What components can be noted when considering the body of a smartphone? This is, first of all, a rather large display, a few keys under it, a microphone and several camera windows. In addition, at the ends of the device, there is probably a microUSB port, a volume rocker, a headphone output and a lock key. But do the device components end there? Of course not. Inside it there was room for several processors, many circuits and, most importantly, several different sensors. Which of them can be found in modern devices? Let's find out.
According to our colleagues from phonearena, the accelerometer is one of the most common sensors. According to the classical definition, its task is to calculate the difference between the true acceleration of an object and the gravitational acceleration.
You have probably heard about how to use it. Without an accelerometer, smartphones would hardly change from portrait to landscape orientation and do without user clicks in all sorts of racing simulators.
Gyroscope
The gyroscope also provides data on the position of the device in space, but it does this with much greater accuracy. It is thanks to his help that the Photo Sphere application learns how many degrees the smartphone was rotated, and in what direction it was done.
Magnetometer
That's right, a magnetometer is designed to detect magnetic fields. Without it inside the smartphone, the compass application would hardly be able to understand where the north pole is.
This sensor is a combination of an infrared diode and an infrared detector. The principle of its work is incredibly simple. The diode emits radiation invisible to the human eye, and the detector tries to catch its reflection. The smartphone blocks the display exactly when the beam hits back.
Light sensor
Changing the brightness of the display on your own is something else, right? Whether it's the auto-brightness function, which changes the brightness level of the screen depending on the ambient radiation. Perhaps this, as you probably already guessed, thanks to the light sensor.
It is worth noting that some representatives of the Galaxy line from the South Korean manufacturer Samsung use an updated light sensor. Its main feature is the ability to measure the proportion of white, red, green and blue light to further adjust the picture on the screen.
Barometer
No, this is not a mistake. Some smartphones do have a built-in barometer to measure atmospheric pressure levels. Among the first devices with this feature were Motorola XOOM and Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
The barometer is also used to measure altitude, which increases the accuracy of the GPS navigator.
Thermometer
You may be surprised, but the thermometer is in almost every smartphone. The only difference is that the latter is designed to measure the temperature inside the device. However, there have been exceptions. Galaxy S4 had a thermometer to measure the temperature overboard.
Humidity sensor
In this, by the way, the fourth representative of the Galaxy S line also succeeded. Thanks to this sensor, the fourth Galaxy reported the level of comfort - the ratio of temperature and humidity.
Pedometer
Despite the rather obscure name, the task of the pedometer is to determine the number of steps taken by the user. Yes, just like in most smartwatches and fitness bracelets. One of the first devices with a real pedometer was the Nexus 5.
The fingerprint scanner
Of course, you have heard about this. Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can not only shorten the unlock time of your smartphone, but also securely protect your data. Among the most popular devices with the notorious scanner are HTC One Max and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Heart rate sensor
Since we are talking about the current South Korean flagship, we cannot fail to mention the heart rate sensor, designed to measure the pulse. However, many users frankly doubt the need for its implementation.
Harmful radiation sensor
It is quite difficult to believe, but in this world there really is a smartphone with a built-in sensor for harmful radiation. The Japanese Sharp Pantone 5 can boast of its presence. After launching a special application, the latter demonstrates the surrounding level of radiation. Unexpected, isn't it?
As a result, as many as 12 sensors were obtained. Which of them do you use the most?
The accelerometer measures acceleration and allows the smartphone to determine the characteristics of movement and position in space. It is this sensor that works when the vertical orientation changes to horizontal when the device is rotated. He is also responsible for counting steps and measuring the speed of movement in all kinds of map applications. The accelerometer provides information about which way the smartphone is turned, which becomes an important function in various applications with .
This sensor itself consists of small sensors: microscopic crystalline structures, under the influence of acceleration forces, passing into a stressed state. The voltage is transmitted to the accelerometer, which interprets it into data on the speed and direction of movement.
Gyroscope
This sensor helps the accelerometer navigate in space. He, for example, allows you to do on a smartphone. In racing games, where the control is done by moving the device, just the gyroscope works. It is sensitive to rotation of the device relative to its axis.
Smartphones use microelectromechanical systems, and the first such devices that preserve the axis when turning appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.
Magnetometer
The last in the trio of sensors for orientation in space is a magnetometer. It measures magnetic fields and, accordingly, can determine where north is. The compass function in various map applications and some compass programs work using a magnetometer.
There are similar sensors in metal detectors, so you can find special applications that turn a smartphone into such a device.
The magnetometer works in tandem with the accelerometer and GPS for geolocation and navigation.
GPS
Where would we be without GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? The smartphone connects to several satellites and calculates its position based on the intersection angles. It happens that satellites are not available: for example, when there is a lot of cloudiness or indoors.
GPS does not use mobile network data, so geolocation also works outside the cellular coverage area: even if the map itself cannot be downloaded, the geolocation point will still be there.
At the same time, the GPS function consumes a lot of battery power, so it is better to turn it off when not needed.
Another method of geolocation, although not very accurate, is to determine the distance from cell towers. Your smartphone adds other information, such as mobile signal strength, to your GPS data to help you find your location.
Barometer
Many smartphones, including the iPhone, have this sensor that measures atmospheric pressure. It is needed to register changes in the weather and determine the height above sea level.
Proximity switch
This sensor is usually located near the speaker at the top of the smartphone and consists of an infrared diode and a light sensor. It uses a beam invisible to humans to determine if the device is near the ear. So the smartphone "understands" that during a phone call you need to turn off the display.
Light sensor
As you might guess from the name, this sensor measures the ambient light level, which allows you to automatically adjust the display brightness to a comfortable level.
Sensors with each new generation of smartphones are becoming more efficient, smaller and less energy-consuming. Therefore, you should not think that, for example, the GPS function in a device that is already several years old will work as well as in a new one. And even if the information about new smartphones does not indicate the characteristics of all these sensors, you can be sure that they allow you to use many of the impressive features of modern gadgets.
The accelerometer measures acceleration and allows the smartphone to determine the characteristics of movement and position in space. It is this sensor that works when the vertical orientation changes to horizontal when the device is rotated. He is also responsible for counting steps and measuring the speed of movement in all kinds of map applications. The accelerometer provides information about which way the smartphone is turned, which becomes an important function in various applications with .
This sensor itself consists of small sensors: microscopic crystalline structures, under the influence of acceleration forces, passing into a stressed state. The voltage is transmitted to the accelerometer, which interprets it into data on the speed and direction of movement.
Gyroscope
This sensor helps the accelerometer navigate in space. He, for example, allows you to do on a smartphone. In racing games, where the control is done by moving the device, just the gyroscope works. It is sensitive to rotation of the device relative to its axis.
Smartphones use microelectromechanical systems, and the first such devices that preserve the axis when turning appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.
Magnetometer
The last in the trio of sensors for orientation in space is a magnetometer. It measures magnetic fields and, accordingly, can determine where north is. The compass function in various map applications and some compass programs work using a magnetometer.
There are similar sensors in metal detectors, so you can find special applications that turn a smartphone into such a device.
The magnetometer works in tandem with the accelerometer and GPS for geolocation and navigation.
GPS
Where would we be without GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? The smartphone connects to several satellites and calculates its position based on the intersection angles. It happens that satellites are not available: for example, when there is a lot of cloudiness or indoors.
GPS does not use mobile network data, so geolocation also works outside the cellular coverage area: even if the map itself cannot be downloaded, the geolocation point will still be there.
At the same time, the GPS function consumes a lot of battery power, so it is better to turn it off when not needed.
Another method of geolocation, although not very accurate, is to determine the distance from cell towers. Your smartphone adds other information, such as mobile signal strength, to your GPS data to help you find your location.
Barometer
Many smartphones, including the iPhone, have this sensor that measures atmospheric pressure. It is needed to register changes in the weather and determine the height above sea level.
Proximity switch
This sensor is usually located near the speaker at the top of the smartphone and consists of an infrared diode and a light sensor. It uses a beam invisible to humans to determine if the device is near the ear. So the smartphone "understands" that during a phone call you need to turn off the display.
Light sensor
As you might guess from the name, this sensor measures the ambient light level, which allows you to automatically adjust the display brightness to a comfortable level.
Sensors with each new generation of smartphones are becoming more efficient, smaller and less energy-consuming. Therefore, you should not think that, for example, the GPS function in a device that is already several years old will work as well as in a new one. And even if the information about new smartphones does not indicate the characteristics of all these sensors, you can be sure that they allow you to use many of the impressive features of modern gadgets.
A modern smartphone is not just calls and SMS, but much more. But today we will not talk about how to access the Internet from these devices, not about their hyper-communication capabilities, and not about the advantages of a particular mobile operating system. The article will be devoted to sensors and sensors that developers equip modern devices to make their functionality even more diverse. So, what are sensors and sensors? These are microdevices in the smartphone itself (player, tablet, navigator, laptop, digital camera, game console, etc.) that make it smart and also connect it with the outside world. Without them, the smartphone will not be so interesting and in demand, as the gadget will be without communication with the environment. It is with the help of sensors and sensors that a connection with the world around appears, which means that new amazing functions appear.
Of the main sensors and sensors known to many, and without which today only very low-cost mobile phones can do, the following can be distinguished:
1. Proximity Sensor
2. Accelerometer
3. Light sensor
4. Gyroscope Sensor
5. Magnetic Field Sensor
Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor allows you to determine the proximity of an object without physical contact with it. For example, a proximity sensor installed on a mobile phone allows the screen backlight to be turned off when the phone is brought close to the user's ear during a call. That is, its main task is to block the smartphone so that the user does not accidentally press, say, with his cheek on the end. By the way, in this case, the battery charge is also saved. Naturally, manufacturers are trying in every possible way to expand the capabilities of this function. For example, a year ago, the Samsung Galaxy S3 introduced Direct Call, which allows you to call a contact whose details, call log, or message data are displayed on the screen when you hold the device close to your face. Also, a phone with this sensor can be safely put in a pocket or case, without fear of accidentally making an unnecessary call.
In general, motion control is the next stage in communication between man and technology, which a lot of manufacturers are working on today. For example, last year Pioneer introduced a range of in-car multimedia GPS navigation systems that can be controlled using gestures. Pioneer called their development "Air Gesture". If the user brings their hand to the front of the screen of the multimedia navigation system, it displays a window with the name of the currently playing song and frequently used control commands: "Set as destination" and "Set favorite place as destination". As soon as the user takes their hand off the screen, these commands will disappear and the navigation map will again be displayed on the entire screen. In addition, by moving the hands horizontally, certain user-defined functions can be called without pressing a button. You can set one of 10 functions, including "Switch between navigation and AV functions" and "Skip playing song / Play previous song". The sensor, which detects hand movements, consists of two infrared emitting parts and one receiving part between them. When the hand moves towards the front of the screen, the receiving IR sensor detects reflections of infrared light. With a horizontally moving hand, the IR sensor determines the change in the timings of infrared radiation from the right and left emitting parts so that it becomes clear which side the hand is moving. By the way, the production of models with the Air Gesture gesture control user interface has already begun.
The same feature is implemented in the new flagship Samsung Electronics - Galaxy S4. In addition to the proximity sensor, there is another sensor next to the front camera, which is used for gesture recognition. It detects hand movements by receiving infrared rays reflected from the user's palm and works in tandem with the Air Gesture feature, allowing users to take a call, change music or scroll up or down a web page with just a wave of their hand.
Accelerometer (Accelerometer)
Perhaps this is the most common sensor. The G-sensor, as many manufacturers call it, can be found in almost every modern device today. The task of the accelerometer is simple - to track the acceleration that is given to the device. It seems to be begging the question, why measure the acceleration of a smartphone? But let's think about it, the moment we turn the phone over, there is an acceleration movement. The accelerometer registers it and, based on the data received from it, starts the process, for example, changing the screen orientation. The sensor is also used to scale browser pages when the smartphone is tilted, to update the list of Bluetooth devices when shaken, in specific applications, and, of course, in games, especially in simulators. In addition, the accelerometer is used as a pocket pedometer to count the number of steps taken by the user.
In cameras, the accelerometer is used to rotate the captured frame, and in laptops it is used to urgently park the hard drive heads if the computer suddenly crashes. And in cars, it serves to deploy airbags upon impact. Simply put, the accelerometer deals with the position of the device in space and the tilt of the body, while relying on its acceleration when changing this position.
Light Sensor
The task of this sensor is extremely simple and is to determine the degree of outdoor lighting and adjust the brightness of the screen accordingly. Thanks to this auto-brightness setting, it is possible to save energy, especially if you want to optimize your battery consumption. Perhaps this is the oldest sensor in the mobile world, and even though there seems to be no room for improving functionality in the operation of this sensor, manufacturers are still trying to make working with a smartphone even more comfortable in this case.
For example, Apple's iOS 6 mobile operating system introduced the ability to adjust auto-brightness. Previously, the light sensor was fully automated and adjusted the brightness of the screen to its liking. Now the user has the opportunity to control the operation of this sensor. You can easily determine the brightness level that you are comfortable with, and iOS takes this choice into account when calculating the brightness level for new lighting conditions. However, in order for the sensor to function correctly, it is necessary to make a small adjustment of the device.
Gyroscope Sensor (Gyroscope)
If the capabilities of the accelerometer are by and large exhausted, and the scope of its application is clearly limited, then the device of another inertial sensor, which is a gyroscope, has not yet been fully mastered in smartphones. The history of the use of gyroscopes dates back to the end of the 19th century. At that time, inertial sensors were common in the fleet, since with the help of a gyroscope it is most accurately possible to determine the location of the cardinal points. Later, thanks to such a unique function, the gyroscope became widespread in aviation. By its design, the gyroscope in mobile phones resembles classic rotary ones, which are a rapidly rotating disk mounted on movable frames. Even when changing the position of the frames in space, the axis of rotation of the disk will not change. Due to the constant rotation of the disk, for example, with the help of an electric motor, it is possible to constantly determine the position of the object (in which there is a gyroscope) in space, its inclinations or rolls.
Gyroscopes in modern devices are based on a microelectromechanical sensor, but the principle of operation of an inertial sensor remains the same. The same family includes accelerometers, magnetometric and other highly specialized sensors. The market for these tiny devices, also known as MEMS, got a big boost when Apple started adding a gyroscope to the iPhone 4 and then to the iPod Touch. Successful sales of mobile devices have led to the fact that manufacturers of MEMS elements have successfully established themselves in the mobile market. The Apple iPhone 4, which pioneered the use of a gyroscope and two MEMS microphones for noise cancellation, had a huge impact on the phone industry. For example, at the end of 2010, less than five phones launched on the market could boast the presence of a gyroscope, and in 2011 more than 50 models of phones and tablets with a gyroscope were already introduced.
Gyroscopes built into mobile phones make the quality of games the highest. Using this sensor to control the game, you can use not only the usual rotation of the device, but also the rotation speed, which provides more realistic control. In addition to games, the gyroscope is used in augmented reality browsers for more accurate positioning of the device in space, as well as in aircraft radio models controlled by smartphones on iOS and Android platforms.
Magnetic Field Sensor (Magneticcompass)
After the arrival of GPS receivers in our world, digital compasses also appeared, however, in the era of the development of navigation technologies, they are not of much use. The magnetometer, like the usual magnetic compass, tracks the orientation of the device in space relative to the Earth's magnetic poles.
The information received from the compass is used in mapping and navigation applications. In practice, this device proved to be quite good and today is indispensable in a number of games and applications, for example, in the Layar augmented reality browser.
Other sensors and sensors
Barometer
Helps with positioning and this sensor. The barometer has only recently appeared in smartphones, with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and can reduce the time it takes to connect to a GPS signal. The built-in barometer measures atmospheric pressure at the current location of the smartphone owner and determines the height above sea level. Many flagship smartphones today are equipped not only with GPS and GLONASS receivers, but also with a barometer, so that the signal from the satellite is captured and the initial location is determined instantly. This function is also useful in the case when the user moves on inclined planes, whether it is a hill or a mountain, because, depending on the atmospheric pressure and altitude, it can calculate the exact number of calories that are burned during the walk. Well, and, accordingly, to determine the pressure and weather conditions directly from your smartphone.
Consider the principle of operation of this sensor on the example of a Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone, where the determination of the pressure difference can be recalculated about 25 times per second. This speed allows you to clearly determine the movement of a person up and down, that is, to use navigation not only in the horizontal plane, but also in the vertical one. Thus, we get three-dimensional navigation, which is completely true. For example, when navigating in a shopping center, a regular GPS navigator will not be enough for you, as it will indicate a point on the ground plane, and not what height your route is at. And car navigators can navigate multi-storey parking lots and multi-level roads.
The pressure sensor allows you to do this, and you will receive not only the exact coordinates of a given place, but also information on which floor or height your route runs. Typically, such sensors include a data processing system, and their dimensions are within 3x3x1 mm. The tiny sensor responds to changes in height with an accuracy of 50 cm. The technique is implemented by comparing the external atmospheric pressure with respect to the vacuum chamber inside the sensor. In addition to the vacuum chamber and sensors, a built-in microprocessor, an analog amplifier, a digital co-processor and an element of non-volatile memory fit in the miniature body of the device.
Temperature/humidity sensor
Such a sensor has become a new addition to the Samsung Galaxy S4. It senses the ambient temperature and humidity levels through a small hole located at the base of the smartphone. And then the sensor determines the optimal level of comfort and displays this information on the screen of the S Health app. In addition, the temperature sensor allows you to correct pressure errors caused by changes in air temperature. Those who want to immediately take advantage of the capabilities of the temperature sensor can pay attention to the development of scientists from Robocat.
They created a tiny Thermodo electric thermometer that connects to the phone through the headphone port. Thermodo consists of passive temperature sensors built into a standard 4-pole headphone jack in a rugged housing. No network connection is required, the device is powered by the phone and consumes little power. When temperature measurement is not required, Thermodo can be hung on the keys as a keychain. With Thermodo, you can measure the temperature both indoors and outdoors.
3D sensor
A sensor that constantly scans the surrounding area and creates a computer-generated virtual model with high accuracy. Something similar is Kinect, but the new version of the Google Nexus 10 tablet has a much smaller sensor and there are already ready-made applications that can work on the tablet and demonstrate the capabilities of not only the most modern games.
Among other things, the Capri 3D sensor, which was presented at the Google I / O 2013 conference by PrimeSense, can register movements and receive metric parameters of objects. By the way, this development of this technology proves IBM's assumption that in the middle of this decade, communication using video conferencing applications will begin to resemble 3D holograms.
Safety
Recently, Professor Adam J. Aviv of Swarthmore College (Pennsylvania, USA) demonstrated the possibility of carrying out attacks using data received by the smartphone's accelerometer. It turned out that the data received by the smartphone's sensors can help attackers gain access to the unlock codes of the device. They can find out Pin-codes and passwords of the user. Getting information through sensors is much easier than through applications downloaded to a smartphone, the professor claims. The researchers analyzed the data received by the accelerometer and compiled a kind of “dictionary” of smartphone movements when entering a password, after which they developed software that allows decrypting Pin codes using data received from the accelerometer. In the course of research, scientists were able to correctly determine the Pin-code in 43% of cases, and the password - in 73%. The system malfunctions when the user is in motion while using the device, as movements create additional noise and it is very difficult to obtain accurate data from the accelerometer.
Mobile security experts also believe that the more sensors a smartphone has, the more data they can capture, which means that the problem of protecting the device becomes more acute. Researchers are now developing methods to prevent the leakage of data collected by gyroscopes, accelerometers or other sensors. So it can be assumed that with the development of technology and the expansion of the functionality of sensors, the security situation will only escalate.
prospects
Recently, American inventor Jacob Fraden founded the Fraden Corporation and patented a non-contact temperature measurement system for mobile devices. A small infrared sensor is placed on the back of the smartphone, which can take readings of the user's body temperature in just a second. Thus, in the future, smartphones may well become our personal medical assistants. Freyden is also going to create means for measuring ultraviolet radiation and electromagnetic pollution. But employees from the MIT Next Lab claim that soon sensors in smartphones will be able to detect arrhythmia and tachycardia, which will force users to seek medical help in a timely manner.
According to experts from IBM, by 2017 smartphones will have a sense of smell. Tiny odor sensors can be built into smartphones and other mobile devices. The detected traces of chemical compounds will be transmitted to a powerful cloud-based application capable of analyzing everything from carbon monoxide to the flu virus. As a result, if you sneeze, the phone will be able to tell you about your illness.
All the fun is just beginning, and today work is going on in a lot of areas. For example, it is possible that in the near future your smartphone will learn to imitate tactile sensations using some kind of sensors. You will be able to distinguish between fabrics, textures and weaves. And sound sensors combined with massive cloud computing systems will provide superhuman auditory capabilities. Oh, what can not be assumed, especially since a lot of assumptions, calculations and even fantasies in recent years began to come true with amazing speed.
Sensors are a variety of devices consisting of various microelectromechanical components that allow you to receive and read various additional data. This allows you to make it more convenient to work with the gadget and add functionality to it.
Of course, it is well known that modern smartphones are crammed with many sensors, but their use and number often remain a mystery, because manufacturers provide the public with information only about the most basic of them, such as proximity sensors, a gyroscope or an accelerometer.
Today we want to tell you what sensors can be in a smartphone and why they are needed.
Orientation or acceleration sensor - accelerometer. This is the most common type of sensor, which is observed in almost every model of smartphones or tablets. It is necessary in order to register the spatial rotation of the device from the portrait position to the landscape position. Often, the accelerometer is specifically called the G-sensor. Usually, there are three axes along which the sensor registers the difference between the acceleration of the object itself and the gravitational acceleration.
Subsequently, the processor calculates the value of the difference, analyzes, and sends the information to the software. According to this information, it becomes known at what point and where to rotate the screen. Based on the principle of operation, it is possible to deduce the main drawback of the orientation sensor. If the acceleration value is extremely small or it is absent, then it stops the process of registering the spatial location of the device, or the error in registration is quite high. This can have a negative impact on the accuracy of controlling the gadget in mobile games or when controlling, for example, a drone. In this case, the accelerometer is assisted by the next sensor.
Gyroscope. It is also necessary in order to mark the spatial location of the device, but at the same time it can freely register the angle of inclination of the device along three axes even if the smartphone does not move. This improves the accuracy of control when playing on a mobile phone, since developers, thanks to the gyroscope, can receive data on how far the device has deviated from any coordinates, and the error in this case is approximately one or two degrees.
Geomagnetic analysis sensor. It can respond to the magnetic fields of our planet. It is also often called an electronic compass, because with its help the device can display information about the position of the cardinal points. As an example, if there is a geomagnetic sensor, the smartphone can do without a GPS module, determining the location of the object. This is one of the main sensors of modern smartphones and other devices.
Often, in order to increase accuracy, more sensors are installed in the smartphone, which work on a similar principle, but have a simpler set of functions. Of course, the user can use the magnetometer to perform its direct functions - use it as a metal detector, look for wiring in the walls of a building or as a compass. In mobile markets, you need to look for the right software for this.
Proximity sensor. Provides the ability to identify an object and calculate the distance to it. It includes an emitter of infrared rays and their receiver. If the receiving device does not receive a signal, this means that there is no object, and when the radiation enters the receiver, this indicates that there is an object that reflected the beam. It finds wide application, for example, turning off the backlight of the display when the smartphone is brought to the ear at the time of the call. Some more advanced options can read some gestures and then respond to this with a certain action. Sometimes the proximity sensor can be used in cases where it is necessary to turn off the display when closing the cover.
Light sensor or light sensor. Thanks to him, the device can determine the level of illumination of the surrounding conduit. This allows you to automatically change the brightness of the display backlight. This is quite a convenient feature - you do not have to constantly change the brightness level of the screen manually. More expensive smartphones sometimes use a progressive and advanced version of the sensor, which can analyze the intensity level of the primary colors (RGB) in order to subsequently adjust the colors on the display or adjust the white balance in the process of photographing.
intermediate output
If a smartphone has only an accelerometer, this indicates that the model belongs to the most budget category and has the ability to rotate the screen. Of course, sometimes the manufacturer does not provide comprehensive information about the sensors that are available, so you should read some reviews where the entire “stuffing” of the mobile device is analyzed in detail.
If all the sensors listed above are present in a smartphone, and also some of those that will be discussed below are included in the electronics of the device, this means that the model is quite advanced.
Sensors that are often not found in cheap smartphones
Sensor Hall. Allows you to capture and analyze magnetic fields, but has a very simplified mechanism of operation. It reacts to the magnetic field only if it is strengthened, and the axial strength is not recorded. It will be convenient when the SmartCover case is used - the display goes out at the moment when it detects the approach of the magnet built into the case. It should be noted that if there is a “smart cover” among the supported accessories, then this sensor is present in the phone. The manufacturer may not always provide information that the sensor is built into the device.
Barometer. A sensor that allows you to determine the value of atmospheric pressure. It can be used for its intended purpose, and in cases where you need to determine the level of altitude above sea level or find out the location of the phone.
Thermometer. It is designed to determine the temperature in its environment with high accuracy.
Hygrometer (or humidity sensor). Determines the level of humidity. Like the previous sensor, it was first introduced in the Galaxy S4, but is now used in many smartphones and other devices.
Pedometer (or pedometer). Just by the name of this sensor, you can guess what it is used for. Thanks to him, it is determined whether a person has taken a step. This is a self-contained sensor that identifies steps with high accuracy, unloading the accelerometer from work.
Fingerprint sensor. Of course, it would be more logical to talk about this sensor in articles that talk about how to ensure the proper level of security for a mobile device. But this sensor can rightfully be called one of the most necessary and important sensors in modern smartphones. It allows you not only to increase the security level of the device, but also to open specific applications, as well as confirm transactions.
A sensor that scans the retina of the eye. Allows you to count and analyze the uniqueness of the retina. In moments when it is necessary to ensure the safety of the smartphone. The sensor has been around for quite a long time, but so far it has been implemented in a few smartphones.
A sensor that analyzes the heartbeat. It was originally built into the Galaxy S5 models and was used with the aim that the phone could become the ultimate personal assistant and trainer. An app called S-Health was able to get much more information about a person at all stages of training, and this made it possible to provide the user with better individual recommendations.
A sensor that detects oxygen saturation in the blood. Has no analogues, and is also used in the above application. If such applications appear, then he will be able to successfully work with them.
Dosimeter. Allows you to receive and determine the dose or power of ionizing radiation. In other words, when using it, it is possible to measure the background of radioactivity.
Row of auxiliary smartphone sensors
Sometimes, in order to increase the level of accuracy, smartphones are provided with additional sensors that have a similar, but more simplified set of functions.
- Auxiliary sensor that allows spatial orientation.
- Gravity Sensor - indicates the magnitude as well as the direction of gravity.
- Indicates the value of acceleration along all three axes, while not paying attention to the level of gravity.
- Determining the angle of deviation of the mobile device at the moment of its rotation around one axis out of three.
- A sensor that can detect a number of predefined movements, such as shaking.
- To determine gestures and movements.
- Allowing tracking and identifying a person.
- A sensor that can only receive a double click on the display.
- Tracking the rotation of not the entire gadget, but only its display.
Of course, there may be many other various sensors, but all the secrets and mysteries of their use are known only to the developers of any software or mobile operating systems.
