The development of an automated, intelligent sensor for use in monitoring prepreg environmental condition is proposed. This system uses a low cost, miniature, reusable and programmable device, called SensorTag, that is packaged along with the prepreg. This device will monitor the amount of time that the prepreg is exposed to adverse conditions, such as excess temperature, humidity and light, and store this data for later display and analysis. The SensorTag is also equipped with radio communications capability which can be used to remotely mionitor prepreg condition in real-time.
Benefits: An intelligent sensor of the type proposed can have broad applications in monitoring the condition of environmentally sensitive materials. The materials' condition can be monitored in transit, as well as in storage, to produce a complete history of exposure. Not only can the environmental extremes be sensed, but the length of exposure to specifiic temperatures can be analyzed continually to maintain or verify freshness. This technology can be applied to any perishable material such as foods, pharnaceuticals and biotechnology products.
Keywords: remote sensing environmental monitor radio telemetry smart sensor prepreg monitor radio tag wide-area tracking
