If you remove all sensors from a smartphone, it will lose an impressive part of its functions and turn into a rather primitive device. Even actions that are familiar to users, such as changing the screen orientation when moving the gadget to a horizontal position and automatic shutdown display during a conversation would not be performed without sensors.
In an effort to win competition in the market, manufacturers of modern mobile equipment equip their devices with a huge number of sensors - because this increases functionality. In this article we will talk about all known smartphone sensors, including those installed in the latest models.
Accelerometer– one of the main sensors of a smartphone; it is also called G-sensor. The function of the accelerometer is to measure the linear acceleration of the smartphone along 3 coordinate axes. Data about the movements of the device are accumulated and processed by a special controller - naturally, this happens in a matter of seconds. Places a tiny sensor approximately in the center of the smartphone body. Self-replacement If the accelerometer breaks down, it is excluded - you will have to go to service.
Who should thank developers for accelerometers in smartphones? First of all, fans of racing simulators, who are able to control virtual cars by simply tilting the device left and right. It is the accelerometer that allows the gadget to change the screen orientation from portrait to landscape when the user turns the device over.
For the first time, an accelerometer appeared on a phone 5500 . This sensor caused great delight among supporters of an active lifestyle, because it allowed them to use a pedometer.
The accelerometer has one significant drawback: it can only fix the position when acceleration– that is, when the gadget moves in space. The accelerometer is not capable of determining the position of the device lying on the table. A “partner” sensor called . This sensor measures the speed of angular rotation and provides higher data accuracy compared to an accelerometer. A gyroscope that has undergone the calibration procedure will have an error of no more than 2 degrees.
The gyroscope is actively used in mobile games– in combination with an accelerometer. In addition, this sensor makes possible cameras, creating panoramic images (the gyroscope determines how many degrees the smartphone has been rotated), and gesture control.
The first smartphone with a gyroscope was 4 . Now the gyroscope is far from exotic; Most modern devices are equipped with it (as well as an accelerometer).
Proximity and light sensors
The presence of a proximity sensor (Proximity Sensor) in a smartphone is an objective necessity. If such a sensor were absent, the user would have to endure inconvenience every time while talking on the phone. It would be enough to easily touch the reset button with your cheek - and the conversation is stopped, you need to call the subscriber again. The function of the proximity sensor is obvious: it locks the gadget's screen as soon as the user brings the device to his ear. This sensor allows the smartphone owner not only to communicate comfortably, but also to save battery power.
The proximity sensor is “hiding” under the front glass mobile device. It consists of 2 elements: diode And detector. The diode sends an infrared pulse (invisible to the human eye), and the detector tries to catch its reflection. If the detector succeeds, the screen goes dark. The sensor is capable of recording only 2 states: “ foreign object closer than 5 cm" And " foreign object more than 5 cm».
The company has achieved amazing results in experiments with a proximity sensor. Based on this sensor Korean manufacturer created gesture sensor, thanks to which contactless control of a smartphone became possible. The first gesture sensor appeared on Samsung Galaxy S3 - in 2012 this became a real breakthrough.
It is not for nothing that the Light Sensor is considered in tandem with a proximity sensor - as a rule, these two sensors are located in close proximity to each other. The light sensor is the “oldest” of all sensors used in mobile electronics. It is also the simplest - from a design point of view, this sensor is a semiconductor that is sensitive to the flow of photons. The function of the light sensor is not as important as that of the proximity sensor: the Light Sensor only adjusts the brightness of the display in accordance with the surrounding conditions.
In some Samsung models(For example, Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S5) installed RGB sensors. The RGB sensor is capable of not only changing the brightness of the display, but also adjusting the proportions of red, green, blue and white colors of the image on the screen.
The developers of Samsung Galaxy Note 4 went to the point of absurdity: they taught the sensor to measure illumination in the ultraviolet range, which is invisible to humans. Thanks to this interesting innovation, the user can, for example, choose the optimal time for tanning.
Barometer and temperature sensor
A person with high sensitivity to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure simply needs to have a barometer application on their smartphone. IN Google Play For example, one of these programs is called “Barometer”.
The barometer sensor is capable of not only warning the user about the approach of a cyclone - anticyclone; This is not even its main function. The sensor increases the efficiency and accuracy of the gadget's GPS navigator. GPS satellites show where in the world the location you are looking for is located - but not at what height. This shortcoming of their work is eliminated by the barometer. A pressure sensor can help find, say, the office of a certain company in a multi-story business center building.
Temperature sensors, unlike barometers, are present in most smartphones - but you cannot measure the temperature outside with their help. This is about internal thermometers, whose task is to ensure that the gadget does not overheat. One smartphone can have a lot of similar sensors: the first controls the graphics accelerator, the second controls the processor cores, and so on. If overheating occurs, the internal thermometer automatically stops charging or reduces the output amperage.
External thermometers They are also found on gadgets, but they are still “a novelty.” The first smartphone with a built-in thermometer was the Samsung Galaxy S4. The sensor turned out to be necessary to improve the performance of the pre-installed S Health application.
Unfortunately, external thermometers of mobile devices have a significant drawback - low accuracy. The data is distorted due to the heat emanating from the user’s body and the insides of the device itself. The developers have not yet been able to solve this problem.
For the needs of the S Health application, another interesting sensor was installed on the Samsung Galaxy S4 - hygrometer. This sensor measures humidity levels, giving the user the ability to effectively control the indoor climate.
What sensors allow you to monitor your health?
A person who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle would do well to acquire a gadget that is equipped with the following sensors.
Pedometer (pedometer)
The function of the pedometer is to count the distance covered by the user based on the number of steps taken. An accelerometer can also perform this function, but the accuracy of its measurements leaves much to be desired. The pedometer as a separate sensor first appeared on the Nexus 5 smartphone.
Pulse monitor (heartbeat sensor)
The built-in heart rate monitor is one of the innovations of the Samsung Galaxy S5. Samsung developers felt that it was the pulse sensor that the S Health program lacked in order for it to be considered a full-fledged personal trainer. The Samsung heart rate monitor has not yet become popular among users, because it is quite finicky. To provide accurate data, the sensor needs close contact with a part of the user's body where blood vessels are shallow, such as the pad of a finger. Going for a run while holding your finger on the sensor is not a pleasant experience.
Blood oxygenation sensor (SpO2 sensor)
This sensor determines the degree of oxygen saturation in the blood. It is present only on 2 Samsung smartphones (Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge) and is “tailored” for the S Health application. On the devices, the SpO2 sensor is combined with a camera flash and a heart rate monitor. The user just needs to activate the corresponding application and place his finger on the flash for 30-40 seconds - after which he will see the measurement result as a percentage on the gadget’s screen.
Dosimeter
The Pantone 5 smartphone released in Japan is equipped with such a sensor. The function of the dosimeter is to measure radiation. For the Japanese, this function is important, because after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, they are forced to more closely monitor the background radiation. There are no smartphones with dosimeters on the European market.
Fingerprint and retina scanners
Users who believe that the first one appeared on the iPhone 5S are greatly mistaken. Phones capable of scanning fingerprints have been released before. Back in 2004, Pantech GI 100, equipped with similar technology, was sold. 7 years later, it introduced the Atrix 4g model with a fingerprint sensor. In both cases, users reacted rather coolly to the technology.
When, in 2013, Apple built the iPhone 5S into the Home button, the Apple company was applauded by both experts and ordinary consumers. Apple was more fortunate with the era: in the “zero” the issue of the security of non-cash payments was not so pressing.
The fingerprint scanner eliminates the need for the user to use digital passwords to protect data stored on the gadget. Passwords are easy to crack; It is much more difficult to deceive a fingerprint sensor (although it is also possible).
Nowadays it has become fashionable to install fingerprint scanners in smartphones. This technology is used not only by long-term market leaders - Samsung, Apple,. However, this technology became discussed only after Samsung turned to it - they installed it in the Galaxy Note 7 iris scanner.
The sensor in the Note is different from those found in smartphones from Chinese companies. Samsung's idea can be called revolutionary because the Note 7 has a camera that is responsible only for eye scanning. The “Chinese” read information from the retina with a selfie camera.
The method used by gadgets from the Middle Kingdom is ineffective. The fact is that the eye must be scanned with an infrared (IR) beam, but front cameras The IR spectrum, as a rule, is filtered - because it deteriorates. It turns out that Samsung is so far the only smartphone manufacturer that does not force users to make a choice between high-quality devices and the security of personal data.
Conclusion
Every modern smartphone is equipped with at least 5 sensors. In flagship models, the number of sensors reaches the “damn dozen”, and manufacturers are not going to stop there. IBM experts predict that already in 2017, gadgets will have a sense of smell, thanks to which they will be able to warn the user, for example, about a high concentration of fumes and the presence of influenza virus in the air. We are looking forward to innovations - surely there will be a continuation?
Most Android phones have built-in sensors that measure motion, orientation, and various environmental conditions. These sensors will help monitor the three-dimensional movement of the device or positioning, or changes in the environment. For example, a weather app uses your phone's temperature sensor and humidity sensor to calculate the saturation point. Likewise, your app will use the travel geomagnetic field sensor and accelerometer to find a specific destination. Various sensors on Android devices provide accurate and accurate data to other applications or directly to you.
If you think that your Android phone's sensors are not working as they should, you can always check if it is actually working fine or not. So how do you determine exactly what's wrong with your phone's sensors?
Whatever the problem, there are apps that can help you figure out the problem and solve it. Even if you don't have a specific problem, it may still be good to go through a small registration on your phone to ensure the health of the phone. Please note that your device may or may not support all of the sensors mentioned above. This article will list some of the most popular apps available for free to test the sensors in your mobile phone. Most of these applications include brief instructions to perform a test for each sensor test.
The Android platform supports the following three broad categories of sensors:
Motion sensors
The force motion sensor measures acceleration and rotational forces. Such sensors include accelerometers, gravity sensors, gyroscopes and rotational vector sensors.
Environmental sensors
The environmental sensor measures various environmental parameters. Examples of environmental sensors are barometers, photometric and thermometers.
Position sensors
A position sensor measures the physical position of a device. Orientation sensors and magnetometers are examples of position sensors.
Now, before we continue, let's take a quick look at some of the main sensors, what they do, and what to do to test these sensors. Later we'll tell you about apps that can automatically run sensor tests.
gyroscope sensor
The gyroscope is used to measure 6 directions simultaneously. This allows the device screen to rotate from portrait to landscape. You can tilt your phone slowly to check if the gyroscope sensor is working.
Accelerometer Sensor
The accelerometer detects the orientation of the phone and measures the acceleration due to gravity, including in three axes. You can rotate the phone slowly to check if the accelerometer sensor is working.
Light sensor
The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen brightness according to the light intensity of your surroundings. You can test the sensor in a dark place and then by moving the phone to an area with bright light. If the screen light changes, it means the sensor is working.
orientation sensor
The orientation sensor detects the directional state of your Android device. It checks for automatic screen rotation. Rotate your phone to check if the sensor is working properly.
Proximity sensor
The proximity sensor measures the distance of an object from the front of the phone. For example, your phone's screen turns off when you hold it closer to your ears during an active call.
temperature sensor
The temperature sensor checks the battery temperature of your Android device. If you surf the Internet using 3G or play HD games you will experience a rise in battery temperature to the point where it becomes quite hot to the touch.
sound sensor
The sound sensor detects the intensity of sound around you and gives you detailed information about changes in intensity.
Magnetic field sensor
The magnetic sensor measures the magnetic fields along the three axes of the phone. It is mainly used to determine direction. Examples include Google app and the Compass app. Just move with your phone to check the magnetic sensor.
Pressure meter
The pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure. It is used for weather forecasting and for measuring ambient temperature.
CPU-Z
The CPU-Z application collects all the necessary information about the phone and presents it in one window. For each option tab, the corresponding details are displayed at the top of the window.
SOC tab- displays the system-on-chip (SoC) architecture of your part Android smartphone, as shown in the figure below.
Device tab- Displays device details like model, manufacturer, hardware, screen size, total and used random access memory, total and used memory, etc.
System tab- displays detailed information about your smartphone, such as model, manufacturer, board type, display resolution, on Android versions, installed, etc.
Battery tab- Displays battery charging status, level, power source, status, technology, temperature and voltage, etc.
Thermal tab- displays a list of temperature readings. Since the load on CPU causes your phone to heat up, it is good to check that the temperature does not cross 60°C as this indicates a faulty device. This sensor may not be available on all device models. If it is missing, the tab will not display any values.
Sensors tab- displays the values of sensors supported on the device. You can play with the phone to check if individual sensors are working; for example, tilting the phone to check the gyroscope or moving your palms across the screen to check the proximity sensor, etc. If the CPU-Z readings change in response to your actions, then the sensors are fine and working. If you still feel that the sensors are not functioning properly, then you need to check and compare the values with another similar model or device.
Sensor Kinetics
Sensor Kinetics allows you to view, track and understand the behavior of all the standard sensors installed on your phone. You can change the delay setting or activate or deactivate certain sensors. This application demonstrates the use of each of the sensors available on the phone. This way you can easily check the sensors in your phone. Each sensor is attached to a viewer circuit with raw and processed data. It also includes documentation with easy to understand examples on how to test each of the sensors on your phone.
Sensor test
Testing the Sensor app is designed to detect and test the functionality of each of the sensors that are available on your phone. It displays default sensors and displays real time data and information about each sensor. It also displays the vendor, maximum range, resolution and absorption current for each sensor.
Sensor Box for Android
Sensor Box for Android application is a good looking app with impressive graphical presentation. It detects all the sensors that are available on your Android device. The application displays all sensors and a corresponding message appears if the selected sensor is not supported by your phone. This application only detects sensor changes, if any, and displays the values. It may not show the correct temperature, proximity, light and pressure values unless some changes occur.
Phone tester
The phone tester app not only checks the sensors on the phone, but also checks the health of the device's hardware, Wi-Fi, telephony, GPS, touch, battery and system information. It also checks ambient temperature, humidity, step detector, heart rate monitor and fingerprint sensor - provided that is supported by your device. A Pro app version is also available which displays Additional information, such as phone memory, processor speed and SD card memory.
AndroSensor
AndroSensor supports all sensors that an Android device may have, but displays real-time sensor details only those supported by your device. Details displayed graphically and text format. This app also allows you to save sensor data to a CSV file.
Programs and options Other
Apart from the apps mentioned above, there are many other apps available for free from Google Play Store. All these apps will help you in testing your phone's sensors. Some of the apps that are worth mentioning are Multitool Sensors, Sensor Checker and Advanced Sensor Checker. You can install and try several applications and see if it provides you with the information that you were looking for.
If you are using samsung phone, dial secret code * # 0 * # to perform a phone test without having to install any additional applications. Select the sensor tab from the screen that appears and follow the instructions to check the supported sensors on your phone.
If you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to ask in the comments section. We at TechWelkin and our reader community will try to help you. Thank you for using TechWelkin!
Windows 10 monitors each user - all his requests and location, smartphones are not even discussed - they show the owner’s route and the altitude (floor) on which he is located, and he knows geodata and your requests - and can also record your voice without your knowledge , take your photos, and send your fingerprints and retina scans to third parties
Despite their modest size, modern smartphones are very complex devices with powerful multi-core processors, cameras with autofocus and optical stabilization, screens high resolution with high ppi values. In addition, any smartphone is equipped with various sensors that make using the device more convenient, or, especially in top gadgets, expand their capabilities. In our material today we will talk specifically about sensors, which of them can be found in modern gadgets, as well as how and why they are used.
The first sensor that began to be widely used in smartphones is accelerometer, which was also formerly often called G-sensor. As its name suggests, this sensor measures the acceleration of the device along three axes. Obviously, acceleration occurs only when the device moves or rotates in space, so the accelerometer cannot determine the position of a stationary smartphone. This means that its accuracy, for example, in games, will be relatively low.
To level out this drawback of the accelerometer, together with it in the overwhelming majority modern devices, including the most budget ones, applies gyroscope. Unlike an accelerometer, a gyroscope can determine the position in space (angle of inclination along three axes) of even a stationary device. The error of the calibrated gyroscope is modern smartphones, as a rule, does not exceed 1-2 degrees. Gyroscope and accelerometer are widely used in many mobile games for control, as well as in other applications - with a wide variety of tasks.
The next sensor, which can also be found in almost every smartphone, is magnetometer. This sensor reacts to the Earth's magnetic field and thus allows you to determine the cardinal directions. This, in turn, along with data on cell towers and points Wi-Fi access within visibility range, used when navigating in the absence of a GPS signal. A magnetometer is a sensitive sensor, and therefore, using a smartphone with it, you can, for example, look for wiring in a wall if it is not walled up deeply - just download an application that will read the sensor readings.
Almost every modern smartphone also cannot do without proximity sensor. The sensor is an infrared emitter with a receiver hidden under the front glass of the device. It can detect the presence of an object in front of it at a distance of about five centimeters. Thanks to this sensor, it is enough to bring the smartphone to your ear during a call - and the display will turn off automatically (as well as turn on if you remove the device); there is no need to use the power button for this. It is worth mentioning that some top Samsung smartphones use an advanced proximity sensor that performs the functions gesture sensor, responding to various movements of the hand above it.
Many smartphones, with the exception of budget models, are equipped light sensors. The main purpose of this sensor is to determine the level of external illumination and adjust the brightness of the display backlight in accordance with it.
This completes the list of common sensors. As you can see, most smartphones have at least five useful sensors, but in more advanced gadgets you can find many other sensors. One of them - barometer. Although he first appeared in Samsung smartphone Galaxy Note was a few years ago, but it can still only be found in some mid- and high-end devices. Like a magnetometer, a barometer helps the device quickly navigate the area and catch a signal from GPS satellites. Of course, by downloading one of many free applications, you can use a barometer for its intended purpose - to find out atmospheric pressure in pascals or millimeters of mercury. It is also possible to use a barometer as altimeter- a device that measures altitude above sea level. True, the accuracy of its readings in this case is noticeably affected by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, but this is regulated by entering current weather data and a reference altitude point for a specific area.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone appeared for the first time thermometer. The use of this sensor is more than obvious: using the pre-installed S Health application (however, you can download one of third party programs from Google Play) the user can find out the ambient temperature. The same can be said about the humidity sensor - hygrometer, which also debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S4 and can be used in conjunction with the S Health app.
To operate Smart Covers, when opened, the device screen automatically turns on, a Hall sensor is used. Like a magnetometer, Hall Sensor reacts to a magnetic field, but, unlike the first one, has a simpler principle of operation: it does not determine the magnetic field strength along several axes, but simply reacts to its intensification caused by the approach permanent magnet, hidden in the cover.
Modern gadgets have long learned to perform the functions of a pedometer, but usually an accelerometer is used for this. One of the few devices that has pedometer The LG Nexus 5 smartphone became a separate sensor. While such a sensor is a novelty, it will probably soon be used in other devices.
Another rare sensor - heart rate monitor. On this moment a separate sensor for measuring heart rate can only be found in the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Galaxy S5 Active smartphones (not counting smart watch the same company under Android control and Tizen).
A slightly more common sensor is Fingerprint's scanner, allowing you to quickly unlock your device without having to enter a password. Today this sensor is used in Apple iPhone 5S, Samsung Galaxy S5, HTC One Max and several other less common smartphone models. However, the first device, the iPhone 5S, is rightfully considered the standard for its implementation.
This is probably where the long list of sensors can be completed, but in the end we still left a sensor that is completely outlandish for a smartphone - dosimeter. It is known for certain that the Pantone 5 107SH released in Japan is equipped with it - probably, after the notorious nuclear power plant accident in the Land of the Rising Sun, they began to more carefully monitor the radiation situation around.
As a small conclusion, we repeat: almost any more or less modern gadget is equipped with at least five different sensors. The absolute record holder in terms of their number can be called the Samsung Galaxy S5, which, according to our calculations, has as many as 12 sensors. How many sensors have you counted in your smartphone?
A modern smartphone is a complex high-tech computing device that is more powerful than thousands of on-board computers that launched the Apollo missions to the Moon half a century ago. There are also almost more sensors installed on board flagship mobile phones than on board this very Apollo. Each of them quietly but conscientiously performs their work. What do all these smartphone sensors do and how do they work? Read on for more details.
The light sensor in a smartphone is located on the front panel, usually near the earpiece (there are exceptions). Structurally, it is a semiconductor sensor sensitive to photon flux. Depending on its intensity, the sensor controls the display backlight in order to use battery power more efficiently. It can also perform an auxiliary function for other tasks by working with a proximity sensor.
Proximity sensor
This is an optical or ultrasonic sensor that determines whether there are objects in front of the screen. It sends a very weak light or sound pulse, and if it is reflected, it registers the reflected signal. Due to this, the screen is automatically locked during a call or when the smartphone is turned over with the display down. Traditionally, the proximity sensor is calibrated in such a way that it registers only 2 states: “a foreign object is closer than N (usually 5) centimeters” and “a foreign object is further than N cm”.
Accelerometer
This smartphone sensor is located on a circuit board and is a miniature electromechanical device that records the slightest movements. The responsibilities of this sensor include switching the orientation of the smartphone screen when tilted, controlling games, registering special control gestures (such as shaking or tapping the body), and also measuring steps (by counting rhythmic vibrations during walking).
A regular dual-axis accelerometer in a smartphone
There are two-axis and three-axis accelerometers. A feature of the accelerometer is that at rest, one of the axes will always show a value in the region of 9-10 m/s 2 (in a three-axis three-dimensional accelerometer). This is due to the fact that the Earth's gravity is on average 9.8 m/s 2 .
Gyroscope
The gyroscope is responsible for determining the movement and orientation of the smartphone in space. It also structurally represents a MEMS (microelectromechanical circuit) located on the system board. Its areas of application overlap with those of the accelerometer. The main differences are that the gyroscope has noticeably greater accuracy and measures movement not in m/s 2, but in radians or degrees per second. Due to this, it can be used to track head turns in a VR headset, as well as more accurately implement gesture control.
MEMS gyroscope under a microscope
Magnetometer and Hall sensor
A magnetometer measures the magnitude of the magnetic field in the surrounding world. It also takes measurements in three-dimensional space (along three axes of Cartesian coordinates - X, Y and Z). The main function of the magnetometer is to more accurately determine the location during navigation. In this mode of use it functions as a digital compass. Due to the fact that one of the axes, which is located in the plane with the North Pole of the Earth, registers a constantly increased background. The magnetometer helps to more accurately determine in which direction relative to north the smartphone is moving.
Smartphone magnetometer
A magnetometer is often called a Hall sensor, but these are not entirely identical concepts. We wrote more about the Hall sensor in another article. The differences are that the first is more universal and sensitive. The magnetometer is capable of measuring magnetic radiation, while only registering its presence/absence and decrease/increase. In modern smartphones, a separate Hall sensor is usually not installed, since a universal magnetometer completely covers its functionality.
One of the alternative functions of a magnetometer is to find wiring in walls. A live conductor generates a weak electromagnetic radiation, and the sensitivity of the sensor is units of microtesla. If you move your smartphone along the wall, the magnetic background will be increased where the cable is laid.
Gravity sensor
Measures the force of gravity of our planet in three-dimensional space. At rest (when the smartphone is lying on the table), its readings should coincide with the accelerometer: along one of the axes the gravitational force will be close to 9.8 m/s 2 . This sensor is usually not used on its own, but it helps the work of others. In navigation mode, it determines which side of the earth's surface is in order to quickly determine the correct position of the smartphone. When used in VR, the gravity sensor ensures the correct positioning of the image.
Linear acceleration sensor in a smartphone
The principle of its operation is almost identical to the accelerometer, the only difference lies in inertia. That is, the readings of this sensor do not depend on any global external factors (like gravity). The only thing it registers is the speed of the smartphone’s movements in space relative to its previous position.
The linear acceleration sensor is not capable of determining the position of the device in space (there is no reference to external landmarks), but this is not necessary (the gravity sensor and accelerometer do an excellent job of this task). The absence of reference to external landmarks allows you to rotate objects on the display without reference to these landmarks, for example, in games. Also, this sensor, in combination with others, increases the overall accuracy of movement detection.
Rotation sensor
It determines the direction and frequency of rotation of the smartphone relative to one of the axes of three-dimensional space. Like the acceleration sensor, it is independent and not tied to external reference points. Often performed as part of a single module with a linear acceleration sensor. Separately, as a rule, it is not used, but it allows you to adjust the operation of other sensors to improve accuracy. It also helps with gesture control, for example, by twisting the smartphone in your hand, the camera is activated.
Cutaway MEMS gyroscope
Temperature sensors
A modern smartphone is abundantly stuffed with digital thermometers. Structurally, they are a thermocouple: a resistor with two terminals, the resistance between which varies depending on the temperature. Since it is relatively primitive, it can even be implemented inside a semiconductor chip.
Every smartphone must have a battery temperature sensor. If it overheats, it turns off charging or reduces the output current to prevent the electrolyte from boiling, which leads to a fire or explosion. Thermometers inside the SoC are also common (from a couple of pieces to a dozen or more). They measure the temperatures of processor cores, graphics accelerators, and various controllers. Sometimes there are also ambient temperature sensors, but they are not widespread. The reason for this is low accuracy, since heat from the inside of the device and the user’s hands distorts the readings.
Pressure sensor (barometer) in a smartphone
The barometer on your smartphone measures atmospheric pressure (in mmHg, bar or pascals). It allows you to more accurately determine your location and altitude above sea level, since the pressure decreases as you rise. It can also be used as an altimeter, measuring altitude above sea level, but the accuracy leaves much to be desired, since atmospheric pressure changes with the weather. The function of adjusting the weather forecast in meteorological programs and widgets is even less in demand.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures air humidity. Its main purpose is obvious, but this sensor is not popular. In theory, it can be used to correct weather forecast data. Knowing the readings, you can also control the indoor climate by turning on a humidifier or dehumidifier. The only one famous smartphones with a hygrometer - an old Samsung Galaxy S4.
Heart rate monitor or heart rate sensor in smartphones
The heart rate monitor is capable of measuring the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions. During sports, it makes it possible to monitor the work of the heart and adjust the load to increase the effectiveness of training. The disadvantage of a heart rate monitor is the need for close contact of the smartphone with a part of the body in which the blood vessels are close to the surface (for example, fingers) in order to catch the slightest pulsations. Because of this, it has not gained popularity in smartphones, but is found everywhere in smart watches and fitness trackers.
Heart rate monitor
You will also like:
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 do more convenient work with the gadget and add functionality to it.
Of course, it is a well-known fact that modern smartphones are crammed with a variety of sensors, but their use and quantity often remains 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 a smartphone can have and why they are needed.
Orientation or acceleration sensor - accelerometer. This is the most common type of sensor, which is found in almost every model of smartphone or tablet. It is necessary in order to register spatial rotations of the device from portrait position to landscape position. Often, the specific accelerometer is called G-sensor. Typically, there are three axes along which the sensor records the difference between the acceleration of the object itself and the gravitational acceleration.
Subsequently, the processor calculates the difference value, analyzes it, and sends the information to the software. According to this information, it becomes known at what moment and where to turn the screen. Based on the principle of operation, we can deduce the main disadvantage of the orientation sensor. If the acceleration value is extremely small or absent, then it stops the process of registering the spatial location of the device, or the error in registration is quite high. This may 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 following sensor.
Gyroscope. It is also necessary 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 increases the control accuracy when playing on a mobile phone, since developers, thanks to the gyroscope, can receive data on how much the device has deviated from any coordinates, and the error in this case is approximately one or two degrees.
Geomagnetic analysis sensor. He can react to 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, a smartphone can do without a GPS module, determining the location of an 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, operating on a similar principle, but with a simpler set of functions. Of course, the user can use a magnetometer to perform its direct functions - use it as a metal detector, find 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 infrared ray emitter and a receiver. If the receiving device does not receive a signal, this means that the object is missing, and when the radiation hits the receiver, this indicates that there is an object that reflected the beam. It finds wide application, for example, by turning off the display backlight when the smartphone is brought to the ear during a call. Some more advanced options can read certain gestures and then respond with a specific action. Sometimes the proximity sensor can be used in cases where it is necessary to turn off the display when closing the case.
Light sensor or light sensor. Thanks to it, the device can determine the level of illumination of the surrounding area. This allows you to automatically change the brightness of the display backlight. This is a fairly convenient function - you don’t have to constantly change the screen brightness level manually. More expensive smartphone models sometimes use a progressive and expanded version of the sensor, which can analyze the intensity level of the main colors (RGB) in order to subsequently adjust the colors on the display or adjust the white balance during the photography process.
Intermediate output
If a smartphone only has an accelerometer, this means 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 all the “stuffing” of the mobile device is analyzed in detail.
If all the sensors listed above are present in the smartphone, and the electronics of the device also include some of those that will be discussed below, 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 operating mechanism. It reacts to the magnetic field only if it is strengthened, and the axial tension is not recorded. It will be convenient when using a SmartCover case - the display goes out the moment it detects the approach of the magnet built into the case. It is worth noting that if a “smart cover” is among the supported accessories, then this sensor is present in the phone. Manufacturers may not always indicate 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 both for its intended purpose and in cases where it is necessary to determine the altitude above sea level or find out the location of the telephone.
Thermometer. Designed to accurately determine the temperature in its environment.
Hygrometer (or humidity sensor). Determines the humidity level. 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 an autonomous sensor that identifies steps with high accuracy, relieving the accelerometer of work.
Fingerprint sensor. Of course, it would be more logical to talk about this sensor in articles that talk about how to ensure the appropriate 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 security of your smartphone. The sensor has been around for quite some time, but so far it has been implemented in few smartphones.
A sensor that analyzes the heartbeat. It was originally built into the Galaxy S5 models and was used with the goal that the phone could become completely personal assistant and a coach. The application, called S-Health, was able to obtain much more information about a person at all stages of training, and this made it possible to provide the user with better personalized recommendations.
A sensor that records blood oxygen saturation. It has no analogues and is also used in the above-mentioned application. If similar 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 radioactivity.
A range of smartphone auxiliary 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.
- An auxiliary sensor that allows spatial orientation.
- Gravity sensor – indicates the magnitude as well as the direction of gravity.
- Indicating the value of acceleration along all three axes, while ignoring the level of gravity.
- Defining angle of deflection mobile device at the moment of its rotation around one of the three axis.
- A sensor that can detect a series of preset movements, such as shaking.
- To detect gestures and movements.
- Allows you to track and identify a person.
- A sensor that can only receive a double click on the display.
- Rotation tracking not for the entire gadget, but only for its display.
Of course, there may be many other different sensors, but all the secrets and secrets of their use are known only to the developers of any software or mobile operating systems.