Edge of the network device for a low power wide area network

Dissertação de mestrado em Engenharia Eletrónica Industrial e ComputadoresThe widespread of Internet connection, particularly on small devices (embedded systems), has allowed the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, due to the connection of these devices to web micro services (Cloud), and has had a major role in Industry 4.0 [1]. Through the advances of wireless technologies, these devices were able to have an Internet connection, becoming available everywhere. The creation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has enabled the use of networks composed of independent devices (nodes or edge devices), equipped with sensors and actuators, and made it possible to collect information about the environment where they are deployed [2]. The growing necessity of having a wider coverage area for Wireless Sensor Networks, along with the demanding low power requirements on devices has enabled Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies to arise. These technologies are able to reach further coverage than conventional wireless technologies (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee etc), as well as raising the energy autonomy of the devices [3], which makes LPWA technologies ideal for wider areas. The recent tragedies of wildfires in Portugal, in both 2017 and 2018, had great impact on economic and social levels. Early detection and alerts about wildfires are crucial to prevent them from spreading [4]. Therefore, by using LPWA technologies in forests, a case study can be made for the wildfire occurrences in forests. Through the use of independent devices equipped with sensors, data can be collected from the environment that might detect that a fire is starting, and then send alerts to fire fighting units. In this Master’s thesis it was developed the architecture of sensor nodes, to be integrated in a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN). By using the LoRa technology to achieve a long range between the sensor nodes and the network coordinator, it is possible for edge devices to collect and send data to upper levels of the network. It was possible to gather information about the environment and further understand LoRa’s potential for sending all the data to the upper levels of the network.A proliferação da conexão à Internet, especialmente em pequenos dispositivos (sistemas embebidos), permitiu o desenvolvimento do conceito Internet of Things (IoT), devido à possibilidade de ligação destes a micro serviços web (Cloud), tendo um papel crucial no desenrolar da Indústria 4.0 [1]. Tendo como principal impulsionador o avanço tecnológico das redes sem fios, foi possível ligar estes dispositivos à Internet, tornando-os acessíveis em qualquer lado. Assim, surgiram as Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), através da utilização de redes de dispositivos independentes (nós ou edge devices), equipados com sensores e atuadores, possibilitando a recolha de informação sobre o meio onde estão colocados [2]. A crescente necessidade de cobrir áreas cada vez maiores para este tipo de redes, associada a requisitos mais exigentes de consumo energético reduzido nos dispositivos, abriu caminho para o aparecimento das tecnologias Low Power Wide Area (LPWA). Este tipo de tecnologias consegue alcances superiores em relação às redes sem fios convencionais (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, entre outros), permitindo maior autonomia dos nós sensores [3], tornando-se assim ideais para a sua utilização em áreas alargadas. As recentes tragédias de incêndios que ocorreram em Portugal, em particular nos anos de 2017 e 2018, tiveram grande impacto tanto a nível económico como social. A deteção e alerta precoce de incêndios são fatores cruciais para evitar a sua propagação [4]. Utilizando as tecnologias LPWA em contexto florestal poderá criar-se um caso de estudo para a ocorrência de incêndios em florestas. Através da utilização de edge devices, poderá ser possível recolher dados provenientes deste meio que indiquem a existência de um incêndio a deflagrar, e enviar alertas para as unidades de combate a incêndios. Nesta dissertação foi desenvolvida a arquitetura dos nós sensores, a serem integrados numa Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN). Utilizando tecnologia LoRa para obter um longo alcance entre os nós e o coordenador da rede, poderá desta forma ser possível os nós sensores recolherem e enviarem dados para as camadas superiores. Foi possível, com a utilização de sensores nos nós, recolher informações sobre o ambiente e perceber o potencial da tecnologia LoRa para o envio destes dados para as camadas superiores

Evaluation of Energy Consumption in Industry 4.0

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are significantly important in the advanced monitoring of applications for the Internet of Things, particularly in difficult-to-access locations where wired solutions are impractical or expensive. Critical elements and characteristics of WSNs in terms of power consumption are being characterized and evaluated. However, there is a gap in research in terms of selecting and structuring the most efficient (WSN) in consideration of energy sustainability and the amount of required energy by the WSN that can be supplied wirelessly. In this thesis, a systems-level approach was taken to evaluate the energy required for sensing, processing, and communication over a WSN for an industrial application. A literature review was also conducted to identify the power consumption of some transducers typically used in manufacturing, such as temperature, acceleration, and displacement transducers. Additionally, the power consumption of the commonly available local processing units used to produce “smart” sensors was compared in this work. Different data transmission protocols were also evaluated for power consumption in different operation modes for different microcontrollers. These requirements and results taken from the literature were used to identify the power consumption at each location in WSN. This was then used to create a framework for surveying the theoretical requirement (limits) to power each of these locations. Various power sources were considered as possible solutions, including energy storage (wired and wireless charging), power distribution, and power harvesting techniques. The framework can be used in one of two ways; the WSN can either be modified to reduce power consumption to meet supply (for example, changing the operational mode to a more energy-efficient one), or a different power supply can be proposed to meet demand. In this way, the framework provides a tool for the design of any industry-based WSN. Finally, a machine tool was used as a case study to show how the framework can be used, in consideration of the available energy harvesting techniques that can be used to power specific elements of the WSN. Further work should focus on investigating the possibility of using other techniques to optimize the power consumption of WSNs considering the available wireless energy sources, as well as suggest other efficient techniques

Wireless distributed intelligence in personal applications

Tietokoneet ovat historian kuluessa kehittyneet keskustietokoneista hajautettujen, langattomasti toimivien järjestelmien suuntaan. Elektroniikalla toteutetut automaattiset toiminnot ympärillämme lisääntyvät kiihtyvällä vauhdilla. Tällaiset sovellukset lisääntyvät tulevaisuudessa, mutta siihen soveltuva tekniikka on vielä kehityksen alla ja vaadittavia ominaisuuksia ei aina löydy. Nykyiset lyhyen kantaman langattoman tekniikan standardit ovat tarkoitettu lähinnä teollisuuden ja multimedian käyttöön, siksi ne ovat vain osittain soveltuvia uudenlaisiin ympäristöälykkäisiin käyttötarkoituksiin. Ympäristöälykkäät sovellukset palvelevat enimmäkseen jokapäiväistä elämäämme, kuten turvallisuutta, kulunvalvontaa ja elämyspalveluita. Ympäristöälykkäitä ratkaisuja tarvitaan myös hajautetussa automaatiossa ja kohteiden automaattisessa seurannassa. Tutkimuksen aikana Seinäjoen ammattikorkeakoulussa on tutkittu lyhyen kantaman langatonta tekniikkaa: suunniteltu ja kehitetty pienivirtaisia radionappeja, niitten ohjelmointiympäristöä sekä langattoman verkon synkronointia, tiedonkeruuta ja reititystä. Lisäksi on simuloitu eri reititystapoja, sisäpaikannusta ja kaivinkoneen kalibrointia soveltaen mm. neurolaskentaa. Tekniikkaa on testattu myös käytännön sovelluksissa. Ympäristöälykkäät sovellusalueet ovat ehkä nopeimmin kasvava lähitulevaisuuden ala tietotekniikassa. Tutkitulla tekniikalla on runsaasti uusia haasteita ihmisten hyvinvointia, terveyttä ja turvallisuutta lisäävissä sovelluksissa, kuten myös teollisuuden uusissa sovelluksissa, esimerkiksi älykkäässä energiansiirtoverkossa.The development of computing is moving from mainframe computers to distributed intelligence with wireless features. The automated functions around us, in the form of small electronic devices, are increasing and the pace is continuously accelerating. The number of these applications will increase in the future, but suitable features needed are lacking and suitable technology development is still ongoing. The existing wireless short-range standards are mostly suitable for use in industry and in multimedia applications, but they are only partly suitable for the new network feature demands of the ambient intelligence applications. The ambient intelligent applications will serve us in our daily lives: security, access control and exercise services. Ambient intelligence is also adopted by industry in distributed amorphous automation, in access monitoring and the control of machines and devices. During this research, at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, we have researched, designed and developed short-range wireless technology: low-power radio buttons with a programming environment for them as well as synchronization, data collecting and routing features for the wireless network. We have simulated different routing methods, indoor positioning and excavator calibration using for example neurocomputing. In addition, we have tested the technology in practical applications. The ambient intelligent applications are perhaps the area growing the most in information technology in the future. There will be many new challenges to face to increase welfare, health, security, as well as industrial applications (for example, at factories and in smart grids) in the future.fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

An inclusive survey of contactless wireless sensing: a technology used for remotely monitoring vital signs has the potential to combating COVID-19

With the Coronavirus pandemic showing no signs of abating, companies and governments around the world are spending millions of dollars to develop contactless sensor technologies that minimize the need for physical interactions between the patient and healthcare providers. As a result, healthcare research studies are rapidly progressing towards discovering innovative contactless technologies, especially for infants and elderly people who are suffering from chronic diseases that require continuous, real-time control, and monitoring. The fusion between sensing technology and wireless communication has emerged as a strong research candidate choice because wearing sensor devices is not desirable by patients as they cause anxiety and discomfort. Furthermore, physical contact exacerbates the spread of contagious diseases which may lead to catastrophic consequences. For this reason, research has gone towards sensor-less or contactless technology, through sending wireless signals, then analyzing and processing the reflected signals using special techniques such as frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) or channel state information (CSI). Therefore, it becomes easy to monitor and measure the subject’s vital signs remotely without physical contact or asking them to wear sensor devices. In this paper, we overview and explore state-of-the-art research in the field of contactless sensor technology in medicine, where we explain, summarize, and classify a plethora of contactless sensor technologies and techniques with the highest impact on contactless healthcare. Moreover, we overview the enabling hardware technologies as well as discuss the main challenges faced by these systems.This work is funded by the scientific and technological research council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) under grand 119E39

Sensing and Signal Processing in Smart Healthcare

In the last decade, we have witnessed the rapid development of electronic technologies that are transforming our daily lives. Such technologies are often integrated with various sensors that facilitate the collection of human motion and physiological data and are equipped with wireless communication modules such as Bluetooth, radio frequency identification, and near-field communication. In smart healthcare applications, designing ergonomic and intuitive human–computer interfaces is crucial because a system that is not easy to use will create a huge obstacle to adoption and may significantly reduce the efficacy of the solution. Signal and data processing is another important consideration in smart healthcare applications because it must ensure high accuracy with a high level of confidence in order for the applications to be useful for clinicians in making diagnosis and treatment decisions. This Special Issue is a collection of 10 articles selected from a total of 26 contributions. These contributions span the areas of signal processing and smart healthcare systems mostly contributed by authors from Europe, including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and Netherlands. Authors from China, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Ecuador are also included

Smart Monitoring and Control in the Future Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) and related technologies have the promise of realizing pervasive and smart applications which, in turn, have the potential of improving the quality of life of people living in a connected world. According to the IoT vision, all things can cooperate amongst themselves and be managed from anywhere via the Internet, allowing tight integration between the physical and cyber worlds and thus improving efficiency, promoting usability, and opening up new application opportunities. Nowadays, IoT technologies have successfully been exploited in several domains, providing both social and economic benefits. The realization of the full potential of the next generation of the Internet of Things still needs further research efforts concerning, for instance, the identification of new architectures, methodologies, and infrastructures dealing with distributed and decentralized IoT systems; the integration of IoT with cognitive and social capabilities; the enhancement of the sensing–analysis–control cycle; the integration of consciousness and awareness in IoT environments; and the design of new algorithms and techniques for managing IoT big data. This Special Issue is devoted to advancements in technologies, methodologies, and applications for IoT, together with emerging standards and research topics which would lead to realization of the future Internet of Things

Energy aware performance evaluation of WSNs

Distributed sensor networks have been discussed for more than 30 years, but the vision of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) has been brought into reality only by the rapid advancements in the areas of sensor design, information technologies, and wireless networks that have paved the way for the proliferation of WSNs. The unique characteristics of sensor networks introduce new challenges, amongst which prolonging the sensor lifetime is the most important. Energy-efficient solutions are required for each aspect of WSN design to deliver the potential advantages of the WSN phenomenon, hence in both existing and future solutions for WSNs, energy efficiency is a grand challenge. The main contribution of this thesis is to present an approach considering the collaborative nature of WSNs and its correlation characteristics, providing a tool which considers issues from physical to application layer together as entities to enable the framework which facilitates the performance evaluation of WSNs. The simulation approach considered provides a clear separation of concerns amongst software architecture of the applications, the hardware configuration and the WSN deployment unlike the existing tools for evaluation. The reuse of models across projects and organizations is also promoted while realistic WSN lifetime estimations and performance evaluations are possible in attempts of improving performance and maximizing the lifetime of the network. In this study, simulations are carried out with careful assumptions for various layers taking into account the real time characteristics of WSN. The sensitivity of WSN systems are mainly due to their fragile nature when energy consumption is considered. The case studies presented demonstrate the importance of various parameters considered in this study. Simulation-based studies are presented, taking into account the realistic settings from each layer of the protocol stack. Physical environment is considered as well. The performance of the layered protocol stack in realistic settings reveals several important interactions between different layers. These interactions are especially important for the design of WSNs in terms of maximizing the lifetime of the network

Smart Sensor Technologies for IoT

The recent development in wireless networks and devices has led to novel services that will utilize wireless communication on a new level. Much effort and resources have been dedicated to establishing new communication networks that will support machine-to-machine communication and the Internet of Things (IoT). In these systems, various smart and sensory devices are deployed and connected, enabling large amounts of data to be streamed. Smart services represent new trends in mobile services, i.e., a completely new spectrum of context-aware, personalized, and intelligent services and applications. A variety of existing services utilize information about the position of the user or mobile device. The position of mobile devices is often achieved using the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) chips that are integrated into all modern mobile devices (smartphones). However, GNSS is not always a reliable source of position estimates due to multipath propagation and signal blockage. Moreover, integrating GNSS chips into all devices might have a negative impact on the battery life of future IoT applications. Therefore, alternative solutions to position estimation should be investigated and implemented in IoT applications. This Special Issue, “Smart Sensor Technologies for IoT” aims to report on some of the recent research efforts on this increasingly important topic. The twelve accepted papers in this issue cover various aspects of Smart Sensor Technologies for IoT