A low-latency communication protocol for target tracking in wireless sensor networks

Abstract

Target tracking applications in wireless sensor networks need to achieve energy efficiency, tracking accuracy, and certain real-time constraints in response to fast-moving targets. From a layer view, an energy-efficient cross-layer communication protocol that consists of a medium access control layer and network routing layer is necessary for joint optimization. Due to the interference and contention over the wireless medium, the limited resources of battery-operated sensor nodes, and the dynamic topology of large-scale networks, this cross-layer design becomes a challenging task. In this research, we exploit a cluster routing algorithm over large-scale networks and propose a low-duty-cycle medium access control (MAC) algorithm to reduce collision, idle-listening, and overhearing. In addition, our work focuses on the joint optimization of routing and a MAC strategy for achieving a good trade-off between low delay, energy efficiency, and tracking accuracy. To deploy this protocol in a real tracking application, we also propose a clustering synchronization procedure that does not require distributing the global timing information over the complete network to achieve network-wide time synchronization. An analytical model and extensive simulations are proposed to evaluate and compare the performance of our work with existing protocols. Simulation and analysis results show that our approach achieves better communication delay and thus better tracking error while maintaining reasonable energy consumption compared to other cases.

Heterogeneous sensing for target tracking: architecture, techniques, applications and challenges

“…In the field of target tracking, some of the intrinsic problems are high energy consumption, low tracking accuracy, poor network real-time performance, high communication overhead and inaccurate time synchronization [118]. Researchers all over the world have designed various protocols to address the above problems.…”

Target Tracking Using Radial Distance and Lucas Cluster-Based Ridge Regression in Wireless Sensor Network

“…However, with higher interference and dynamic topology still target tracking is said to be a challenging issues to be addressed in WSN. A medium access control based on low duty in addition to clustering synchronization procedure was presented in [8]. With this design, communication delay in addition to tracking error were said to be reduced in a significant manner.…”

An internet of radiation sensor system (IoRSS) to detect radioactive sources out of regulatory control

“…In this report, we present the proposal and development of an Internet of Radiation Sensor System (IoRSS) to enhance the use of nuclear detection systems to detect nuclear and other radioactive materials out of regulatory control at points of entry/exit and other trade locations of scrap metal recycling and production facilities. To maximize the ability to detect, identify, locate, and respond to nuclear radiation incidents, we propose and apply advances in computing, communications, algorithm development, software tools, and hardware in an integrated network of distributed sensors 13 – 16 and LoRa 17 , 18 wireless communications that contribute to enhanced radiological and nuclear detection capability and response activities. The implementation of the IoRSS has facilitated improved situational awareness and better capabilities to detect, identify, locate, and respond to incidents by integrating data from multiple fixed and mobile radiation detection devices across distributed detectors and apply advanced data processing algorithms.…”