Sensor Walk

Interesting Sensors

SHOTSPOTTER

I first learned about these devices from my neighbors. Apparently the device "listens" to loud sounds of specific frequencies associated to gunshots, and by having multiple of these devices across a geographical area the police can triangulate shootings and respond to them quickly. Called ShotSpotters, the devices aren't actually effective, with only 13% alerts confirmed as shootings as reported by the New York Times.

Local Flod Sensor

I'm unsure how this one works, but I found it fascinating. I wouldn't have noticed this one at all in the corner of my street had I not been doing the sensor walk on my way back home from Jay St.

Everything else

I expected to notice a ton of buttons, cameras, RFID readers, and proximity sensors. I was left most curious by the turnstile. While it seems mechanically simple, it must have some kind of counter, but I don't know how it would be implemented. Obviously comples machines like cars, payment terminals, beverage dispensers and other appliances have much more complex sensors and construction, but I was most interested in what felt like simple devices.