SENSORS

By-Aadit Sirohiya 10B

Introduction
• Sensors are devices that detect and respond to physical
inputs, converting them into electrical signals that can be
processed by computer systems. They play a crucial role in
computer science by providing real-world data for analysis
and control. Sensors are used in a wide range of devices and
applications, from smartphones and gaming consoles to smart
homes and robotics.
Types of sensors
There are various types of sensors used in computer science:
• Temperature sensors: Measure and monitor temperature changes.
• Motion sensors: Detect movement and gestures.
• Light sensors: Measure light intensity and adjust screen brightness.
• Proximity sensors: Determine the presence or absence of objects in close
proximity.
• Accelerometers: Measure acceleration, tilt, and orientation.
• Pressure sensors: Detect pressure changes in different environments.
• Humidity sensors: Measure and monitor humidity levels.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
• Name four different types of sensors.
 Application of sensors in real life
Sensors find applications in several
areas of computer science like:
• Robotics
• Virtual Reality (VR)
• Smart homes-motion,
temperature,detection of light
• Environmental monitoring-
air quality, temperature, and
pollution levels.
 1)Acoustic Sound levels To detect changes in
sound levels of
industrial machinery
To monitor noise
pollution
In security system to
detect suspicious
sounds

2)Accelerometer
Acceleration rate, Detecting sudden
tilt, vibration changes in vehicle
movement and
deploy safety
features if needed
In mobile phones to
detect orientation of
the device

3)Flow Rate of gas, liquid or Detect changes in

powder flow the flow through
pipes in water
system
 7)Level
4)Gas Liquid levels Detects levels of
Presence of a gas Detect levels of gas petrol in a car
e.g. carbon in confined spaces tank
monoxide Detect gas levels Detect levels of
when fixing gas water in a water
leaks tank
Detect a drop in
water levels due
5)Humidity to a leak
Levels of water Monitor humidity in
vapour greenhouses

6)Infra-red Detecting motion or Security systems 8)Light

a heat source detecting intruders Light levels Automatically
who break the beam switching on lights
Measures heat when it gets dark
radiation of objects - (street lights,
used by emergency headlights)
services to detect Anti-lock braking
people 9)Magnetic field Presence and system
strength Monitoring rotating
machinery such as
turbines
10)Moisture 13)Pressure
Presence and levels Monitoring moisture Gas, liquid or Monitoring tyre
of moisture in soil physical pressure pressure
Monitoring damp in Monitoring
buildings pressure in pipes
during
11)pH Acidity or alkaline Monitoring soil to manufacturing
ensure optimum process
growing conditions
Monitor pHlevels in 14)Proximity Distance Monitoring
chemical processes position of
objects in
robotics
Used in safety
systems to
prevent objects
12)Temperature colliding
Temperature in Used to maintain
Celsius, Fahrenheit temperature in
or Kelvin swimming pools
Used to control
temperature in
chemical processes
Sensor Data Collection and Processing
• Information from the sensors is sent to the microprocessor.
• Sensor data is processed by a microprocessor.
• ADC converts analog data to digital form.
• Microprocessor compares digital data with stored values.
• Microprocessor sends a signal to an actuator using a DAC.
• Actuator takes action based on the signal received.
• The process is looped

This data plays a crucial role in decision-making and control in various computer
science applications.
Monitoring and controlling
• Sensors can be used for monitoring systems and controlling systems. A
monitoring system tracks the state of a system, it gathers data and may
issue warning messages
• A control system will control the system based upon the input from sensors
• For example, if the water temperature in a fish tank fell below the acceptable
level, a control system would start up a heater. The system will then continue
to check the water temperature readings and when they are within the
acceptable range it will switch off the heater
• This process of the outputs affecting the following set of input values
received from the sensors is called a feedback loop
Questions
• How do Sensors work?
A short video on the working of Sensors in our
everyday lives
 Actuators
What are Actuators?
• Function: Actuators are devices that convert electrical signals into physical actions
or outputs.
• Purpose: They enable computer systems to interact with and control the physical
world.
• Operation: Actuators receive electrical signals from computer systems and produce
physical movements, forces, or changes in the environment.
• Output: Actuators generate physical actions such as movement, rotation, vibration,
heating, cooling, or any other desired physical response.
• Examples: Motors, solenoids, speakers, valves, relays, heaters, fans.
 Actuators v/s Sensors
Sensors
• Sensors detect physical inputs
• Sensors provide data for analysis and
control
• Sensors measure physical quantities
• Sensors generate electrical signals or
data
• Sensors include temperature sensors,
motion sensors, and pressure sensors
Actuators
• Actuators produce physical output
• Actuators enable control and
interaction with the physical world.
• Actuators convert electrical signals into
physical actions.
• Actuators generate physical
movements, forces, or changes in the
environment.
• Actuators include motors, solenoids,
and speakers.
• What are Actuators?
Challenges and Limitations of Sensors
• While sensors provide valuable data, there are challenges and limitations to
consider:
• Accuracy-Sensors may have limitations in precision and reliability, leading to
potential errors in data.
• Environmental factors-External conditions like temperature, humidity, and
ambient light can affect sensor performance.
• Cost-High-quality sensors can be expensive, limiting their widespread use.

Understanding these challenges helps in making informed decisions when working

with sensors.
• What are 2 limitations of sensors?
Emerging Sensor Technologies
Several emerging sensor technologies are advancing computer science:
• Biometric sensors: Enable identification based on unique human characteristics
like fingerprints or iris patterns.
• Wearable sensors: Track health-related data such as heart rate, steps, and sleep
patterns.
• Environmental sensors: Monitor air quality, noise levels, and other
environmental parameters. These technologies have the potential to
revolutionize various fields, including healthcare, smart cities, and security
systems.
• Name modern sensor technologies.
Conclusion
Sensors are fundamental components of computer science,
enabling devices and systems to interact with the physical
world.

They find applications in robotics, IoT, VR, and more, making

technology more responsive and intelligent.

By understanding sensor technology, computer science

students can explore exciting opportunities in various fields
and contribute to technological advancements.