A New Perspective On The Internet Of Things

The discussion becomes important when one considers that most stories about the Internet of Things focus on the product and not on the infrastructure that powers the product. Whether it is Apples A7 processor or Samsungs curved smartphone screens, the Internet of Things is as much about advances in ubiquitous computing as about electronics. Both the examples I referenced earlier are possible due to the development of new materials and processing power of printed electronics. For example, the LG and Samsung smartphone screens are new variants of plastic substrates encased in rigid glass. ThinFilms approach relies on low power ubiquitous computing and protocols that transmit information over short distances. Instead of a large number of devices connected to each other, this Internet of Things transmits information to a local information hub, such as a smartphone, which would then transmit that information over large distances. Instead of reconfiguring the product to include tracking sensors, this approach uses smart labels and tags to make the Internet of Things possible. As an example, Sutija points to Blue Tooth, which has low power requirements and transmits information over short distances. (Using this approach) you can distribute intelligence broadly over a large number of simple devices (or, devices that are not IoT ready), he says. Instead of big data, which relies on constant monitoring, such devices use small data or snippets of information at specific periods of time. For example, consumers can measure their vitals through temporary monitoring tests that use disposable electronics instead of conventional electronics. We want to add intelligence to ordinary objects that are also disposable, says Sutija. Thinfilm has other elements in its Internet of Things strategy.
For the original version visit http://www.forbes.com/sites/rakeshsharma/2014/02/18/a-new-perspective-on-the-internet-of-things/