Understanding Smart Sensors - Nomads.usp

168 Understanding Smart SensorsThe communication processor can be applied to sensing applications thatinclude voice compression in tape answering machines and simultaneousvoice/data transmission. It demonstrates the extent that technologies can beintegrated and indicates the potential for sensor control integration in thefuture.7.8 The Impact of Artificial IntelligenceFuzzy logic and neural networks will undoubtedly affect not only the controlsystems, but also the sensors that are used in these systems. One analysis shownin Figure 7.12 suggests that artificial intelligence will require sensors with“lower” accuracy and, subsequently, will cost less [28]. At the same time thenumber of sensor applications will increase as a result of artificial intelligence(and the lower cost). Artificial intelligence includes the newer control techniques,such as fuzzy logic and neural networks.The control decisions made in fuzzy logic systems can be made in spiteof absolute accuracy from the sensory data [29]. As a result, performancespecifications will change from point-to-point to domain-type specifications.MoreSensor accuracyLessTraditional logic:principle of extractreasoningFuzzy logic:principle ofapproximatereasoningKnowledge based system:principle of duplicatinghuman expertiseArtificial neural system:principle of learningFewerSensor application opportunitiesMoreFigure 7.12 Impact of artificial intelligence on sensors. (After: [28].)