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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2016

Luiz Carlos Paiva Gouveia and Bhaskar Choubey

The purpose of this paper is to offer an introduction to the technological advances of the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors along the past decades. The…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer an introduction to the technological advances of the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors along the past decades. The authors review some of those technological advances and examine potential disruptive growth directions for CMOS image sensors and proposed ways to achieve them.

Design/methodology/approach

Those advances include breakthroughs on image quality such as resolution, capture speed, light sensitivity and color detection and advances on the computational imaging.

Findings

The current trend is to push the innovation efforts even further, as the market requires even higher resolution, higher speed, lower power consumption and, mainly, lower cost sensors. Although CMOS image sensors are currently used in several different applications from consumer to defense to medical diagnosis, product differentiation is becoming both a requirement and a difficult goal for any image sensor manufacturer. The unique properties of CMOS process allow the integration of several signal processing techniques and are driving the impressive advancement of the computational imaging.

Originality/value

The authors offer a very comprehensive review of methods, techniques, designs and fabrication of CMOS image sensors that have impacted or will impact the images sensor applications and markets.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Satoshi Saga, Hiroyuki Kajimoto and Susumu Tachi

The aim of this paper is to create a sensor that can measure the contact status with high‐resolution than ever.

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to create a sensor that can measure the contact status with high‐resolution than ever.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a new type of optical tactile sensor that can detect surface deformation with high precision by using the principle of optical lever. A tactile sensor is constructed that utilizes the resolution of a camera to the maximum by using transparent silicone rubber as a deformable mirror surface and taking advantage of the reflection image.

Findings

It has been found that the sensor can sense the deformation by the object with 1 percent error rate in simulation. In implementation of this time, the error rate results 10 percent.

Research limitations/implications

This sensor can be used with broad applications by combining with other devices. As one of future work, the zero method will be used by using active patterns and get more accurate information.

Practical implications

Using the transparent silicone rubbers the sensor enables very simple and low cost and high‐resolution detection method. In addition, the simplicity of our sensor results various applications. For example, the transparency makes the sensor a light pathway, so the sensor can be a contactless sensor or an interactive device.

Originality/value

The concept of a tactile sensing method is introduced which can utilize the resolution of a camera to the maximum possible extent and can detect surface deformation by using the principle of optical lever.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 June 2009

Bo Chen, Jifeng Wang and Shanben Chen

Welding process is a complicated process influenced by many interference factors, a single sensor cannot get information describing welding process roundly. This paper…

Abstract

Purpose

Welding process is a complicated process influenced by many interference factors, a single sensor cannot get information describing welding process roundly. This paper simultaneously uses different sensors to get different information about the welding process, and uses multi‐sensor information fusion technology to fuse the different information. By using multi‐sensors, this paper aims to describe the welding process more precisely.

Design/methodology/approach

Electronic and welding pool image information are, respectively, obtained by arc sensor and image sensor, then electronic signal processing and image processing algorithms are used to extract the features of the signals, the features are then fused by neural network to predict the backside width of weld pool.

Findings

Comparative experiments show that the multi‐sensor fusion technology can predict the weld pool backside width more precisely.

Originality/value

The multi‐sensor fusion technology is used to fuse the different information obtained by different sensors in a gas tungsten arc welding process. This method gives a new approach to obtaining information and describing the welding process.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2023

Wen Pin Gooi, Pei Ling Leow, Jaysuman Pusppanathan, Xian Feng Hor and Shahrulnizahani Mohammad Din

As one of the tomographic imaging techniques, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is widely used in many industrial applications. While most ECT sensors have electrodes placed…

Abstract

Purpose

As one of the tomographic imaging techniques, electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is widely used in many industrial applications. While most ECT sensors have electrodes placed around a cylindrical chamber, the planar ECT sensor has been investigated for depth and defect detection. However, the planar ECT sensor has limited height and depth sensing capability due to its single-sided assessment with the use of only a single-plane design. The purpose of this paper is to investigate a dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor design using the 3 × 3 matrix electrode array.

Design/methodology/approach

The sensitivity map of dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor was analysed using 3D visualisation, the singular value decomposition and the axial resolution analysis. Then, the sensor was fabricated for performance analysis based on 3D imaging experiments.

Findings

The sensitivity map analysis showed that the dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor has enhanced the height sensing capability, and it is less ill-posed in 3D image reconstruction. The dual-plane miniature planar 3D ECT sensor showed a 28% improvement in reconstructed 3D image quality as compared to the single-plane sensor set-up.

Originality/value

The 3 × 3 matrix electrode array has been proposed to use only the necessary electrode pair combinations for image reconstruction. Besides, the increase in number of electrodes from the dual-plane sensor setup improved the height reconstruction of the test sample.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 43 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Russell Cork

The paper aims to present an innovative method for imaging the pressure distribution between two interface surfaces. The physical principles behind the design of the pressure…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to present an innovative method for imaging the pressure distribution between two interface surfaces. The physical principles behind the design of the pressure imaging system are explained, and some case studies involving the use of this technology in diverse applications are described.

Design/methodology/approach

The XSENSOR pressure sensor is comprised of a matrix of capacitive sensing elements. Pressure applied to the surface of the sensing element causes a change in capacitance that is correlated to a change in pressure. Proprietary Windows based software compensates for sensor non‐linearity, hysteresis, and creep over time, resulting in enhanced accuracy.

Findings

XSENSOR's capacitive based pressure imaging sensors can graphically display pressure distributions in real time between virtually any two surfaces in contact. The sensor element is accurate, thin, flexible, and robust. These physical characteristics minimize any artificial influences created by the presence of the sensor during data collection.

Practical implications

Pressure imaging technology can be used in industrial and engineering environments for product design and verification, process control, or quality assurance.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful to the engineer or business manager interested in applying sensor technology to solve engineering or design problems.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2010

Xiaohui Hu and Wuqiang Yang

The purpose of this paper is to present the sensing mechanism, design issues, performance evaluation and applications for planar capacitive sensors. In the context of…

4333

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the sensing mechanism, design issues, performance evaluation and applications for planar capacitive sensors. In the context of characterisation and imaging of a dielectric material under test (MUT), a systematic study of sensor modelling, features and design issues is needed. In addition, the influencing factors on sensitivity distribution, and the effect of conductivity on sensor performance need to be further studied for planar capacitive sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

While analytical methods can provide accurate solutions to sensors of simple geometries, numerical modelling is preferred to obtain sensor response to different design parameters and properties of MUT, and to derive the sensitivity distributions of various electrode designs. Several important parameters have been used to evaluate the response of the sensors in different sensing modes. The designs of different planar capacitive sensor arrays are presented and experimentally evaluated.

Findings

The response features and design guidelines for planar capacitive sensors in different sensing modes have been summarised, showing that the sensor in the transmission mode or the single‐electrode mode is suitable for material characterisation and imaging, while the sensor in the shunt mode is suitable for proximity/displacement measurement. The sensitivity distribution of the sensor depends largely on the geometry of the electrodes. Conductivity causes positive changes for the sensor in the transmission and single‐electrode mode, but negative changes for the sensor in the shunt mode. Experimental results confirm that sensing depths of the sensor arrays and the influence of buried conductor on capacitance measurements are in agreement with simulations.

Research limitations/implications

Experimental verification is needed when a sensor is designed.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive study for planar capacitive sensors in terms of sensor design, evaluation and applications.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2014

Robert Bogue

– This article aims to provide details of recent research into image sensing technologies.

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to provide details of recent research into image sensing technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this article discusses image sensing research involving a range of new materials, novel designs and signal processing schemes. It concludes with a brief discussion of a potentially game-changing technology, the quanta image sensor.

Findings

This shows that image sensing is the topic of a major academic and corporate research effort. It involves a diversity of technologies and seeks to yield devices with enhanced or unique characteristics.

Originality/value

This article provides a timely review of recently reported research into image sensing.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

C.L. Yang, A. Mohammed, Y Mohamadou, T. I. Oh and M. Soleimani

The aim of this paper is to introduce and to evaluate the performance of a multiple frequency complex impedance reconstruction for fabric-based EIT pressure sensor. Pressure…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to introduce and to evaluate the performance of a multiple frequency complex impedance reconstruction for fabric-based EIT pressure sensor. Pressure mapping is an important and challenging area of modern sensing technology. It has many applications in areas such as artificial skins in Robotics and pressure monitoring on soft tissue in biomechanics. Fabric-based sensors are being developed in conjunction with electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for pressure mapping imaging. This is potentially a very cost-effective pressure mapping imaging solution in particular for imaging large areas. Fabric-based EIT pressure sensors aim to provide a pressure mapping image using current carrying and voltage sensing electrodes attached on the boundary of the fabric patch.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently, promising results are being achieved in conductivity imaging for these sensors. However, the fabric structure presents capacitive behaviour that could also be exploited for pressure mapping imaging. Complex impedance reconstructions with multiple frequencies are implemented to observe both conductivity and permittivity changes due to the pressure applied to the fabric sensor.

Findings

Experimental studies on detecting changes of complex impedance on fabric-based sensor are performed. First, electrical impedance spectroscopy on a fabric-based sensor is performed. Secondly, the complex impedance tomography is carried out on fabric and compared with traditional EIT tank phantoms. Quantitative image quality measures are used to evaluate the performance of a fabric-based sensor at various frequencies and against the tank phantom.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates for the first time the useful information on pressure mapping imaging from the permittivity component of fabric EIT. Multiple frequency EIT reconstruction reveals spectral behaviour of the fabric-based EIT, which opens up new opportunities in exploration of these sensors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1996

Don Braggins

Explains the implications of available options in solid state imaging sensors. Focuses on features of different types of imaging sensor, citing the most general division between…

179

Abstract

Explains the implications of available options in solid state imaging sensors. Focuses on features of different types of imaging sensor, citing the most general division between types as being between area scan and line scan. Looks in some depth at these two types of sensor and goes on to consider factors such as asynchronous triggering, the separation of exposure and readout time and the maintenance of spatial digitization. Provides a list of supplier addresses.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Dieter Hausamann, Werner Zirnig, Gunter Schreier and Peter Strobl

It is in the interest of any gas company to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. Aims to address this issue.

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Abstract

Purpose

It is in the interest of any gas company to maintain the value of its pipelines and to protect them effectively against damage caused by third parties. Aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

As a result of global progress in high‐resolution remote sensing and image processing technology, it is now possible to design natural gas pipeline monitoring systems with remote sensors and context‐oriented image processing software.

Findings

Recent developments in UAV technology show that UAVs provide the appropriate platforms for a remote sensing‐based inspection system: appropriate small and medium size UAV have been developed, their operation is technically feasible in an controlled as well as in uncontrolled airspace.

Research limitations/implications

The data and information processing system still has to be developed to an operational standard. A total operational system consisting of UAV platform, sensors, data processing and alarm detection has to be demonstrated in a complete mission. The certification and operation standards for a safe and efficient operation of UAVs do not yet exist.

Originality/value

Two different scenarios for a UAV‐based gas pipeline monitoring system are discussed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 77 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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