A hybrid indoor localization solution using a generic architectural framework for sparse distributed wireless sensor networks

Indoor localization and navigation using wireless sensor networks is still a big challenge if expensive sensor nodes are not involved. Previous research has shown that in a sparse distributed sensor network the error distance is way too high. Even room accuracy can not be guaranteed. In this paper, an easy-to-use generic positioning framework is proposed, which allows users to plug in a single or multiple positioning algorithms. We illustrate the usability of the framework by discussing a new hybrid positioning solution. The combination of a weighted (range-based) and proximity (range-free) algorithm is made. Roth solutions separately have an average error distance of 13.5m and 2.5m respectively. The latter result is quite accurate due to the fact that our testbeds are not sparse distributed. Our hybrid algorithm has an average error distance of 2.66m only using a selected set of nodes, simulating a sparse distributed sensor network. All our experiments have been executed in the iMinds testbed: namely at "de Zuiderpoort". These algorithms are also deployed in two real-life environments: "De Vooruit" and "De Vijvers"

QoS Provision for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor network is a fast growing area of research, receiving attention not only within the computer science and electrical engineering communities, but also in relation to network optimization, scheduling, risk and reliability analysis within industrial and system engineering. The availability of micro-sensors and low-power wireless communications will enable the deployment of densely distributed sensor/actuator networks. And an integration of such system plays critical roles in many facets of human life ranging from intelligent assistants in hospitals to manufacturing process, to rescue agents in large scale disaster response, to sensor networks tracking environment phenomena, and others. The sensor nodes will perform significant signal processing, computation, and network self-configuration to achieve scalable, secure, robust and long-lived networks. More specifically, sensor nodes will do local processing to reduce energy costs, and key exchanges to ensure robust communications. These requirements pose interesting challenges for networking research. The most important technical challenge arises from the development of an integrated system which is 1)energy efficient because the system must be long-lived and operate without manual intervention, 2)reliable for data communication and robust to attackers because information security and system robustness are important in sensitive applications, such as military. Based on the above challenges, this dissertation provides Quality of Service (QoS) implementation and evaluation for the wireless sensor networks. It includes the following 3 modules, 1) energy-efficient routing, 2) energy-efficient coverage, 3). communication security. Energy-efficient routing combines the features of minimum energy consumption routing protocols with minimum computational cost routing protocols. Energy-efficient coverage provides on-demand sensing and measurement. Information security needs a security key exchange scheme to ensure reliable and robust communication links. QoS evaluation metrics and results are presented based on the above requirements

Automatic triangulation positioning system for wide area coverage from a fixed sensors network

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University LondonIn a wide area that many Transmitters (TRs) operate, systems of Fixed Sensors (FS) might be used in order to detect them and find TRs position. The detection and the accurate location of a new TR entering in the area frequently can be missed if the system fails to triangulate accurately the relative readings and analyze the changes in the received data. Additionally, there are cases that a Triangulation Station Network (TSN) can detect the heading as well as the transmitter’s position wrong. This thesis presents the design of a Sensors Network (FSN) system which is able to interact with a user, and exploit the relative data of the Sensors (SRs) in real time. The system performs localization with triangulation and the SRs are detect only TRs bearing data (range free). System design and algorithms are also explained. Efficient algorithms were elaborated and the outcomes of their implementation were calculated. The system design targets to reduce system errors and increase the accuracy and the speed of detection. Synchronously and through interaction with the user and changes of relative settings and parameters will be able to offer the user accurate results on localization of TRs in the area minimizing false readings and False Triangulations (FTRNs). The system also enables the user to apply optimization techniques in order to increase the system detection rate and performance and keep the surveillance in the Field of Interest (FoI) on a high level. The optimization methodology applied for the system proves that the FSN system is able to operate with a high performance even when saturation phenomena appear. The unique outcome of the research conducted, is that this thesis paves the way to enhance the localization via Triangulation for a network of Fixed Sensors with known position. The value of this thesis is that the FSN system performs bearing only detection (Range free) with a certain accuracy and the Area of Interest (AOI) is covered efficiently

A Survey of Positioning Systems Using Visible LED Lights

© 2018 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.As Global Positioning System (GPS) cannot provide satisfying performance in indoor environments, indoor positioning technology, which utilizes indoor wireless signals instead of GPS signals, has grown rapidly in recent years. Meanwhile, visible light communication (VLC) using light devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) has been deemed to be a promising candidate in the heterogeneous wireless networks that may collaborate with radio frequencies (RF) wireless networks. In particular, light-fidelity has a great potential for deployment in future indoor environments because of its high throughput and security advantages. This paper provides a comprehensive study of a novel positioning technology based on visible white LED lights, which has attracted much attention from both academia and industry. The essential characteristics and principles of this system are deeply discussed, and relevant positioning algorithms and designs are classified and elaborated. This paper undertakes a thorough investigation into current LED-based indoor positioning systems and compares their performance through many aspects, such as test environment, accuracy, and cost. It presents indoor hybrid positioning systems among VLC and other systems (e.g., inertial sensors and RF systems). We also review and classify outdoor VLC positioning applications for the first time. Finally, this paper surveys major advances as well as open issues, challenges, and future research directions in VLC positioning systems.Peer reviewe