Machine-to-Machine Technology
How far
can big data go? What is next for big data analytics? According to GCN,
the next horizon for big data may be machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. As
coding of big data advances, Oracle is now considering big data “an ecosystem
of solutions” that will incorporate embedded devices to do real-time analysis
of events and information coming in from the “Internet of Things,” according to
the Dr.
Dobbs website. There is so much data that is being generated by all of the
sensors and scanners we have today. All of this data is useless unless taken in
context with other sparse
data. Each strand of data may only be a few kilobytes in size but when put
together with other sensors readings, they can create a much fuller picture.
Applications are needed to not only enable devices to talk with others using
M2M, but also to collect all the data and make sense of it.
The
future of sparse data could even include what some consider Thin
Data. Thin data could include simple sensors and threshold monitors built
into the furniture and ancillary office equipment. When viewing all the sensors
on the floor over time it might show the impact of changing temperature in the
space, or moving the coffee machine. You could look at the actual usage data of
fixtures like doors and lavatories. There is a huge potential for inferential
data mining. And to even take thin data to the next level, include reproducing
nano technology that is embedded in plant seeds. The nana agent would become
part of the plant and relay state information as the plant grows. This would
allow massive crop harvesters to know if and when the plants are in distress.
Other areas of interest for thin data include monitoring traffic on bridges and
roadways, or in a variety of weather monitors or tsunami
prediction systems.
Machina
Research, a trade group for mobile device makers, predicts that within the
next eight years, the number of connected devices using M2M will top 50 billion
worldwide. The connected-device
population will include everything from power and gas meters that automatically
report usage data, to wearable heart monitors that automatically tell a doctor
when a patient needs to come in for a checkup, to traffic monitors and cars
that will by 2014 automatically report their position and condition to
authorities in the event of an accident. One of the most popular M2M setups has
been to create a central hub that can be used by wireless and wired signals.
The sensors in the field would record an event of significance, be it a
temperature change, inventory leaving a specific area or even doors opening.
The central hub would then send that information to a central location where an
operator might turn down the AC, order more toner cartridges or tell security
about suspicious activity. The future model for M2M, would eliminate the
central hub or human interaction. The devices would communicate with each other
and work out the problems on their own. This smart technology would decrease
the logistics downtime associated with replacing an ink cartridge on a printer.
Once the toner reached a low threshold, the printer would send a
request/acquisition to the toner supplier and a replacement would immediately
be shipped. Once the toner was received, it could be replaced. This turn-around
time would be drastically better than having the printer fail because of low
toner levels, then ordering it, having to wait on shipping, and then replacing
the toner.
Humans
won’t be completely removed from the equation. They will still need to be in
the chain to oversee the different processes, but they will be more of a second
pair of eyes and less of a direct supervisor. Humans will let the machines do
they work, and will only get involved when the machine reports a problem, like
a communications failure. More Applications software development will be needed
in the future to connect those 50 billion devices. Another location to learn
more about M2M development is the Eclipse
Foundation.
