Open sensor platform: Integration of sensors and mobile phones

Abstract

We propose an Open Sensor Platform, based on Open System Architecture design, for the integration of mobile phone (MP) and sensors. This platform utilizes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) available hardware and software tools, thereby eliminating the need for custom-designed sensor's integration boards. The design involves Data Acquisition (DAQ) device, attached with Host PC, providing an interface to communicate with sensors. Sensors data is read from DAQ via Host PC application and on request wirelessly sent to MP. Mobile phone is used as an information retrieval agent, in order to retrieve the sensory data and onward forwarding the information to end user via Cellular or Web services. This integration eliminates the need for dedicated circuitry in sensors, allows the addition of several types of sensors and implements multiple wireless protocols (BT or Wi-Fi), keeping in view the requirement of range and data rate. Sensors history data is maintained on Host PC, where detailed analysis may be performed. Mobile phone applications are developed using Native language, while Host PC applications are developed in Graphical language, which results into full featured, efficient and user friendly applications development. The feasibility of our solution is supported by the case study under taken, where we validated our design with the help of prototype open sensor platform. Its multiple applications include; monitoring the test chamber's internal conditions, fetching environmental parameters, laboratory experimentations etc. This work successfully achieves the integration of sensors and mobile phone in a promising way.