Word of the Day: Electric Field Sensing

electric field sensing

Electric field (EF) sensing is a method of proximity sensing that allows robots and computers to detect, evaluate and work with objects in their vicinity. The technology is similar to that used in capacitive proximity sensing but incorporates refinements to analyze size, shape and contour.

In robot end effectors, EF sensing employs small, embedded metal electrodes connected to oscillators that produce high-frequency AC (alternating-current) electric fields. When anything that conducts electricity reasonably well, such as a person, animal, plant or metallic object, comes within a certain distance of the electrodes, the electric field fluctuates. The nature and extent of this change is sent to a microcomputer that compares the fluctuation pattern with stored patterns produced by known objects, allowing the end effector to easily grasp or manipulate the object.

The most sophisticated EF sensors can assemble detailed images. Using this technology in conjunction with other proximity-sensing methods such as machine vision, radar, sonar and fluxgate magnetometers, a mobile robot can intelligently navigate in its environment. EF sensors are less likely than optical sensors to be "fooled" by objects having unfamiliar textures. EF sensors do not detect non-conductive materials such as glass, dry wood or plastic. Non-conductive objects appear transparent or invisible to EF sensing devices, allowing the sensors to detect and analyze conducting objects through non-conducting barriers.

Word of the Day: Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)

average revenue per user (ARPU)

Average revenue per user or average revenue per unit (ARPU) is an expression of the income generated by a typical subscriber or device per unit time in a telecommunications network. The ARPU provides an indication of the effectiveness with which revenue-generating potential is exploited.

To calculate the ARPU, a standard time period must be defined. Most telecommunications carriers operate by the month. The total revenue generated by all units (paying subscribers or communications devices) during that period is determined. Then that figure is divided by the number of units. Because the number of units can vary from day to day, the average number of units must be calculated or estimated for a given month to obtain the most accurate possible ARPU figure for that month.

The ARPU can be broken down according to income-producing categories. For example, monthly or annual subscriber fees generate a steady revenue stream but do not take into account short-term changes in customer usage habits. The income generated by "excess minutes," roaming services or incoming calls can be highly variable. New, novel features may temporarily generate higher ARPU figures than established, proven functions. The ARPU can be calculated for each feature to identify sources of the greatest income per unit. The ARPU can also be calculated according to diverse factors such as geographic location, user age, user occupation, user income and the total time per month each user spends on the system.

The ARPU figure should not be confused with the average margin per user (AMPU), which is calculated on the basis of net profit rather than total income. In recent years, some telecommunications carriers have increased their reliance on AMPU rather than ARPU to maximize their returns as niche markets become saturated.

Word of the Day: SOA Networking

SOA networking

SOA networking is the use of the service-oriented architecture (SOA) model to enhance the capabilities of networks that use Web services. In SOA networking, events originating from diverse computers and communications devices are linked immediately and seamlessly to relevant business processes. The ultimate goal is the distribution of intelligence so the network functions as if it were a gigantic, self-contained computer.

One of the most important features of SOA networking is the consolidation of privacy and security services such as authentication, authorization, firewalls, anti-malware programs and encryption. Such consolidation reduces the complexity of network administration, minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities and lowers operational costs. It can allow for a more robust and reliable network than would otherwise be possible. SOA networking also facilitates streamlined testing for compliance with standards and regulations. Therefore, breaches become less likely and can be corrected in the shortest possible time when they do occur.

An SOA network functions in three layers:

• The application layer includes all the software used by businesses and subscribers.
• The interactive services layer ensures constant and reliable communication among all users, devices and applications.
• The systems layer maintains the physical integrity of the network and ensures hardware interconnectivity and compatibility.