Built-in barometer. What sensors can be found in smartphones - “Big Brother” is watching you and knows everything about you. Proximity and light sensors

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 known smartphone with a hygrometer is already 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

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What components can be noted when looking at the body of a smartphone? This is, first of all, a fairly large display, several keys below it, a microphone and several camera windows. In addition, at the ends of the device there will probably be a microUSB port, a volume rocker, a headphone output and a lock key. But does 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've probably heard a lot about how to use it. Without an accelerometer, smartphones would hardly change from portrait to landscape orientation and could do without user clicks in all kinds of racing simulators.

Gyroscope

The gyroscope also provides data about the device's position in space, but does this with much greater accuracy. It is thanks to his help Photo app Sphere finds out how many degrees the smartphone was rotated and in what direction it was done.

Magnetometer

That's right, the magnetometer is designed to determine magnetic fields. Without it inside the smartphone, the compass app would hardly be able to figure out where the North Pole is.

This sensor is a combination of an infrared diode and an infrared radiation detector. The principle of its operation 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 yourself is another task, right? Another thing is the auto-brightness function, which changes the screen brightness level depending on the surrounding radiation. This may be, 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 for further adjustment of the picture on the screen.

Barometer

No, this is not a mistake. Some smartphones actually 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 above sea level, which increases the accuracy of the GPS navigator.

Thermometer

You may be surprised, but a thermometer is found in almost every smartphone. The only difference is that the latter is designed to measure the temperature inside the device. However, there were exceptions. The Galaxy S4 had a thermometer to measure the temperature outside.

Air 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 unobvious name, the task of the pedometer is to determine the number of steps taken by the user. Yes, just like most smart watch and fitness bracelets. One of the first devices with a real pedometer was the Nexus 5.

Fingerprint's scanner

You have, of course, heard about this. Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can not only reduce the time it takes to unlock your smartphone, but also reliably 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're talking about the current South Korean flagship, we can't help but mention the heart rate sensor, designed to measure pulse. However, many users openly doubt the need for its implementation.

Harmful radiation sensor

It’s hard 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 ambient level of radiation. Unexpected, isn't it?

As a result, there were as many as 12 sensors. Which ones do you use most often?

Atmospheric pressure is a factor that directly affects our health. Knowing and monitoring pressure at any moment is most likely not useful to every user. But some people need blood pressure monitoring. For such users, an application has been developed with the same name as a measuring device - Barometer for Android. This application Perfect for conducting atmospheric research by young scientists. The average person will find a similar utility on their smartphone useful. The program can be downloaded for free on our website.

Main characteristics of the program

Despite the simplicity of the original device, the barometer on the phone has a significant range of features:

• Can be used as a widget. The information is displayed on the desktop of your smartphone. The pressure value is always before your eyes.
• Displays atmospheric pressure in major world units (mBar, mmHg, inHg).
• Bright design. The user can choose the colors himself working panel and display values, as well as change transparency.
• Keeps statistics at different time intervals.
• Statistical data accumulated over a certain period is displayed in the form of graphs in a separate window. Charts are indicated on an hour scale and on a day scale.
• Function for adjusting the sensor of a physical quantity.
• The user can configure automatic polling of physical quantity indicators to save battery power.
• The barometer is compatible with almost all known types of operating systems.
• The program is entirely in Russian.
• Convenient and simple interface.

Launch and Application

After the first launch, a dial gauge scale (similar to the original device) will appear on the smartphone screen. This scale can be changed. To work, you don’t need to perform any actions, you just need to launch the application and it will automatically calculate the atmospheric pressure. Interesting fact, which means that every 12 meters of height reduces the value by 1 millimeter of mercury. Launch the application on the top floor of a high-rise building and you will see how noticeably the value has changed. Physics surrounds us in everyday life.

Advantages of a pocket barometer

The measuring device has a number of advantages:

• the application does not take up much space in the smartphone’s memory and does not require high battery power consumption;
• simple interface and setup facilitate quick orientation;
• the utility is located in free access for all users. You can download the barometer from official application stores (playmarket, Apstore) or on other third-party Internet resources. But check the download source before you start downloading. Behind installation file there may be a malicious program lurking;
• completely free service.

As a result, users can satisfy their interest and thirst for knowledge by installing a barometer on their smartphone. Young discoverers will try to conduct their first scientific research.

Have you used the application? Let me know if you liked it in the comments below.

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 control of the gadget in mobile games or while 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 improves control accuracy when playing on 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. 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, 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. To do this, you need to look for the necessary software in mobile markets.

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 introduced for the first time in Galaxy models 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 finally become a personal assistant and trainer. 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, 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 for the level of accuracy to be increased, smartphones are provided additional sensors, which 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.
• Determining the angle of deflection of a 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.

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 “hidden” under the front glass of the 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, the Korean manufacturer created gesture sensor, thanks to which contactless control of a smartphone became possible. The first gesture sensor appeared on the Samsung Galaxy S3 - in 2012 it was 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.

Alas, external thermometers mobile devices there is 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?