Sensor networks and microsystems: get smarter!
David Victor Thiel, Peter Charles Lisner · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2005
The ultimate goal of micro-systems is ad hoc arrays of wireless, self powered intelligent sensors which self-assemble on installation and adjust to a changing number of sensors and/or changing sensor location. The sensors and the network infrastructure must be low cost, disposable (recyclable), unobtrusive and these ultimate goals impact on all aspects of sensor design and network protocols. In this paper, a number of strategies employed to achieve these goals are outlined. In particular, some recent technological developments have facilitated more efficient sensor networks. These include smart antennas, low power electronics and sensors, creative methods of data reduction and "tipping bucket" data streaming. Sensor networks with lifetimes of more than one year are now possible.