This article overviews the information-driven approach to sensor collaboration in ad hoc sensor networks. The main idea is for a network to determine participants in a "sensor collaboration" by dynamically optimizing the information utility of data for a given cost of communication and computation. A definition of information utility is introduced, and several approximate measures of the information utility are developed for reasons of computational tractability. We illustrate the use of this approach using examples drawn from tracking applications.

Information-driven dynamic sensor collaboration

This paper describes two novel techniques, information-driven sensor querying IDSQ and constrained anisotropic diffusion routing CADR, for energy-efficient data querying and routing in ad hoc sensor networks for a range of collaborative signal processing tasks. The key idea is to introduce an information utility measure to select which sensors to query and to dynamically guide data routing. This allows us to maximize information gain while minimizing detection latency and bandwidth consumption for tasks such as localization and tracking. Our simulation results have demonstrated that the information-driven querying and routing techniques are more energy efficient, have lower detection latency, and provide anytime algorithms to mitigate risks of link/node failures.

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Scalable Information-Driven Sensor Querying and Routing for Ad Hoc Heterogeneous Sensor Networks

Implanted biomedical devices have the potential to revolutionize medicine. Smart sensors, which are created by combining sensing materials with integrated circuitry, are being considered for several biomedical applications such as a glucose level monitor or a retina prosthesis. These devices require the capability to communicate with an external computer system (base station) via a wireless interface. The limited power and computational capabilities of smart sensor based biological implants present research challenges in several aspects of wireless networking due to the need for having a bio-compatible, fault-tolerant, energy-efficient, and scalable design. Further, em bedding thesesensors in humans add additional requirements. For example, the wireless networking solutions should be ultra-safe and reliable, work trouble-free in different geographical locations (although implants are typically not expected to move; they shouldn't restrict the movements of their human host), and require minimal maintenance. This necessitates application-specific solutions which are vastly different from traditional solutions.In this paper, we describe the potential of biomedical smart sensors. We then explain the challenges for wireless networking of human-embedded smart sensor arrays and our preliminary approach for wireless networking of a retina prosthesis. Our aim is to motivate vigorous research in this area by illustrating the need for more application-specific and novel approaches toward developing wireless networking solutions for human-implanted smart sensors.

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Research challenges in wireless networks of biomedical sensors

This article introduces a sensor information networking architecture, called SINA, that facilitates querying, monitoring, and tasking of sensor networks. SINA serves the role of middleware that abstracts a network of sensor nodes as a collection of massively distributed objects. SINA's execution environment provides a set of configuration and communication primitives that enable scalable and energy-efficient organization of and interactions among sensor objects. On top the execution environment is a programmable substrate that provides mechanisms to create associations and coordinate activities among sensor nodes. Users then access information within a sensor network using declarative queries, or perform tasks using programming script.

Sensor information networking architecture and applications

/pdf/information-driven-dynamic-sensor-collaboration-for-tracking-18d2t3kc85.pdf

Information-Driven Dynamic Sensor Collaboration for Tracking Applications

We consider challenges associated with application domains in which a large number of distributed, networked sensors must perform a sensing task repeatedly over time. We address issues such as resource constraints, utility associated with a sensing task, and achieving global objectives with only local information. We present a model for such applications, in which we define appropriate global objectives based on utility functions and specify a cost model for energy consumption. In the full version of this paper, we present algorithms and experimental results for this problem domain [2].

/pdf/utility-based-decision-making-in-wireless-sensor-networks-4sbk8y8pyo.pdf

Utility-based decision-making in wireless sensor networks

Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for tracking and monitoring high-value goods by scanning RFID tags associated with the goods. A central monitoring service verifies both the RFID tags and the devices used to scan the tags against a database of known and trusted tags and scanning devices. Local and centralized security protocols provide improved security and data integrity.

Secure Inventory Control Systems and Methods for High-Value Goods

Images of items of jewelry having gemstones embedded therein are imaged and analyzed to determine the weights associated with the gemstones and, separately the precious metal in which the gemstones are encased without having to remove the gemstones from the jewelry.

Systems and methods for gemstone identification and analysis

We present a natural application of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for tracking and tracing high-value goods (HVG) in general. We cover in more detail such an application in the jewellery industry where large volumes of jewellery items are affixed with tamper-evident tags and scanned daily, thus lowering the risk for inventory shrink and deviation. Further, such application provides granular visibility on a daily basis where, traditionally, inventory counting sessions are manual, inaccurate, labour-intensive, and too infrequent to provide concrete value. Finally, we offer insight into an innovative financial model made possible by such an application. The model offers new opportunities for funding and alleviating the burden and risks of high-value inventory endured by trading partners in the industry. The model also offers new possibilities to financiers for providing gold jewellery consignments to retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers, as a competitive alternative to traditional gold loans.

Gabriel G. Nasser

Papers

Utility-based decision-making in wireless sensor networks

Secure Inventory Control Systems and Methods for High-Value Goods

Systems and methods for gemstone identification and analysis

Using RFID for Risk Mitigation and Location Assuredness of High-Value Goods