Internet of Things

The Internet of Things ( also English Internet of Things ) describes that the (staff) are increasingly disappearing computer as a device and is replaced by 'intelligent objects'. Instead - as at present - even to be the object of human attention, to support imperceptibly in his activities the "Internet of things " to people. The ever-smaller embedded computers to support people without distracting or even noticed. In part miniaturized computer so-called wearables with different sensors are incorporated directly into garments.

In his essay of 1991 The Computer for the 21st Century Mark Weiser first spoke of this vision.

The Internet of Things refers to the linkage clearly identifiable physical objects ( things ) with a virtual representation in an Internet - like structure. It is no longer only from human participants, but also from things. The term goes back to Kevin Ashton, who has first used in 1999 "Internet of Things ". The Internet of Things through the activities of the Auto-ID Labs became known.

The automatic identification using RFID is often regarded as the basis for the Internet of Things. However, an unambiguous identification of objects by means of barcode or 2D code. Other technologies such as sensors and actuators extend the functionality of the detection of states or the execution of actions. Extended definitions for the Internet of Things emphasize the affiliation to the future Internet (including engl. Future Internet ) as well as the demarcation of related research topics.

Objective

The goal of the Internet of Things is to minimize the information gap between the real and virtual world. An important step towards this goal is particularly the standardization of components and services on the Internet of things.

Demarcation

The Internet of Things is different from the concept of self- control in logistics. Self-controlling objects need not necessarily internet -like network structures. However, synergies can be produced so that at least in the research, both concepts are often linked. Furthermore, there is some overlap with topics such as ubiquitous computing, pervasive computing, Industry 4.0, the Internet Protocol, communication technologies, cyber - physical systems, embedded systems, Web2.0 applications, the Internet ( the people ) and the Intranet or Extranet of Things.

Technology

If only information is retrieved from the physical representations of the actors in the network, an identification sufficient, for example using RFID or QR code. A central system can be so worked up that are relevant for the user data are available, as is the case for example with the package tracking on the Internet.

If the players but also process itself information ( for example, in a measurement system for environmental values ​​within a city), they must be equipped with data -processing hardware. The requirements for such hardware are high reliability and, consequently, a low maintenance, since a high failure rate makes maintenance work on many devices that are sometimes located some distance apart or difficult to achieve necessary. In addition, the power consumption should be very low because the hardware can usually runs around the clock. Also, the cost must be low in order to equip as many physical entities can. Integrated solutions such as a system-on -a-chip to fulfill these requirements.

On the software side, an operating system should be used with a very low memory usage, which provides a network stack for communicating. Projects such as Contiki offer these advantages and can be run on many commercially available microcontroller architectures.

Examples

The application is often sufficient to use less technical components and functions in the Internet of Things.

• Package tracking on the Internet - parcel services today offer the possibility of packets in the transport process using the webpages to pursue based on a unique identification or barcodes or 2D codes.
• Reordering of printer - Print cartridge are already being identified by chip technology and monitors the level. Falls below the level a certain limit, there is an invitation to re-order on the manufacturer 's website.

In both examples, an unambiguous identification and link to a relevant website. However, human interaction is necessary for both examples. However, the Internet of Things will also allow the direct processing by machines. Still lacking in the examples Internet -based directory services and the choice between different services.

• Another example is the EPCglobal Network. However, the EPCglobal Architecture restricted so far to logistical applications and thus provides only a subset of the future vision for the Internet of Things dar. RFID serves as a base technology in the EPCglobal Network, with which the real world to the information world, for example, based on a globally unique identity, such as the Electronic Product Code, can be extended. This merger not only allows improved management of existing business processes, but also allows the creation of entirely new markets and business models. With the standard EPCglobal and other components is already prepared a large part of the infrastructure. The basic services of this infrastructure build this functionality on the basics of the Internet.

Research

The research on the subject has been run for years by various devices. It is important to observe a steady Labs thematic extension of the original vision of the Auto-ID. At the European and German level and will be a variety of research projects funded to the Internet of things, including for linking physical objects with digital memories.