A visual sensor network for object recognition: Testbed realization

This work describes the implementation of an object recognition service on top of energy and resource-constrained hardware. A complete pipeline for object recognition based on the BRISK visual features is implemented on Intel Imote2 sensor devices. The reference implementation is used to assess the performance of the object recognition pipeline in terms of processing time and recognition accuracy

Error Resilient Video Streaming with BCH Code Protection in Wireless Sensor Networks

Video streaming in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is a promising and challenging application for enabling high-value services. In such a context, the reduced amount ofavailable bandwidth, as well as the low-computational power available for acquiring and processing video frames, imposes the transmission of low resolution images at a low frame rate. Considering the aforementioned limitations, the amount of information carried by each video frame must be considered of utmost importance and preserved, as much as possible, against network losses that could introduce possible artifacts in the reconstructed dynamics of the scene.In this paper we first evaluate the impact of the bit error rate on the quality of the received video stream in a real scenario, then we propose a forward error correction technique based on the use of BCH codes with the aim of preserving the video quality. The proposed technique, against already proposed techniques in the WSN research field, has been specially designed to maintain a full back-compatibility with the IEEE802.15.4 standard in order to create a suitable solution aiming at accomplishing the Internet of Things (IoT) vision. Performance results evaluated in terms of Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) show that the proposed solution reaches a PSNR improvement of 4.16 dB with respect to an unprotected transmission, while requiring an additional overhead equal to 22.51% in number of transmitted bits, and minimal impact on frame rate reduction and energy consumption. When higher protection levels have been imposed, bigger PSNR values have been experienced at the cost of an increased additional overhead, lower frame rates, and bigger energy consumption values

A Survey on Multimedia-Based Cross-Layer Optimization in Visual Sensor Networks

Visual sensor networks (VSNs) comprised of battery-operated electronic devices endowed with low-resolution cameras have expanded the applicability of a series of monitoring applications. Those types of sensors are interconnected by ad hoc error-prone wireless links, imposing stringent restrictions on available bandwidth, end-to-end delay and packet error rates. In such context, multimedia coding is required for data compression and error-resilience, also ensuring energy preservation over the path(s) toward the sink and improving the end-to-end perceptual quality of the received media. Cross-layer optimization may enhance the expected efficiency of VSNs applications, disrupting the conventional information flow of the protocol layers. When the inner characteristics of the multimedia coding techniques are exploited by cross-layer protocols and architectures, higher efficiency may be obtained in visual sensor networks. This paper surveys recent research on multimedia-based cross-layer optimization, presenting the proposed strategies and mechanisms for transmission rate adjustment, congestion control, multipath selection, energy preservation and error recovery. We note that many multimedia-based cross-layer optimization solutions have been proposed in recent years, each one bringing a wealth of contributions to visual sensor networks

Ad Hoc Network Architecture for Multi-Media Networks

The desire for more intelligence in the battlefield has given rise to the idea of routing video images over wireless sensor networks. This would apprise combat decision makers with actual images of battlefield developments and allow them to make sound decisions. To achieve this objective, the characteristics of video traffic must be studied and understood. This thesis focuses on evaluating the possibility of routing video images over a wireless sensor network. Video traffic is modeled and simulations are performed via the use of the Sun Small Programmable Object Technology (Sun SPOT) Java development kits configured in three different network topologies: the star topology, binary tree topology and chain topology. It is known that video traffic is self similar and can be obtained by aggregating a large number of On-Off message sources. Hence, an On-Off model using Pareto distribution function is used to model video traffic over the network. In this thesis four self-similar shaping parameters, i.e., alpha(On) = 1.2, 1.4, 1.7 and 1.9 are used in the simulations. The performance of each topology is evaluated based on parameters like mean throughput, mean interarrival time, mean packet drop, and mean delay.http://archive.org/details/adhocnetworkarch109452988Singapore Armed Forces author.Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Flexi-WVSNP-DASH: A Wireless Video Sensor Network Platform for the Internet of Things

abstract: Video capture, storage, and distribution in wireless video sensor networks (WVSNs) critically depends on the resources of the nodes forming the sensor networks. In the era of big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and distributed demand and solutions, there is a need for multi-dimensional data to be part of the Sensor Network data that is easily accessible and consumable by humanity as well as machinery. Images and video are expected to become as ubiquitous as is the scalar data in traditional sensor networks. The inception of video-streaming over the Internet, heralded a relentless research for effective ways of distributing video in a scalable and cost effective way. There has been novel implementation attempts across several network layers. Due to the inherent complications of backward compatibility and need for standardization across network layers, there has been a refocused attention to address most of the video distribution over the application layer. As a result, a few video streaming solutions over the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) have been proposed. Most notable are Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and the Motion Picture Experts Groups Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (MPEG-DASH). These frameworks, do not address the typical and future WVSN use cases. A highly flexible Wireless Video Sensor Network Platform and compatible DASH (WVSNP-DASH) are introduced. The platform's goal is to usher video as a data element that can be integrated into traditional and non-Internet networks. A low cost, scalable node is built from the ground up to be fully compatible with the Internet of Things Machine to Machine (M2M) concept, as well as the ability to be easily re-targeted to new applications in a short time. Flexi-WVSNP design includes a multi-radio node, a middle-ware for sensor operation and communication, a cross platform client facing data retriever/player framework, scalable security as well as a cohesive but decoupled hardware and software design.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 201