Phone sensor atmospheric pressure. Sensors in smartphones: what are there? Is there a device in a smartphone

A modern smartphone is a complex high-tech computing device, which is more powerful than thousands of on-board computers, half a century ago, the "Apollons" launched on the moon. The sensors on board the flagship mobile phones are also installed almost more than on board this "Apollo". Each of them is imperceptible, but conscientiously performs its work. What do all these smartphone sensors do, and how they are arranged - read more.

The lighting sensor in the smartphone is located on the front panel, usually near the conversational speaker (there are exceptions). It is structurally presents a semiconductor sensor sensitive to the flow of photons. Depending on its intensity, the sensor controls the display illumination, to more effectively spend the battery charge. It can also perform an auxiliary function for other tasks, working with an approximation 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 impulse, and if he reflected - records the reflected signal. Due to this is carried out automatic blocking The screen in the call mode or when the smartphone is reversed the display down. Traditionally, the approximation sensor is calibrated in such a way that only 2 states are registered: "A foreign object closer n (usually 5) centimeters" and "an extraneous subject further n cm".

Accelerometer

This smartphone sensor is located on the board and is a miniature electromechanical instrument registering the slightest movements. The responsibility of this sensor includes switching the orientation of the smartphone screen when tilting, control in games, registration of special control gestures (like shocking or tapping on the body), as well as measure steps (by counting rhythmic oscillations during walking).

Normal two-axis accelerometer in the 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 the value in the 9-10 m / s 2 area (in the three-axis three-dimensional accelerometer). This is due to the fact that the gravity of the Earth is an average of 9.8 m / s 2.

Gyroscope

The gyroscope is responsible for determining the motion and orientation of the smartphone in space. It is also structurally representing MEMS (microelectromechanical scheme) located on system board. The spheres of its use intersect with such a accelerometer. The main differences are that the gyroscope has significantly greater accuracy and measures the movement not in m / s 2, but radians or degrees for a second. Due to this, it can be used to track head turns in the VR headset, as well as more accurately implement gesture control.

Gyroscope MEMS under a microscope

Magnetometer and Hall Sensor

The magnetometer measures the magnetic field of the world around the world. It also measures measurements in three-dimensional space (according to three axes of Cartesian coordinates - x, y and z). The main function of the magnetometer is a more accurate determination of the location during navigation. In this mode of use, it performs the function of 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 elevated background. The magnetometer helps more accurately determine which way the smartphone is moving relative to the north.

Smartphone magnetometer

Often the magnetometer is called the Hall sensor, but these are not very identical concepts. More about the Hall Sensor We wrote in another article. The differences are that the first is more versatile and sensitive. The magnetometer is capable of producing magnetic radiation measurements, while only registers its presence / absence and reduction / gain. In modern smartphones, a separate Hall sensor is usually not set, since the universal magnetometer completely covers its functionality.

One of the alternative functions of the magnetometer is to search for wiring in the walls. The conductor under the voltage generates a weak electromagnetic radiation, and the sensitivity of the sensor is a unit of microtels. If you drive a smartphone on the wall, then in the location of the cable, the magnetic background will be elevated.

Sensor gravity

Measures the strength of attraction of our planet in three-dimensional space. At rest (when the smartphone lies on the table), its testimony should coincide with the accelerometer: on one of the axes, the gravity force will be close to 9.8 m / s 2. Alone this sensor is usually not used, but helps the work of others. In navigation mode, it determines which side the earth's surface to determine the correct position of the smartphone to determine faster. When used in VR, the gravity sensor is performed proper positioning of the picture.

Linear acceleration sensor in the smartphone

The principle of its work is almost identical to the accelerometer, the only difference lies in inertia. That is, the testimony of this sensor does not depend on any global external factors (like gravity). The only thing that he registers is the speed of the movement of the smartphone in the space relative to its former position.

To determine the position of the device in space, the linear acceleration sensor is not capable (there is no binding to external benchmarks), but it is not necessary (this task is perfectly coping with the gravity sensor and accelerometer). The lack of reference to external benchmarks allows you to rotate objects on the display without reference to these landmarks, for example, in games. Also, this sensor, in conjunction with others, increases the overall accuracy of the determination of movements.

Sensor of rotation

It defines the direction and frequency of rotation of the smartphone relative to one of the axes of the three-dimensional space. Like the acceleration sensor, is independent and is not tied to external benchmarks. It is often performed as part of a single module with a linear acceleration sensor. Separately, as a rule, it is not activated, but allows you to adjust the work of other sensors to increase accuracy. Also helps when controlling gestures, for example, twisting the smartphone in the hand in hand is activated by the camera.

Gyroscope MEMS in context

Temperature sensors

The modern smartphone is rudely stuffed with digital thermometers. Structurally, they are a thermocouple: a resistor with two conclusions, the resistance between which changes depending on the temperature. Since it is relatively primitive, it can be done even inside the semiconductor chip.

Each smartphone necessarily has a battery temperature sensor. With its overheating, it turns off the charging or reduces the current strength at the output to prevent the electrolyte boiling, which entails fire or explosion. The thermometers inside the SOC are also common (in an amount from a pair of pieces - up to a tent or more). They measure the temperatures of the processor cores, graphics accelerator, various controllers. Sometimes there are also ambient temperature sensors, but they are weakly spread. The reason for this is low accuracy, since the heat from the insides of the device and the hands of the user distorts the testimony.

Pressure sensor (barometer) in the smartphone

The barometer in the smartphone measures the atmospheric pressure (in MM mercury post, bar or pascal). It allows you to correctly determine the location and height above sea level, since the pressure drops when the pressure is lifted. It can also be used as an altimeter, measuring height above sea level, but accuracy leaves much to be desired as the atmospheric pressure changes together with the weather. An even less claimed the function of adjusting the weather forecast in meteorological programs and widgets.

Hygrometer

The hygrometer measures the humidity of the air. Its main purpose is obvious, but this sensor does not use popularity. In theory with it, you can adjust the weather forecast data. Knowing the readings, you can also control the microclimate in the room, turning on the humidifier or air dryer. The only one of the famous smartphones with a hygrometer - Already old Samsung Galaxy S4.

Pulsometer or cardiac rhythm sensor in smartphones

The pulsometer is able to measure the frequency and rhythm of heart abbreviations. In the process of sports, it makes it possible to observe the work of the heart and adjust the load to improve the efficiency of workouts. The disadvantage of the pulsometer is the need for a tight contact of the smartphone with a part of the body in which the blood vessels are close to the surface (for example, with fingers) to catch the slightest ripples. Because of this popularity in smartphones, he did not acquire, but in smart hours and fitness trackers occurs everywhere.

Pulsometer

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You used to learn the weather for the coming days from the Internet, and your acquaintance throws a fleeting look at the phone and gives predictions more accurate official? Only he knows one, what days is best kept crucian? Apparently, the magician and the weather caster began at your surroundings. You are lucky: maybe one day he will cause rain at your request or turn up clouds over the city ...

In fact, nothing mysterious about it. Just your buddy uses a barometer in the phone, which gives him magic tips. Want to become the same "magic"? Then read what and how to use a barometer in a mobile device.

A barometer is a device for measuring atmospheric pressure - the forces with which the air mass presses on the ground surface. Observation of changes in its indicators and proper understanding Values \u200b\u200ballows you to predict:

As already mentioned, the coming change in the weather. The decrease in atmospheric pressure usually occurs in front of rains and snowfall, an increase - before the establishment of clear, sunny days.
Possible deterioration of well-being in meteo-sensitive people.
A quick shift direction of the wind (useful for tourists, lovers to launch drones, paraglider athletes, parachutists, surfers, etc.).
Changes in the behavior of fish and animals (useful hunters and fishermen).

Applied to mobile phone Barometer functions are useful for:

Definitions of the exact position of the apparatus in space. It makes it possible to learn not only latitude and longitude, but also a height above sea level. This can be useful when photographing (some applications apply the coordinates of the phone to the pictures) and in navigation - the preparation of routes, taking into account the terrain.
Control of the device options, depending on the strength of pressing the screen (for example, a change in the thickness of the stroke when drawing).

If you wish, the barometer in the phone you can find a lot of applications, for example, to determine the height of objects with it. But it is already an amateur.

How to find out if there is a barometer in the phone you are interested in

The easiest way to learn from the characteristics of the device. If the smartphone is able to determine the pressure, the barometric sensor or pressure sensor should be mentioned. On your own phone, the presence of this sensor can be found using applications that collect information about the system and hardware, eg:

(In the screenshot above).
and analogues.

These are utilities for devices on Android.

Testing the performance and accuracy of the pressure sensor is carried out in an open-air with the enabled geolocation function. However, if there is no possibility (or desire) to go out into the street, take the method proposed by our resourceful compatriots - put the phone into a transparent hermetic bag filled with air, and squeeze it with your hands. When you click on the bag, the air pressure inside it increases, and the serviceable sensor reacts to it.

How accurately removes the indicators of the barometric sensor of your phone, using the bag not to determine, but you can check sensitivity.

Basometer Barometers

To "turn" the phone into a full-fledged measuring device, there is not enough smallness - an application that symotes his work. There are many such applications, and their major mass is available for free. Below incomplete list The most comfortable, beautiful and visual, in my opinion.

For android

- Stylishly decorated application + widget on the desktop. It is not worse than the real professional instrument. Uses pressure sensors, GPS and data closestations closest to you. Displays indicators in hecto-paste (HPA) and inch mercury pillars (INHG). Additionally shows the temperature and humidity of the air. Saves the measurement history.

. Shows local and secondary (by sea level) atmospheric pressure. It receives information from both the telephone sensors and the weather station nearest the airport. Supports the possibility of calibrating the banner. Leads automatic record of indicators at set time intervals. Displays results in different units of measurement - HPA, INHG, mm. Mercury pillar and others.

For Android and iOS

Plus.In addition to atmospheric pressure, changes the temperature and humidity of the air (if this features support the phone). Leads history and notifies the user about changes in indicators. Gets and analyzes information from device sensors and coming meteorological stations. Supports many units of measurements. It has a sensor calibration function and a set of beautiful makeup.

For iOS.

. Displays indices of atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, outdoor air temperature and other weather information in your area, as well as the coordinates of the phone on the satellite. Gets and processes information from device sensors and coming meteorological stations. If the iPhone is not equipped with a pressure sensor, it gives indicators only on the basis of third-party sources.

To use these and other similar applications, special knowledge is not needed. It is enough to choose convenient units of measurement and include the function of determining the geoposition of the smartphone. After that, everything can be surprised by friends predictions.

Successful measurements!

Modern phones have many sensors, including a barometer. Their goal is to make the life of the owners of the devices more comfortable. The instrument for measuring pressure in the smartphone is part of the navigation system - it helps accurately and quickly determine the location of the user. And to use them for their intended purpose, the owner establishes additional applications.

Barometer in the device: what is it and why it is needed

In the original, the device was created to measure atmospheric pressure to, relying on its testimony, make a more accurate weather forecast. For example, if clear sunny days come to replace the bad weather, the barometer column rises. Since most of the world's population in one degree or another, according to medical statistics, reacts to the change of weather, knowing about future changes, the negative impact can be reduced to practically to zero. This is especially true of people suffering from diseases of the heart, joints

Barometer in the phone, and rather the pressure sensor ambientIt allows you to minimize stress for the body due to pressure drops. In addition, the gadget is primarily part of the navigator, which allows you to quickly locate. To work the device, establish communication with a satellite and connecting to the Internet.

For your information!

The first device measuring atmospheric pressure saw the light in Italy in the middle of the XVI century. The design with a mercury column turned out to be so successful that it was used today in synoptic centers.

Is there a device in a smartphone

Engineering services often equip the devices with measuring sensors. Among the most common models are distinguished: Samsung Galaxy Note., S3 and Nexus, Motorola Xoom, Sony Ericsson. Active and Xiaomi Phone 2. Also sensors can be built into other communication devices. Although it happens not too often.

There are three methods that make it possible to determine that there is a similar option on the smartphone, the sensor is or rather installed. To find out whether the atmospheric pressure is possible using the gadget, such actions must be performed:

View the official characteristics of the phone.
Download a special antutu utility. By running the application, in the "My Device" section you can get acquainted with the list of all built-in sensors.
Install the Dzhecker program. Like the previous application, it allows you to see all sensors that engineers equipped the device, including the atmospheric pressure sensor.

Android barometer programs

If the phone is equipped with the corresponding sensor so that the latter performs its initial option and demonstrated the fluctuations of the environmental pressure indicators, install a special software. You can do it in Google Play.. Such utilities are present in reviews:

SYPRESSURE;
"Accurate barometer";
vbarometer;
Pressure Tracker.

For your information!

There are programs that notify users about atmospheric pressure drops, even if there is no measurement sensor on the smartphone. Applications provide a reference to information received from the nearest meteorological stations.

Sypressure.

Utility with a wide functional and understandable interface. After launch, you can see the widget demonstrating the current pressure and prediction. If the user wants, it can activate notifications about weather changes in the near future. If earlier messages were displayed in the notifications panel at the request of the owner, now there is a disadvantage in Softe: alert with sound signal May come independently at the wrong time. If you use a professional version (paid), an altimeter is also available. There is no additional option in the free option.

vbarometer.

Paid utility with a more extensive list of options. You can choose the elements of the visualization: indicator, schedule, and so on. The interface sizes are chosen at discretion. Available several options. Application applies different units Measurements. Color graphics The user changes, as wishes - up to the transparent version (most popular).

The barometer in the phones is a useful sensor that makes life more comfortable, especially for people who are experiencing great discomfort during weather change. If necessary, it can turn into a navigator.

Not every user of mobile devices is known that in most devices on android database There is such an interesting thing as a barometer. Why is it needed in the phone? Is it just just to measure atmospheric pressure? In fact, this sensor is part of gPS systems and allows with maximum accuracy to determine geolocation.

But, of course, nothing prevents us from using a barometer for its intended purpose. All that is required for this is to establish special program From the Google Play store. Below we give several such applications.

The application deserves to take first place in our list. The program has all the necessary features and convenient interface. It has its own widget, which shows not only the current pressure, but also. If you wish, you can configure the automatic display of notifications on the display of your smartphone. Alerts on the upcoming natural surprises will be displayed as a icon in the notifications panel. Unfortunately, latest version SYPRESSURE has an annoying bug: in the settings, sound warnings began to turn on themselves, and the phone can sometimes spawn at the most inappropriate time.

At the top of the program window displays atmospheric pressure at the current time. You can choose one of possible methods Information output: scale, diagram or graph. Units can also be configured at their discretion: HPA (hectopascal), inhg (inch mercury pillar), MMHG (millimeter mercury pillar), PSI (pound per square inch), ATM (physical atmosphere). At the bottom of the window, you can see pressure fluctuations (growth / fall) and alleged weather changes. Here is the notification setup panel.

A paid program is another useful tool for measuring atmospheric pressure and compared to SYPRESSURE, has more settings. Multiple information display options are supported: indicator, graph, altimeter and list. In addition, the widgets displayed are diverse in size: 1 × 1, 2 × 1, 2 × 2.

In the application, any of the functions can be configured extremely accurately. For example, in order to obtain more reliable meteorological supplies, you should specify the basic measurements for your location, and for the altimeter (altimeter) - height above sea level. On the pressure change chart, you can set the desired display period (from 6 to 48 hours).

It also has the ability to choose the color of the main interface and indicators, change the transparency of the widgets. Like SYPRESSURE, this tool works with various units of measurement. In general, quite pleasant impressions remain from the use of the program. She, beyond doubt, justifies its cost in 40 rubles.

Barometer Reborn.

Barometer Reborn is the simplest barometer that allows you to track the amplitude of atmospheric pressure drops to determine the influence of these factors on its well-being. This can be useful in topics of us who experience headaches and other discomfort when changing meteo conditions.

Knowing in advance about the upcoming natural metamorphoses, you can try to reduce their unpleasant effect to a minimum. For example, if the device shows an increase in atmospheric pressure, then on such days it is worth refusing increased physical exertion. First of all, it is important for people suffering from respiratory diseases (such as asthma) or hypertension. On the contrary, a decrease in pressure should be a reason to spend more time in the fresh air.

Barometer & Altimeter.

Barometer & Altimeter - the program uses the built-in GPS sensor (if there is no one, then receives information from the Internet). You can track atmospheric pressure, air temperature, wind speed, visibility, height above sea level. This information will definitely have invaluable assistance to fans of extreme sports, tourists and travelers.

Agree that it is enough interesting application And definitely deserves attention. Imagine how much it would be great to install a barometer and, rising to the roof of the skyscraper, easily determine the height and atmospheric pressure.

The program is not demanding on the phone's memory resources and very carefully spends the battery charge. The interface is most convenient as possible, the settings do not differ in difficulty. Young researchers of natural phenomena, using this tool, will be able to hold the first scientific experiments, quench their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

mu Barometer.

mu Barometer is a free and very simple tool that captures changes in atmospheric pressure. The application is characterized by an elegant design and convenient interface, uses such measuring units as MBAR, MMHG, INHG, ATM.

You can choose one of the three designed widget designed by main screen phone The program also allows you to measure the height (in meters or feet).

eweather HD.

EWEATHER HD application is a whole weather station for your Android. Here you will find detailed information On natural phenomena for the next 10 days. The first thing that attracts attention is amazing pictures of the sun and clouds. Looking at them, you forget what purpose was pursued by opening this program. But in addition to the colorful drawings here great amount Other functions, and forecasts are characterized by maximum accuracy.

The main screen of the weather display contains a lot of useful information: humidity, pressure, temperature (real and felt), sunrise and sunset time, moon phases, temperature change diagrams, probability of precipitation, geomagnetism ... By the way, the last parameter should pay attention to meteo-dependent people. If geomagnetic storms give you anxiety, before starting important affairs, do not forget to get acquainted with the forecast.

Equally, this information will be useful to everyone who painfully reacts to the approach of thunderstorms, precipitation and other natural phenomena. You will be able to monitor the changes in atmospheric pressure over the past 24 hours on a diagram or chart, where with adverse indicators the indicator acquires red.

It is impossible to list all the functions of this wonderful application, the interface of which from the point of view of graphic design looks truly cool.

According to medical statistics, more than half of the inhabitants of our planet in one way or another react to changing meteo conditions. For some, these changes are practically invisible, and some, on the contrary, it is difficult to carry atmospheric pressure jumps, sun-activity bursts and magnetic storms. In addition, weather vapors often cause self-election deterioration in people with chronic diseases of the joints and cardiovascular systems suffering from hypertension or arterial hypotension.

Knowing in advance about the upcoming changes, you can try to minimize their negative impact on health. To always have at hand necessary informationIt just needs to be installed on your smartphone one of the applications described above.

# Sensors_Tephone # Sensors_Lester

Availability of set sensor in modern mobile devicesThis is a well-known fact, but how many of them and for what these sensors are applied - a mystery. Many manufacturers indicate only the main well-known sensors in phones, it seems accelerometer, gyroscope and sensor approximation. But the overwhelming majority of manufacturers are generally written about the sensors used and other electronics, which is stuffed with their devices.
We decided to clarify the situation with smartphones and tablets sensors. The purpose of the article is to tell what sensors are, for which they serve, in which devices they can be found and how.

Sensors are called various devicesReading additional information. These solutions make work with a telephone, tablet or other gadget more convenient and add functionality.

The presence of a plurality of sensors in modern mobile devices is a well-known fact, but how many of them and for what these sensors are applied - a mystery. Many manufacturers indicate only the main well-known sensors, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope and approximation sensor. But the overwhelming majority of manufacturers are generally written about the sensors used and other electronics, which is stuffed with their devices.

We decided to clarify the situation with smartphones and tablets sensors. The purpose of the article is to tell what sensors are, for which they serve, in which devices they can be found and how.

Main sensors in smartphones and tablets

Accelerometer

(Accelerometer, orientation sensor, acceleration sensor) - The easiest sensor that meets in any smartphone or tablet. It is mainly used to register the rotation of the smartphone from the portrait orientation into the landscape. Often, it is an accelerometer called G-Sensor. In general, the accelerometer registers the difference between the acceleration of the object and the gravitational acceleration of three axes. The electronics then calculates the difference, makes the conclusions and sends the signal software - When and in what direction to rotate the screen. Hence the main drawback of the accelerometer - if there is no acceleration or it is not large, then the accelerometer ceases to register the position of the device in space or does it with a large error. This negatively affects the accuracy of the device management, for example, in games or when controlling the quadcopter. Here the next sensor comes to the rescue.

Gyroscope

(Gyroscope) - also serves to register the position of the device in space, but, unlike the accelerometer, the angle of inclination can be recorded on the three axes of even a fixed device. With the help of a gyroscope in games, accuracy increases, since the developers will be available information about deviations of the device in degrees with an error in just 1-2 degrees. Many believe that even cheap smartphones And the tablets are equipped with a gyroscope. However, our experiment showed that inexpensive smartphones and tablets do not boast the presence of a gyroscope - only an accelerometer. Here are some smartphones and tablets, where the gyroscope cannot be discovered:

Gyroscope We also did not find in,

But where there is a notorious sensor:

Gyroscope We also found in ,. And you should not doubt that the gyroscope and the solid set of other sensors are contained in the top solutions like, and other best modern smartphones.

Surprisingly, in LG G4S and Asus FonePad 8 (about which we already wrote -) a gyroscope in the list of sensors is not visible, but full of auxiliary sensors:

For example, it should be noted that the auxiliary sensors considered by us at the very end of the article can level the absence of a gyroscopic sensor, but we assume not completely.

Geomagnetic sensor

(Geomagnetic Field Sensor, Magnetometer) - Sensor reacting to the magnetic fields of the Earth. With it, it is possible to determine the parties of the world, so it is often called an electronic compass. In particular, the presence of such a sensor will strongly help devices without a GPS module determine location (not without WiFi and Steel cellular communicationOf course). The magnetometer is one of the key sensors that, together with the accelerometer and gyroscope, makes it possible to develop the device to fully power. Sometimes, for even greater accuracy, add additional hardware sensors similar, but simplified functionality like Geomagnetic Rotation Vector Sensor. Naturally, the magnetometer can be used for direct purpose: as a metal detector, to search for wiring in the walls, as a compass, look for apps in apps.

Some applications for smartphones using a geomagnetic sensor

Proximity sensor

(Proximity Sensor) - The sensor allows you to determine the subject in front of yourself and the distance to it. It is an infrared emitter and a receiver. When the receiver does not receive radiation - there is no object, and when it comes - the subject from which the beam is reflected, there is. This sensor makes it possible to disable the display when you brought the ear to the smartphone to make a call. Advanced versions of the sensor are used as gesture sensor (Gesture Sensor) - the smartphone can recognize certain gestures of the hands and make a specified action. In some cases, the approximation sensor can be used to disconnect the display when using the cover (cheap alternative to the Hall sensor).

Light sensor

(Light Sensor, Light Sensor) - Allows you to calculate the level of external illumination. A smartphone or tablet with a light sensor is able to independently increase or reduce the brightness level of the screen illumination, which is very convenient because the brightness adjusts several times a day is not the most pleasant lesson. IN Top smartphones and tablets, an advanced version of the illumination sensor can be applied - RGB sensor that is able to catch the intensity of the main colors (red, green and blue) for further configuration of the picture on the display or to adjust the balance for photographing. Such a sensor can be found in Galaxy Note 3, for example. And in Galaxy Note 4, the light sensor functionality expanded to the measurement not only in the visible range or in ultraviolet. Such an ultraviolet sensor can be measured the level of radiation and determine the time of the day is suitable for sunbarr.

Conclusion on the main sensors

So, the presence of a smartphone or tablet exclusively accelerometer indicates that this is the device of the lowest price range and can only "rotate the screen". It is a lot of cheap smartphones and tablets. Of course, there is a chance that the manufacturer did not allow the required information about the types of sensors used - in this case, you need to start reading the reviews in which the hardware filling of the device is studied in detail using the System Info for Android application, for example.

The presence of an accelerometer smartphone, a geomagnetic sensor, a sensor of approximation and illumination, speaks of its sufficient equipment, but it is still not very good to control the quadroctor or games, where the tilt / turn control is entrusted to the movement of the smartphone by the user. This problem solves the gyroscope - devices with a gyroscope accurately track the slightest deviations.

The presence of all the above sensors, a large set of auxiliary sensors (considered at the end of the article) and most of the following sensors testifies in favor of the fact that you are an advanced apparatus, the use of which will be pleasure, and its ability to exceed all your expectations is the best plates and smartphones.

Sensors in expensive smartphones and tablets

Hall Sensor

Hall Sensor) - Causes a magnetic field as a magnetometer, but has a simple principle of operation, that is, it reacts only to strengthen the field, and does not register tension on the axes. It is used to use the SMART COVER covers - allows you to turn off the screen when the magnet built into the cover is approached. This sensor is specified by manufacturers rarely, so pay attention to accessories for smartphone or tablet - if there is a "smart case" among them, the Hall sensor is present.

Barometer

(Pressure Sensor) - Sensor measuring atmospheric pressure. It can be used both by direct purpose and as an assistant GPS / GLONASS modules to accelerate the location of the device and height above sea level (altimeter).

Thermometer

(Ambient Temperature Sensor) - Environmental temperature sensor. For the first time, Galaxy S4 appeared to improve the operation of the S-Health application, but now applies in a variety of other expensive smartphones.

Humidity sensor

(hygrometer) - also first appeared in Galaxy S4 as an expansion of the S-Health functionality.

Pedometer

(Pedometer, Step Detector) - The speaking name of the sensor hints that he determines the person stepped on or not. This is really a separate sensor that allows you to more accurately determine the steps and reduce the load on the accelerometer, which is a pedometer in most smartphones without a dedicated sensor. Step Counter Sensor is sometimes added to the aidomer and, even Pedestrian Activity Motion Sensor - the steps counter and a pedestrian activity sensor (probably evaluated the pace of walking). Such a sensor is, for example, in LG Nexus 5 and Galaxy Note 3.

The fingerprint scanner

(Fingerprint Sensor, Touch ID) - Sensor, reading a unique drawing of a fingerprint. It is strange to see the print scanner in the article about the sensors - it would be better to take it to the section of the article about ensuring the safety of the device. However, this sensor can rightfully be considered one of the most important sensors of the modern smartphone. With it, you can not only secure your smartphone, but also apply to open certain applications or confirmation of payment.

Scanner retina eye

(Retina Scanner) - Reader of the unique retina, this is the first place of security pedestal. Such a sensor has long been on the hearing, but its practical implementation in smartphones or tablets, so far, noticed.

Heartbeat sensor

(Pulse meter, pulsometer) - For the first time appeared in Galaxy S5 so that the smartphone finally became a full-fledged personal coach. The S-Health application has become more data about a person before, during and after training and has been able to give more accurate personal recommendations.

- This is a completely unique sensor that displays a smartphone in the league of medical equipment. Appeared in Galaxy Note 4 and combined with a heartbeat sensor. Again, sharpened under the S-Health application, but it can work with other applications, if any appears.

Dosimeter

- determines the dose of ionizing radiation or its power. In other words, you can measure the radioactive background. In a live, the device with a built-in dosimeter we did not meet, but they say that in Japan there is a Pantone 5 smartphone equipped with this sensor. We are not surprised.

Auxiliary sensors that can be found in many smartphones and tablets

Sometimes, for even more accuracy increase, additional hardware sensors of similar, but simplified functionality (you could see them on the screenshots presented above).

Orientation Sensor - auxiliary orientation sensor;

Gravity Sensor - indicates the direction and amount of gravity;

Linear Acceleration Sensor - indicates acceleration along each of the three axes, without taking into account the amount of gravity;

Rotation vector sensor - indicates which angle the device dismissed when rotating around one of the three axes;

Game Rotation Vector Sensor is the same as Rotation Vector, but excluding the geomagnetic field;

Motion Detector Sensor - movement sensor, defines some specified movements, like shaking;

GESTURES SENSOR - auxiliary gesture detection sensor;

Facing Sensor - auxiliary face tracking sensor;

Double-Tap Sensor - only tracks the double click on the screen. Used, among other things, in LG smartphones to unlock the device using the screen;

Screen Orientation Sensor - tracks only the rotation of the screen, and not the entire device.

Surely there are other sensors, but the secrets of their use still know only the developers operating systems and other software.