Page 403 - ARM Based Microcontroller Projects Using MBED

CHAPTER
16

Internet of Things (IoT)

16.1 OVERVIEW

Internet of Things (IoT) is currently one of the rapidly expanding uses of embedded pro-
cessors in smart monitoring and control applications. In this chapter we shall be briefly
looking at the principles of the IoT and give the complete design of a simple home IoT system.

16.2 INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

The IoT is a new concept in intelligent automation, monitoring, and control. It is the net-
work of home appliances, vehicles, and any other physical devices connected together with
sensors, actuators, and displays, which enables these devices to connect and exchange data. It
is estimated that in 2017 there were around 9 billion IoT devices in the world and this number
is estimated to grow over 30 billion by 2020.
The word “things” in IoT usually refers to devices that have unique identifiers, connected to
the Internet to exchange information with each other in real time. Such devices have sensors
and/or actuators that can be used to collect data about their environments and to monitor
and control these environments as required. The collected data can be processed locally, or al-
ternatively, it can be sent to centralized servers or the cloud for remote storage and processing.
Some IoT home applications include wireless or Internet connected smart appliances that
can be turned on and off remotely using, say, a mobile phone or a tablet. For example, a small
device can be used to collect data about temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure
inside the house. This data can then be accessed at any time and from anywhere, provided
there is Internet connectivity. Smart refrigerators can keep track of items stored and place or-
ders automatically through the Internet with little or no interaction from their owners. Smart
televisions can learn their owners’ watching habits and inform them when a new show is
available. Smart home lighting systems can turn on and off automatically and can change
light intensities to adapt to the environment. For example, the light intensity can be reduced
automatically in the day to save energy. Tea or coffee makers can turn on automatically when
the owner wakes up. Smart smoke detectors can raise alarms in a friendly human voice,

389
ARM-based Microcontroller Projects Using mbed # 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102969-5.00016-1