Smart sensors for the 80's - The status of smart sensors

The paper discusses the definition of smart sensor as perceived by three different groups of authors. The agreement and disagreement between the three separate definitions are briefly treated. Recent conferences held by the AIAA and SPIE have addressed smart sensors for a range of applications. The status of smart sensors is discussed in light of the papers presented at the three conferences. Also, the emerging technologies which will facilitate the development of smart sensors are discussed.