Database Sensors and Business Applications

The idea of using sensors in a database is attractive.  Several groups are working on ways to implement the sensor network approach in such a way that data can be retrieved with more flexibility.

The existing networks are being used primarily for scientific measurements, law enforcement, military and surveillance applications.  But, that’s where most of our database models originated.  Eventually, they are used by other industries and finally make it into the private sector.

The system developed at Cornell University is more flexible in terms of devices that can be used.  Current databases like that flexibility, because large volumes of raw data are transferred regardless of the queries submitted.  With the Cornell concept of sensor database systems, queries dictate which data is extracted from the sensors.  Stored data are represented as relations, while sensor data are represented as time series.  Their system is called the COUGAR.

The Cougar makes use of sensors that allow for abstract data type functions, in-network processing and a gateway node.  A query proxy is used to provide a small database component.

From Berkley University comes the “Tiny DB”.  The query processor leads to multiple query concurrency and then to tree routing.  Users can make event-based, actuation, lifetime-based, monitoring, networking, and exploratory or aggregation queries.

In 2004, the idea of using a sensor database for human-robot interactions was introduced by Kawashima at the Graduate School of Keio University.  The researcher identified three problems with existing systems.  One concerned the freshness and persistence of the sensor data to monitor the current condition of the robots and to analyze the stored sensor data.  He proposed a system called KRAFT (Kernel of Real-time Active and Fresh Time-series data manager) to solve that problem.

While a sensor database is something that may be available in the future, there are a number of software solutions that allow today’s businesses to create an effective database that suits their needs.  As new research unfolds, the software procedures and project management solutions are being streamlined.  Even a small business can take advantage of systems that were at one time reserved for major industrial applications.

In order to remain competitive, businesses large and small need database software that allows them to operate smoothly throughout the world.  Primarily because of the internet, global trading has grown tremendously over the last decade.

If you are a small business owner, you can keep up with the latest innovations by visiting software blogs and other websites.  You can subscribe to business database program publications.  You can sign up for e-mail alerts from the database software providers.  When sensors become available and applicable in your business, you’ll know.