Allen M.P., Gaura E.I., Newman R.M., Mount S.N.I.
Coventry University, UK
Keywords: 3D positioning, localization, wireless sensor networks
As research into Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) increases, it becomes more and more apparent that knowledge of sensors’ physical position within a network is a necessity. A sensor’s data are only useful if put in context of where it came from. Furthermore, one could assume that knowledge of a sensor’s 3d position within the network could give valuable insight into the characteristics of the terrain on which it sits. This problem of finding the physical placing of sensors without prior knowledge of their position can be classified as a localization problem.
The localization problem does not exist if each sensor can be preprogrammed with coordinates, or obtains them by use of GPS. This can be problematic in a large scale deployment [1] in terms of time taken to deploy, or cost of equipping each sensor with GPS capability.
The purpose of this paper is to describe our system for location and visual display of sensors in three dimensions. We examine current techniques and research, then our 3d localization system and its accuracy. We then draw conclusions from our results and provide areas for future work.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 435 - 440
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Sensors - Chemical, Physical & Bio
ISBN: 0-9767985-8-1