Distributed microsensor networks, built from collections of nodes each having the ability to sensor their environment, process the raw sensor data in cooperation with other neighboring nodes into information and then communicate that information to end users. These systems are designed to be self-organizing in the sense of establishing and maintaining their own network without the need for specialistic operators. In most envisioned applications, wireless communications are the most practical means of interconnection, eliminating the internode cabling. Long periods of autonomous operations in remote environments will need battery or other renewable energy sources. In order to prolong battery life, all node hardware and software functions need to be designed to consume minimal power. In general, a node will expend energy on local processing of sensor data to produce compressed information in order to reduce communications. These network systems are intended to support large numbers of such nodes to cover large geographic areas.

Date Published: 30 July 1999
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 3713, Unattended Ground Sensor Technologies and Applications, (30 July 1999); doi: 10.1117/12.357141

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3713:
Unattended Ground Sensor Technologies and Applications
Edward M. Carapezza; David B. Law; K. Terry Stalker, Editor(s)