Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
detection of abnormal behaviour, detection of hidden dangerous objects/substances, for
non cooperative, mobile individual or target recognition, detection of ill and/or
infectious people and warnings associated with real-time data transmission. For these
applications, technological challenges exist for Smart Cards, TPD devices, electronic
tagging, component and equipments, e.g. autonomous smart sensors/smart dust,
imaging devices (IR, Ultra Sound, µXray, THz), NRBC sensors, biosensors, biometric
scanners and sensors as well as smart clothes.
Detection, authentication and surveillance.
Biometrics is one approach to allow
authentication or identification of persons to access their private and personal devices.
These techniques should increase the efficiency of security checks, give comfort to the
end user and preserve data security. Challenges in sensor development concern the
improvement of fingerprint sensors in speed and in easier positioning of the finger, the
fusion of multi-modal biometric information (fingerprint, face, iris, retina recognition,
signature, etc.), the optimization of the reject ratio and false acceptations, and the
identification of cryptographic keys from personal ID data.
Integrated µsensors.
Sensitive micro-device modules to embed inside device packages
will allow the detection of any physical intrusion, piercing of the envelope or any
visual intrusion like laser, UV or backward X-ray observation. Movement or pressure
sensors can detect tamper actions upon coatings. Embedded micro-batteries will allow
monitoring of the behaviour of the overall system and can be activated such as to erase
secret and personal data in case of violation. All these sensors need be highly
miniaturised and proof against false alarms.
MEMS and optoelectronic devices.
This sensor technology will be integrated in a
wide range of sensors for safety and security. Such devices will also need to
communicate reliably by wired and wireless networks, and they must be made tamper
proof and able to withstand environmental conditions that might affect their
performance (e.g. radiation, chemical corrosion, shock). Further miniaturization will
enable combinations of multiple sensors, like accelerometers, gyros, pressure sensors
etc., into one sensor node even when the individual sensor devices have been
manufactured separately.
Gas sensors.
In the scenario of advanced sensors for environment gas sensors represent
a relevant class in AAL (Jane, 2009). The principal challenges are in fire and domestic
gas detection, in automotive for air quality monitoring, in industrial safety, in medical
diagnostics for breath and drugs, in integrated MEMS using combinatorial sensing
arrays with widespread applicability.
Nanotechnology food sensors.
Nanotechnology development in sensor technology is a
promising challenge for ensuring food safety and security, above all in the research of
biosensors. An example of biosensor, developed at the Quality and Safety Assessment
Research Unit in Athens, Ga., includes fluorescent organic dye particles attached to
Salmonella antibodies. The antibodies hook onto Salmonella bacteria and the dye lights
up like a beacon, making the bacteria easier to see.
