How to Make a ‘Community of Devices’

Is the internet compulsory to connect embedded devices to each other? Not really. Have you heard about automatic street controlling systems containing radio modules, Light Dependent Resistors and micro-controllers? This is a good example of a number of devices containing embedded technology work in co-operation, to achieve a holistic goal. Such a system is not dependent on the internet and will work even when the web is down or non existent.

The system is made up of a chip, graphic user interface, a server, several micro controlled nodes and embedded sensors (to measure different parameters). Each node is linked to the server using a protocol. The sensors include fog sensors, CO2 sensors, noise sensors and light intensity sensors. The chip also contains GSM modules to enable wireless transmission of data between the remote concentrator and concentrator.

The main benefit of this system is that it can be configured to completely eliminate manual operations. Some of the other benefits are it increases the life of the streetlight, reduces power consumption, makes monitoring and controlling easy and reduces installation costs. Such systems can also be applied to create comfort in airlines through internal climate control or to secure a vast building.