Pervasive Sensing

Abstract

The coordinated exploitation of modem communication, micro-sensor and computer technologies makes it possible to give global reach to our senses. Web-cameras for vision, web-microphones for hearing and web-"noses" for smelling, plus the abilities to sense many factors we cannot ordinarily perceive, are either available or will be soon. Applications include (a) determination of weather and environmental conditions on dense grids or over large areas, (b) monitoring of energy usage in buildings, (c) sensing the condition of hardware in electrical power distribution and information systems, (d) improving process control and other manufacturing, (e) development of intelligent terrestrial, marine, aeronautical and space transportation systems, (f) managing the continuum of routine security monitoring, diverse crises and military actions, and (g) medicine, notably the monitoring ofthe physiology and living conditions of individuals. Some ofthe emerging capabilities, such as the ability to measure remotely the conditions inside ofpeople in real time, raise interesting social concems centered on privacy issues. Methods for sensor data fusion and designs for human-computer interfaces are both crucial for the full realization of the potential of pervasive sensing. Computer-generated virtual reality, augmented with real-time sensor data, should be an effective means for presenting information from distributed sensors