Advances in MEMs, wireless, information technology and other enabling technologies are leading to new sensor system functionality and access to more accurate data and information than heretofore realizable. These advances are crucial for realizing the full potential of the on-going transition from data-poor to data-rich and information-poor to information-rich science and engineering practices. With decreases in size and cost of sensors resulting from advances in microsystem technologies, ubiquitous sensing is becoming both physically realizable and economically feasible. New developments in sensed-information technologies offer the promise of novel insights and advances in areas that have previously lacked the technology base for acquiring high resolution and highly specific assessments of state (biologic, chemical, physical, optical, etc.). Increased research and education are needed in new technologies addressing research issues relating to new hardware and software for efficient acquisition of data and information, and in new decision and control theory as tools for managing and using available data and information. New sensor system functionality will be realized through countless different design concepts. This paper examines some of the needs, opportunities, and trends for research and education in the area of sensed-information and sensor systems research.

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