Current status of the IEEE 1451 standard-based sensor applications

In this paper, we have discussed the sensor-based applications and what is necessary for the dissimilarities in hardware realization and algorithm. This paper presents the existing state-of-the-art of IEEE 1451 standard-based sensor applications and is mainly focused on standard transducer interface module (STIM), network capable application processor (NCAP), and transducer-independent interface (TII). They have some major factors that are regularly imperative in the development of IEEE 1451 standard-based applications, such as plug and play facility, for one or more than one STIM, communication protocols/network’s, architecture, reliability, maintenance, accuracy, easy to use, cost, transducer electronic data sheet, test facility, and so on. The above concerns are also summarized by reference to research articles on STIM, NCAP, and TII. Highlighting is on the predictability of dynamic applications that concentrate on the above mentioned criteria.http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=7361hb201

Implementation and analysis of the ISO/IEC/IEEE P21451-1 draft standard for a smart transducer interface common network services and its applications in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly become the paradigm for the creation and improvement of new and old Cyber Physical Systems (CPS), but how much longer can this development of IoT devices, networks, and services be sustained? The past decade has seen incredible growth in internet connected devices, with current estimates placing the number of such devices at about 20 billion in 2017, not including personal computers, smart phones, and tablets. This has created a massive market for these devices, with each company making their own applications, protocols, and services. Since these markets are competitive, there originally was no incentive to design systems, which were built to have a common protocol to enable interoperability between systems. This can pose a large integration effort if two or more of these systems need to communicate together as part of a larger system. The problem is compounded if these systems utilize two different physical layers or talk using two different protocols. The revitalization of the IEEE 1451 family of standards can solve this problem. The work in this thesis proposes to solve the integration problem by providing a common set of services and protocols for devices. This work provides the basis for a common architectural foundation for future IoT development. The contributions of this thesis include a renewal of the language and intent of the IEEE P21451-1 draft standard, development of example implementations to be included in the standard, and the development of Open Source hardware and software aimed at lowering the cost of adopting this standard

Arquitectura de nodo inteligente para redes de sensores inalámbricas y escalables: aplicaciones en monitorización ambiental

Las redes de sensores son actualmente una de las tecnologías emergentes de mayor progreso e interés, en particular aquellas que emplean sistemas de comunicación inalámbricas. La integración de estas redes a las infraestructuras y a diversos entornos asociados a una red inalámbrica de comunicación ha transformado drásticamente la forma en que los datos del entorno son adquiridos y procesados. Actualmente las redes de sensores son consideradas como uno los pilares principales en una nueva forma de percibir e interactuar con el mundo que nos rodea, proporcionando beneficios a la sociedad y mejorando la productividad de las industrias. El desafío planteado por la integración de nodos heterogéneos y diversas interfaces en una red de sensores, ha conducido al desarrollo de algunos estándares internacionales como el ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x. La característica principal que plantean estos estándares es la escalabilidad de la red desde el punto de vista de la heterogeneidad de los nodos y una capacidad ¿plug-and-play¿. Con la estandarización, se pretende abordar el problema de la gran diversidad de interfaces presentes en el mercado, a fin de determinar la mejor forma de interconexión entre redes de sensores heterogéneos. Sin embargo, la implementación del estándar ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x es complicada y no contempla las limitaciones en capacidad de los nodos, tales como bajo consumo de energía, capacidad de memoria y capacidad de procesamiento. Además, el estándar no contempla las arquitecturas reconfigurables, las cuales pueden ser muy útiles dada la diversidad de posibles aplicaciones de las redes de sensores inalámbricas. Es necesario, por lo tanto, consolidar el uso de un Framework para las arquitecturas de nodos sensoriales inalámbricas que contemple además de la heterogeneidad de los transductores, la inclusión de arquitecturas reconfigurables en los nodos sensores. El desarrollo de esta Tesis se orienta al diseño de una plataforma (Framework) que de soporte a las arquitecturas de nodos de sensores inalámbricos, facilitando su integración en una red inalámbrica. El trabajo de investigación consta de dos partes primordiales. La primera parte se centra en la definición del Framework basado en el estándar internacional ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x y en su utilización en diversas aplicaciones. La segunda parte plantea la utilización de arquitecturas reconfigurables en nodos de sensores inalámbricos, planteándose como aporte la modificación del datasheet electrónico definido en el estándar ISO/IEC/IEEE 214510 como una herramienta novedosa que estandariza el proceso de reconfiguración de cualquier nodo en una red de sensores inalámbricas. Como resultados de esta Tesis podemos indicar que: - Se ha propuesto un Framework para arquitecturas escalables de nodos en redes inalámbricas, basado en el estándar ISO/IEC/IEEE 214510. Este Framework plantea la integración del sensor inteligente, definido por la familia de estándares ISO/IEC/IEEE 21451-x, y sistema operativo para redes de sensores inalámbricas llamado TinyOS. La finalidad del Framework propuesto es incrementar la escalabilidad y la ubiquidad de los nodos, permitiendo el uso de sensores e interfaces heterogéneas en la red. El funcionamiento e interés de este Framework se ha probado en un sistema de monitorización de variables medio-ambientales diseñado para la vigilancia de reservas naturales. - Además, se ha planteado, asimismo, un nuevo método para la estandarización del proceso de reconfiguración de nodos asociados a redes de sensores inalámbricas. Para ello se ha propuesto la definición de un nuevo datasheet electrónico (TEDS) asociado al estándar ISO/IEC/IEEE 21450 con el que es posible reconfigurar el hardware de acondicionamiento de señales del nodo sensor. Este nuevo datasheet ha sido implementado y se ha probado en una red de monitorización de variables medio-ambientales, demostrando su interés y utilidad en aplicaciones reales

Arquitectura de nodo inteligente para redes de sensores inalámbricas y escalables: aplicaciones en monitorización ambiental

El desarrollo de esta Tesis se orienta al diseño de una plataforma (Framework) que de soporte a las arquitecturas de nodos de sensores inalámbricos, permitiendo su integración en una red inalámbrica.CONACYT – Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologí

Plantoid: plant inspired robot for subsoil exploration and environmental monitoring

La Biorobotica è un nuovo approccio nella realizzazione di robot che unisce diverse discipline come Robotica e Scienze Naturali. Il concetto di Biorobotica è stato identificato per molti anni come ispirazione dal mondo animale. In questa tesi, questo paradigma è stato esteso per la prima volta al mondo vegetale. Le piante sono un organismo affascinante con inaspettate capacità. Sono organismi dinamici e altamente sensibili, in grado di esplorare il terreno alla ricerca di nutrienti e di valutare con precisione la loro situazione per una gestione ottimale delle risorse. L'obiettivo di questa tesi è di contribuire alla realizzazione di un robot ispirato alle piante, un plantoide. Il robot plantoide comprende sistemi di radici e rami e deve essere in grado di monitorare l'ambiente sia in aria sia nel sottosuolo. Questi robot ispirati alle piante saranno utilizzati per applicazioni specifiche, come il monitoraggio in situ di parametri chimici, la ricerca di acqua in agricoltura, l'ancoraggio e per la comprensione scientifica delle capacità e comportamenti delle piante stesse mediante la costruzione di modelli fisici. In questa tesi sono stati affrontati diversi aspetti di questa innovativa piattaforma robotica: prima di tutto, lo studio delle piante, le caratteristiche e le tecnologie che consentono di progettare e sviluppare il sistema robotico. Il sistema proposto può essere facilmente suddiviso in due sezioni principali, la parte aerea e la parte radicale (che sta nel sottosuolo). Per la parte che si trova nel sottosuolo, l'attività è stata incentrata sulla realizzazione di un sistema meccatronico miniaturizzato che imita il comportamento dell’apice radicale della pianta. Le piante mostrano una peculiare direzione crescita in risposta a stimoli esterni, come la luce (phototropism), la gravità (gravitropism), il tatto (thigmotropism) o il gradiente di umidità (hydrotropism). I tropismsi spesso interagiscono tra loro, e la crescita finale della pianta è influenzata da tali interazioni. Al fine di imitare le potenti prestazioni del sistema radicale delle piante, un nuovo attuatore è stato proposto. Questo attuatore è basato sul principio osmotico (attuatore osmotico) e, diversamente dagli attuatori allo stato dell’arte basati sul principio osmotico, è stato progettato in modo da avere una reazione reversibile. Questo attuatore permette di eseguire l'allungamento e il direzionamento dell’ apice radicale, generando elevate forze con un basso consumo di energia (con movimenti nella scala temporale della pianta). Studi teorici su questo attuatore mostrano interessanti prestazioni in termini di pressione di attuazione (superiore a 20 atm), con potenza nell'ordine di alcuni mW e con tempi di attuazione nell’ordine delle ore. L’apice radicale robotico è stato progettato per essere dotato di sensori (gravità e umidità) per imitare le capacità di analisi delle piante, e con l’attuatore osmotico per guidare la crescita nella direzione corretta. Un microcontrollore integrato controlla il comportamento e il direzionamento sulla base delle informazioni provenienti dai sensori. Riguardo la parte aerea, l'attività in questa tesi è stata incentrata sulla realizzazione di una sorta di modulo di monitoraggio ambientale, al fine di imitare l'elevata capacità sensoristica delle piante. Questa parte è stata progettata e realizzata in un modo più tradizionale, senza tentare di imitare completamente il comportamento delle piante, ma prendendo ispirazione dalle caratteristiche fondamentali (recupero dell’energia, ampia capacità di monitoraggio e comunicazione). Al fine di integrare una vasta quantità di sensori, è stata sviluppata un’innovativa interfaccia che garantisce il condizionamento di sensori, con capacità plug-and-play e basso consumo energetico. Diversi aspetti del plantoid non sono ancora stati affrontati e saranno parte dei lavori futuri. In particolare, il meccanismo di crescita delle radici (alcune possibili soluzioni sono state proposte e spiegate in questa tesi) e l'integrazione di sensori chimici nell’apice radicale.Biorobotics is a novel approach in the realization of robot that merges different disciplines as Robotic and Natural Science. The concept of biorobotics has been identified for many years as inspiration from the animal world. In this thesis this paradigm has been extended for the first time to the plant world. Plants are an amazing organism with unexpected capabilities. They are dynamic and highly sensitive organisms, actively and competitively foraging for limited resources both above and below ground, and they are also organisms which accurately compute their circumstances, use sophisticated cost–benefit analysis, and take defined actions to mitigate and control diverse environmental insults. The objective of this thesis is to contribute to the realization of a robot inspired to plants, a plantoid. The plantoid robot includes root and shoot systems and should be able to explore and monitoring the environment both in the air and underground. These plant-inspired robots will be used for specific applications, such as in situ monitoring analysis and chemical detections, water searching in agriculture, anchoring capabilities and for scientific understanding of the plant capabilities/behaviours themselves by building a physical models. The scientific work performed in this thesis addressed different aspects of this innovative robotic platform development: first of all, the study of the plants‟ characteristics and the enabling technologies in order to design and to develop the overall plantoid system. The proposed system can be easily sub-divided in two major sections, the aerial part and the subsoil part. About the subsoil part, the activity focused on the realization of a miniaturized mechatronic system that imitates the behaviour of the plant radical apex. Plants show a peculiar directional growth in response to external stimulations, such as light (phototropism), gravity (gravitropism), touch (thigmotropism) or water/humidity gradient (hydrotropism). Tropisms frequently interact between and among each other, and the final grown form of the plant is influenced by such interactions. In order to imitate the powerful performances of the plant root system, a novel actuator has been proposed. This actuator is based on the osmotic principle (osmotic actuator) and, differently by the state-of-the-art actuators based on the osmotic principle, it has been designed in order to have a reversible reaction. This actuator permits to perform the elongation and the typical steering capabilities of the root apex, generating high forces with low power consumption (in the time scale of the plant). Theoretical studies on this actuator show interesting performances in terms of actuation pressure (more than 20 atm) with power in the order of some mW and with actuation in the hours scale time. The robotic root apex was designed to be equipped with sensors (gravity and moisture) to imitate the plants sensing characteristics, and with the novel osmotic actuator to drive the growth in the correct direction. An embedded microcontroller implements the basic root behaviour on the basis of the information coming from the sensors. About the aerial part the activity in this thesis was focused on the realization of a sort of environmental monitoring module in order to imitate the high sensing capabilities of the plants. This part has been designed and realized in a more traditional way, without attempt to imitate completely the plant behaviour but taking inspiration from the fundamental characteristics (energy scavenging, wide sensing capabilities and communication). In order to integrate a wide amount of sensors an innovative interface board that guarantees the conditioning of the sensor, with plug-and-play capabilities and low power consumption, was developed. Several aspects of the plantoid system are not faced yet and they will be part of the future works. In particular, the growing mechanism of the roots (some possible solutions are proposed and explained in this thesis) and the integration of chemical sensors in the root apex

Sensor Networks and Their Applications: Investigating the Role of Sensor Web Enablement

The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) was conducted in conjunction with BT Research on state-of-the-art Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) projects. The first area of work is a literature review of WSN project applications, some of which the author worked on as a BT Researcher based at the world renowned Adastral Park Research Labs in Suffolk (2004-09). WSN applications are examined within the context of Machine-to-Machine (M2M); Information Networking (IN); Internet/Web of Things (IoT/WoT); smart home and smart devices; BT’s 21st Century Network (21CN); Cloud Computing; and future trends. In addition, this thesis provides an insight into the capabilities of similar external WSN project applications. Under BT’s Sensor Virtualization project, the second area of work focuses on building a Generic Architecture for WSNs with reusable infrastructure and ‘infostructure’ by identifying and trialling suitable components, in order to realise actual business benefits for BT. The third area of work focuses on the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards and their Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) initiative. The SWE framework was investigated to ascertain its potential as a component of the Generic Architecture. BT’s SAPHE project served as a use case. BT Research’s experiences of taking this traditional (vertical) stove-piped application and creating SWE compliant services are described. The author’s findings were originally presented in a series of publications and have been incorporated into this thesis along with supplementary WSN material from BT Research projects. SWE 2.0 specifications are outlined to highlight key improvements, since work began at BT with SWE 1.0. The fourth area of work focuses on Complex Event Processing (CEP) which was evaluated to ascertain its potential for aggregating and correlating the shared project sensor data (‘infostructure’) harvested and for enabling data fusion for WSNs in diverse domains. Finally, the conclusions and suggestions for further work are provided

Intelligent Sensor Networks

In the last decade, wireless or wired sensor networks have attracted much attention. However, most designs target general sensor network issues including protocol stack (routing, MAC, etc.) and security issues. This book focuses on the close integration of sensing, networking, and smart signal processing via machine learning. Based on their world-class research, the authors present the fundamentals of intelligent sensor networks. They cover sensing and sampling, distributed signal processing, and intelligent signal learning. In addition, they present cutting-edge research results from leading experts

Internet of Things From Hype to Reality

The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained significant mindshare, let alone attention, in academia and the industry especially over the past few years. The reasons behind this interest are the potential capabilities that IoT promises to offer. On the personal level, it paints a picture of a future world where all the things in our ambient environment are connected to the Internet and seamlessly communicate with each other to operate intelligently. The ultimate goal is to enable objects around us to efficiently sense our surroundings, inexpensively communicate, and ultimately create a better environment for us: one where everyday objects act based on what we need and like without explicit instructions