored energy through the resistor. The voltage across the capacitor, which is time dependent, can be found by using Kirchoff's current law, where the current charging the capacitor must equal the current through the resistor."

What does all that mean to us? The key in the above is that the voltage across the capacitor is time dependent. That means we can measure it. There is a threshold in digital circuits where a signal is recognized as a High (logic 1) or a Low (logic 0). We often dismiss this by saying "A high is 3.3v or 5v and a Low is 0v." This is not necessarily true, what about the voltages in between. Sure, 0 volts is a LOW, but what about 0.5 volts? It's not a HIGH. So until it reaches a certain voltage logically we will treat it as a logic 0, once it exceeds the threshold, the device will register the level as a HIGH and we will treat it as a logic 1. This threshold on the Raspberry Pi seems to be around 1.4 volts. Back to the fact that we can measure this time, since the current charging the capacitor must equal the current through the resistor, and our resistor value is changing due to external stimulus, the time to charge and discharge the capacitor will also change, and that is what we will measure.

In this example we will use a photocell and a capacitor together in series. A photocell is simply a device that changes resistance based on ambient light. The brighter the light, the lower the resistance, the dimmer the light, the higher the resistance. Very simple.

The way we will take advantage of all of the above information is:
1) We will start by driving our sensing pin on the B+ to low, this will give us a known starting point of 0 volts
2) We will change the sensing pin to an input
3) We will count in a loop until the capacitor charges to a level recognized as a logic level 1 on the input pin (approximately 1.4 volts)
4) We will print the value and do it again

What we expect to see is that as the amount of light is decreased, the time it take to charge the capacitor will be longer, so the counted output from our loop will be higher, if we increase the brightness of the light, the resistance will decrease, causing the capacitor to charge more quickly, giving us a lower number from our count. This is sensitive enough to be done by simply waving your hand over the photocell, or you can place a finger over the sensor to simulate total darkness. Bear in mind, this is not an exact measurement, but it is good enough to tell if there is a light on in a room, or if the sun is up, but that is the extent of it. If we were to use an analog temperature sensor instead of a photocell we would probably need to calibrate the outputs to known good values.

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Gas Sensor Manufacturer to Deliver Innovation Session at Sensor + Test

Honeywell company, City Technology, a World leading manufacturer of gas sensors, will be exhibiting at Sensor + Test 2015 on 19- 21 May in Nurnberg, Germany, and presenting a speaker session on new technologies driving the next generation of intelligent and connectable gas sensors.

The keynote presentation delivered by Dr. Stefan Degen, City Technology’s Research and Development Manager - will take place on 20 May from 12:00pm – 12:30pm in Hall 12. It will draw on 25 years of Sensoric specialist gas sensing in Bonn, Germany, and discuss pioneering innovations in development.

Sensor + Test brings together over 500 manufacturers and suppliers of sensing, measuring and testing solutions. The three day event at the Nurnberg Exhibition Centre also includes a programme of conferences on a range of key technology topics.

City Technology will be part of a wider Honeywell stand (12-607) showcasing its leading-edge gas sensing range with a key focus on specialist Sensoric gas sensors and the new long life oxygen (4OxLL and 5OxLL) and emissions sensors, which are experiencing a high level of take-up in the market. The Sensoric range provides the most comprehensive specialist sensing portfolio in the market with over 20 toxic and exotic gas sensors, including ammonia, hydrides, fluorine and ozone. These sensors use highly specialised technologies to solve difficult operational challenges.

John Warburton, Strategic Marketing Manager for City Technology comments: “Sensor + Test provides a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about advanced gas sensing solutions and specialist technologies, which can fulfill very specific needs. A key highlight will be some of the latest innovations in the Sensoric range as these sensors have been manufactured for 25 years in Germany.

“Dr. Degen’s session will highlight future trends, the latest sensing technologies in development and how tomorrow’s gas sensors will evolve to be smaller, more intelligent, connectable and wearable through greater PPE integration and the application of new advanced technologies such as SECs. It will also demonstrate how end users will be able to leverage greater value, ease of use and enhanced safety from these developments in the future.”

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Humidity Sensor Market: Some Leading Market Players

Humidity sensors are sensors that convert the moisture content in air, gases, bulk materials or soil into an electric output signal. It is a humidity sensor device which is also known as hygrometer measures and regularly updates the relative humidity in air. It measures both air temperature and air moisture. Humidity sensor is composed of two metal plates with a non-conductive polymer film between them. The film collects moisture from the air which causes minute changes in the voltage between the two plates. Humidity sensors are generally used in textile machines, woodworking machines, printing and paper machines for measuring humidity in air.

Some of the major advantages of humidity sensors over conventional sensors low power requirement, easy implementation and betterment of transducer performance such as sensing elements, structure design, principle of mechanism, and fabrication technologies. Major disadvantages of humidity sensor market are high cost, frequent mirror contamination and insatiability under continuous use.

Miniaturization of electronic device is one of the major trend in the global humidity sensor market. Technology advancement and increasing demand in devices with high end feature are driving the market for humidity sensor. On the other hand continuous reduction in prices of sensors due to the introduction of more competitive technologies and higher associated costs are restraining the market growth. The humidity sensor market is segmented on the basis of unit of measurement, by product type, by application and by geography. On the basis of type the market is segmented into Relative humidity sensor and Absolute humidity sensor. 

Further, relative humidity sensor is further sub-segmented into ceramic, semiconductor and organic polymer processing and absolute humidity sensor are sub-segmented into solid moisture and mirror based sensor. On the basis of type humidity sensor is segmented into Thermoset sensor, thermoplastic sensor, bulk thermoplastic sensor, lithium chloride sensor and thermoset polymer capacitor sensor. Further on the basis of application the market is segmented into food industry, mining industry, cement industry and pharmaceutical industry. On the basis of geography the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East & Africa

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Putting the brakes on drink driving: Smart key breathalyser makes drivers take a test before it lets them start the car (semiconductor gas sensors)

Drink driving is one of the main causes of road crashes worldwide, resulting in thousands of deaths every year.

But in the future it may be impossible to get behind the wheel while inebriated, thanks to technology built into cars.

Honda and Hitachi have teamed up to develop a keyring breathalyser that stops a car starting if the driver is over the limit. 

The prototype portable alcohol detector is integrated into a smart key.

It's capable of detecting saturated water vapour from human breath and accurately measures alcohol levels within three seconds.

It can measure ethanol concentration using three types of semiconductor gas sensors to detect ethanol, hydrogen and metabolised acetaldehyde.

The device is designed so that if high levels of alcohol are detected on the driver's breath, the key won't work in the vehicle, to prevent it from starting and people drink driving.

The device would show the results of the breathalyser test on the vehicle's display panel on the dash board too.

The Japanese companies said their prototype has advantages over other ignition interlocks that stop a vehicle starting because it is tamper-resistant. 

And it is able to distinguish human breath from alternative gases.

The device is able to do this because it contains a Hitachi sensor, comprising an oxide insulator sandwiched between electrodes.

Breath is absorbed by the insulator and electric current flows between the electrodes.

The set-up means the device can detect alcohol with a high degree of accuracy, despite the sensor area measuring just five square millimetres.

The companies said the use of three sensors improves accuracy threefold compared to devices that only use an ethanol sensor for measurement.

They aim to commercialise the technology, following validation tests and will present their research and prototype at the SAE 2016 World Congress and Exhibit in Detroit, Michigan, on 12 April.

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Does the Galaxy S5 have temperature and humidity sensors?

 The Galaxy S4 surprised the world by adding Sensirion’s SHTC1 chip – a tiny, low power chip that can take accurate measurements of relative humidity and ambient air temperature. These readings are used in S-Health, we also collect data from the chip in WeatherSignal – a real-time weather crowdsourcing app (join the biggest mobile meteorological network: download the app).
Much has been made of two of the Galaxy S5’s new additions: fingerprint & heart-rate sensors. An Infra-red gesture sensor – which could possibly be hacked to provide surface temperature readings – and RGB ambient light sensor have also been added, these will likely have more of an impact as they passively monitor the environment while fingerprint/heart-rate requires effort from the user. But what of temperature and relative humidity?
Sources have been a bit confused, the official S5 site does not mention these sensors but GSM Arena, generally a reliable source for phone specs does list humidity sensors and temperature sensors. So we decided to take a look at our own data.
Although the S5 is not officially released for another 2 days, we’ve seen numerous S5’s sending us data – almost 70 in fact, from 15 countries (Korea we expected to see as the S5 is already on sale there, the US, Israel, Brazil are also included). Among the data we collect is a one-off scan of device specs, this forms the basis of our Android Fragmentation reports, we also provide this data to device testing firms and OEMs.
Across all 69 Galaxy S5’s, covering 9 distinct precise models (e.g. SM-G900L, SMG900V) not a single one provides humidity or temperature APIs. Unless Samsung has included these sensors but made them invisible to developers – which would be perverse – these sensors are not present.
It’s highly unusual to see an OEM removing a sensor. We’d love to be proven wrong, if anyone knows different, get in touch.

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Semiconductor Gas Sensors

Semiconductor gas sensors are based around a metal oxide, normally SnO2. When a metal oxide crystal is heated to a certain high temperature, specific elemental molecules are adsorbed by the crystal surface with a negative charge. The sensor can be sensitised to different gases by the choice of operating temperature, microstructural modification and the use of dopants and catalysts.

The donor electrons from the surface of the crystal are transferred to the adsorbed oxygen, leaving positive charges in a space charge layer and creating a potential barrier against electron flow. In the presence of a deoxidizing gas, the surface density of the negatively charged oxygen decreases, decreasing the barrier height in the grain boundary.

New nanostructure materials are boosting the performance and sensitivity of semiconductor gas sensors due to their much higher surface-to-bulk ratio.

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