Sensor fusion

One aspect that needs consideration with all the sensor devices described in this chapter is the concept of sensor fusion. Sensor fusion is the process of combining several different kinds of sensor data to reveal more about context than a single sensor can provide. This is important in the IoT space, since a single thermal sensor has no notion of what causes a rapid temperature change. However, when combined with data from other sensors nearby that look at PIR motion detection and light intensity, an IoT system could discern that a large number of people are congregating in a certain area while the sun is shining, and could then make the decision to increase air circulation in a smart building. A simple thermal sensor only records the current temperature value, and has no contextual awareness that the heat is rising due to people congregating and sunlight...