I. Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an important component of the next generation of information technology. In the IT industry, it's also called "ubiquitous interconnection," meaning the interconnection of everything. Therefore, "the Internet of Things is the Internet of Things connecting everything." This has two meanings: First, the core and foundation of the Internet of Things is still the Internet; it's an extension and expansion of the Internet. Second, its user end extends to any object-to-object communication and information exchange.
Therefore, the Internet of Things (IoT) is defined as a network that connects any object to the Internet through information sensing devices such as radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners, according to agreed protocols, to exchange information and communicate, thereby achieving intelligent identification, location, tracking, monitoring, and management of objects.
Components of an Internet of Things (IoT) system:
1. Perception layer
The perception layer is like the sensory organs of a person; the Internet of Things (IoT) relies on the perception layer to identify objects and collect information. The perception layer comprises two sub-layers: information collection and communication sub-network. It uses sensors, QR codes, barcodes, RFID, and smart devices as data collection equipment, and exchanges the collected data with the network layer gateway through the communication modules and extended networks of the communication sub-network.
2. Network layer
The network layer is like the brain and central nervous system of a human. After the perception layer acquires information, it relies on the network layer for transmission. Currently, the main components of the network layer are the Internet, network management systems, and computing platforms, and it also includes various heterogeneous networks and private networks. The network layer consists of various wireless/wired gateways, access networks, and core networks, enabling bidirectional transmission, routing, and control of data and control information from the perception layer.
3. Application Layer
The application layer is the interface between the Internet of Things and users (including people, organizations, and other systems). It can provide corresponding management and operation platforms for different users and industries, and combine them with the professional knowledge and business models of different industries to achieve more accurate and refined intelligent information management.
II. Applications of the Internet of Things
1. Intelligent Warehouse
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an excellent application. It can accurately provide the authenticity of data at every stage of warehouse management. For manufacturing enterprises, this data can be used to rationally control inventory levels and adjust production volumes. Utilizing the location management function of the SNHGES system within the IoT can accurately provide the location of goods in inventory, which greatly improves the efficiency of warehouse management.
2. Intelligent Logistics
By embedding sensor chips (nodes) into goods in logistics, every link in the supply chain—purchase, production, packaging/loading, stacking, transportation, delivery/distribution, sales, and service—can be accurately sensed and monitored.
3. Smart Healthcare
By leveraging IoT technology, interactions between patients, medical staff, medical institutions, and medical equipment can be achieved, realizing intelligent healthcare. Sensors and mobile devices within IoT medical equipment can capture patients' physiological states and record vital signs in electronic health files. This data can be viewed not only by the patient but also by doctors, enabling remote medical consultations. This effectively addresses the current problems of uneven distribution of medical resources and difficulty in accessing healthcare.
4. Digital Home
While connecting home devices, it also connects with external services through the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable interaction between services and devices.
5. Positioning and Navigation
The combination of the Internet of Things (IoT) with satellite positioning technology, GSM/GPRS/CDMA mobile communication technology, and GIS geographic information systems enables the use of GPS technology within the coverage area of the Internet and mobile communication networks, greatly reducing usage and maintenance costs and enabling end-to-end multi-directional interaction.
6. Smart Retail
RFID has replaced the traditional barcode system in the retail industry, greatly improving the penetration of item identification (mainly referring to penetration of metal and liquid), long distance, and theft prevention and tracking of goods.
7. Intelligent Transportation
The Internet of Things (IoT) connects the entire transportation system, primarily using image recognition as its core technology. It can accurately collect traffic flow information and control flow through devices such as traffic lights. The application of this technology will make traffic jams a thing of the past. Managers can use this technology to have a clear understanding of road and vehicle conditions, making it impossible for drivers to escape traffic violations and ensuring timely handling of traffic accidents. People's travel will become much more convenient.
8. Smart Power
Power engineering is a major project concerning people's livelihood, and the safety inspection of the power grid is a mandatory subject. Taking the cooperation between China Southern Power Grid and China Mobile through M2M technology as an example, the application of the Internet of Things has enabled the activation of the automated metering system, which has reduced the fault assessment and handling time by half.
