Geometric Constraint Based Range Free Localization Scheme For Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs)

Localization of the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is an emerging area of research. The accurate localization is essential to support extended network lifetime, better covering, geographical routing, and congested free network. In this thesis, we proposed four distributed range-free localization schemes. The proposed schemes are based on the analytical geometry, where an arc is used as the geometric primitive shape. The simulation and experimental validation are performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed schemes. First, we have proposed a mobile beacon based range-free localization scheme (MBBRFLS). The proposed scheme resolved the two underlying problems of the constraint area based localization: (i) localization accuracy depends on the size of the constraint area, and (2) the localization using the constraint area averaging. In this scheme, the constraint area is used to derive the geometric property of an arc. The localization begins with an approximation of the arc parameters. Later, the approximated parameters are used to generate the chords. The perpendicular bisector of the chords estimate the candidate positions of the sensor node. The valid position of the sensor node is identified using the logarithmic path loss model. The performance of proposed scheme is compared with Ssu and Galstyan schemes. From the results, it is observed that the proposed scheme at varying DOI shows 20.7% and 11.6% less localization error than Ssu and Galstyan schemes respectively. Similarly, at the varying beacon broadcasting interval the proposed scheme shows 18.8% and 8.3% less localization error than Ssu and Galstyan schemes respectively. Besides, at the varying communication range, the proposed scheme shows 18% and 9.2% less localization error than Ssu and Galstyan schemes respectively. To further enhance the localization accuracy, we have proposed MBBRFLS using an optimized beacon points selection (OBPS). In MBBRFLS-OBPS, the optimized beacon points minimized the constraint area of the sensor node. Later, the reduced constraint area is used to differentiate the valid or invalid estimated positions of the sensor node. In this scheme, we have only considered the sagitta of a minor arc for generating the chords. Therefore, the complexity of geometric calculations in MBBRFLS-OBPS is lesser than MBBRFLS. For localization, the MBBRFLS-OBPS use the perpendicular bisector of the chords (corresponding to the sagitta of minor arc) and the approximated radius. The performance of the proposed MBBRFLS-OBPS is compared with Ssu, Galstyan, and Singh schemes. From the results, it is observed that the proposed scheme using CIRCLE, vii SPIRAL, HILBERT, and S-CURVE trajectories shows 74.68%, 78.3%, 73.9%, and 70.3% less localization error than Ssu, Galstyan, and Singh schemes respectively. Next, we have proposed MBBRFLS using an optimized residence area formation (ORAF). The proposed MBBRFLS-ORAF further improves the localization accuracy. In this scheme, we have used the adaptive mechanism corresponding to the different size of the constraint area. The adaptive mechanism defines the number of random points required for the different size of the constraint area. In this scheme, we have improved the approximation accuracy of the arc parameters even at the larger size of the constraint area. Therefore, the localization accuracy is improved. The previous scheme MBBRFLS-OBPS use the residence area of the two beacon points for approximation. Therefore, the larger size of the constraint area degrades the approximation accuracy. In the MBBRFLS-ORAF, we have considered the residence area of the three non-collinear beacon points, which further improves the localization accuracy. The performance of the proposed scheme is compared with Ssu, Lee, Xiao, and Singh schemes. From the results, it is observed that the proposed MBBRFLS-ORAF at varying communication range shows 73.2%, 48.7%, 33.2%, and 20.7% less localization error than Ssu, Lee, Xiao, and Singh schemes respectively. Similarly, at the different beacon broadcasting intervals the proposed MBBRFLS-ORAF shows 75%, 53%, 38%, and 25% less localization error than Ssu, Lee, Xiao, and Singh schemes respectively. Besides, at the varying DOI the proposed MBBRFLS-ORAF shows 76.3%, 56.8%, 52%, and 35% less localization error than Ssu, Lee, Xiao, and Singh schemes respectively. Finally, we have proposed a localization scheme for unpredictable radio environment (LSURE). In this work, we have focused on the radio propagation irregularity and its impact on the localization accuracy. The most of the geometric constraint-based localization schemes suffer from the radio propagation irregularity. To demonstrate its impact, we have designed an experimental testbed for the real indoor environment. In the experimental testbed, the three static anchor nodes assist a sensor node to perform its localization. The impact of radio propagation irregularity is represented on the constraint areas of the sensor node. The communication range (estimated distance) of the anchor node is derived using the logarithmic regression model of RSSI-distance relationship. The additional error in the estimated distances, and the different placement of the anchor nodes generates the different size of the constraint areas. To improve the localization accuracy, we have used the dynamic circle expansion technique. The performance of the proposed LSURE is compared with APIT and Weighted Centroid schemes using the various deployment scenarios of the anchor nodes. From the results, it is observed that the proposed LSURE at different deployment scenarios of anchor nodes shows 65.94% and 73.54% less localization error than APIT and Weighted Centroid schemes

On realistic target coverage by autonomous drones

Low-cost mini-drones with advanced sensing and maneuverability enable a new class of intelligent sensing systems. To achieve the full potential of such drones, it is necessary to develop new enhanced formulations of both common and emerging sensing scenarios. Namely, several fundamental challenges in visual sensing are yet to be solved including (1) fitting sizable targets in camera frames; (2) positioning cameras at effective viewpoints matching target poses; and (3) accounting for occlusion by elements in the environment, including other targets. In this article, we introduce Argus, an autonomous system that utilizes drones to collect target information incrementally through a two-tier architecture. To tackle the stated challenges, Argus employs a novel geometric model that captures both target shapes and coverage constraints. Recognizing drones as the scarcest resource, Argus aims to minimize the number of drones required to cover a set of targets. We prove this problem is NP-hard, and even hard to approximate, before deriving a best-possible approximation algorithm along with a competitive sampling heuristic which runs up to 100× faster according to large-scale simulations. To test Argus in action, we demonstrate and analyze its performance on a prototype implementation. Finally, we present a number of extensions to accommodate more application requirements and highlight some open problems

Deterministic boundary recongnition and topology extraction for large sensor networks

We present a new framework for the crucial challenge of self-organization of a large sensor network. The basic scenario can be described as follows: Given a large swarm of immobile sensor nodes that have been scattered in a polygonal region, such as a street network. Nodes have no knowledge of size or shape of the environment or the position of other nodes. Moreover, they have no way of measuring coordinates, geometric distances to other nodes, or their direction. Their only way of interacting with other nodes is to send or to receive messages from any node that is within communication range. The objective is to develop algorithms and protocols that allow self-organization of the swarm into large-scale structures that reflect the structure of the street network, setting the stage for global routing, tracking and guiding algorithms. Our algorithms work in two stages: boundary recognition and topology extraction. All steps are strictly deterministic, yield fast distributed algorithms, and make no assumption on the distribution of nodes in the environment, other than sufficient density

Euclidean distance geometry and applications

Euclidean distance geometry is the study of Euclidean geometry based on the concept of distance. This is useful in several applications where the input data consists of an incomplete set of distances, and the output is a set of points in Euclidean space that realizes the given distances. We survey some of the theory of Euclidean distance geometry and some of the most important applications: molecular conformation, localization of sensor networks and statics.Comment: 64 pages, 21 figure

Algorithmen für Topologiebewusstsein in Sensornetzen

This work deals with algorithmic and geometric challenges in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Classical algorithm theory, with a single processor executing one sequential program while having access to the complete data of the problem at hand, does not suit the needs of WSNs. Instead, we need distributed protocols where nodes collaboratively solve problems that are too complex for a single node. First we analyze a location problem, where the nodes obtain a sense of the network topology and their position in it. Computing coordinates in a global coordinate system is NP-hard in almost all relevant variants. So we present a completely new approach instead. The network builds clusters and constructs an abstract graph that closely reflects the topology of the network region. The resulting topology awareness suits the needs of some applications much better than the coordinate-based approach. In the second part, we present a novel flow problem, which adds battery constraints to dynamic network flows. Given a time horizon, we seek a flow from source to sink that maximizes the total amount of delivered data. As there is no prior work on this problem, we also analyze it in a centralized setting. We prove complexity results for several variants and present approximation schemes. The third part introduces the WSN simulator Shawn. By letting the user choose among different geometric communication models and data structures for the resulting graph, Shawn can adapt to many different setups, including mobile ones. Due to its design, Shawn is much faster than comparable simulation environments.Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit algorithmischen und geometrischen Fragestellungen in Sensornetzwerken. Im Gegensatz zur klassischen Algorithmik, bei der ein einzelner Prozessor sequenziell Anweisungen abarbeitet und vollen Zugriff auf die Probleminstanz hat, werden hier verteilte Protokolle benötigt, bei denen die Knoten gemeinsam eine Aufgabe bewältigen, zu der sie allein nicht in der Lage wären. Zuerst untersuchen wir das grundlegende Problem, wie Sensorknoten ein Bewusstsein für ihre Position erlangen können. Motiviert daraus, dass das Problem, Koordinaten für ein globales Koordinatensystem zu bestimmen, in fast allen Varianten NP-schwer ist, wird ein vollkommen neuer Ansatz skizziert, bei dem das Netzwerk selbständig geometrische Cluster bildet und einen abstrakten Graphen konstruiert, der die Topologie des zugrunde liegenden Gebiets sehr genau widerspiegelt. Das sich daraus ergebende Positionsbewusstsein ist für einige Anwendungen dem klassischen euklidischen Ansatz deutlich überlegen. Der zweite Teil widmet sich einem Flussproblems für Sensornetzwerke, dass klassische dynamische Flüsse um Batteriebeschränkungen erweitert. Gesucht ist ein Fluss, der für gegebenen Zeithorizont die Datenmenge maximiert, die von einer Quelle zur Senke geschickt werden kann. Dieses Problem wird auch im zentralisierten Modell untersucht, da keine Vorarbeiten existieren. Wir beweisen Komplexitäten von Problemvarianten und entwickeln Approximationsschemata. Der dritte Teil stellt den Netzwerksimulator Shawn vor. Da der Benutzer zwischen verschiedenen geometrischen Kommunikationsmodellen wählen kann und das Speichermodell für den daraus resultierenden Graphen an den verfügbaren Speicher sowie an Simulationsparameter wie eventuell mögliche Mobilität der Knoten anpassen kann, ist Shawn hochflexibel und gleichzeitig deutlich schneller als vergleichbare Simulationsumgebungen

Placement and motion planning algorithms for robotic sensing systems

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. October 2014. Major: Computer Science. Advisor: Prof. Ibrahim Volkan Isler. I computer file (PDF); xxiii, 226 pages.Recent technological advances are making it possible to build teams of sensors and robots that can sense data from hard-to-reach places at unprecedented spatio-temporal scales. Robotic sensing systems hold the potential to revolutionize a diverse collection of applications such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, climate studies, security and surveillance in the near future. In order to make full use of this technology, it is crucial to complement it with efficient algorithms that plan for the sensing in these systems. In this dissertation, we develop new sensor planning algorithms and present prototype robotic sensing systems.In the first part of this dissertation, we study two problems on placing stationary sensors to cover an environment. Our objective is to place the fewest number of sensors required to ensure that every point in the environment is covered. In the first problem, we say a point is covered if it is seen by sensors from all orientations. The environment is represented as a polygon and the sensors are modeled as omnidirectional cameras. Our formulation, which builds on the well-known art gallery problem, is motivated by practical applications such as visual inspection and video-conferencing where seeing objects from all sides is crucial. In the second problem, we study how to deploy bearing sensors in order to localize a target in the environment. The sensors measure noisy bearings towards the target which can be combined to localize the target. The uncertainty in localization is a function of the placement of the sensors relative to the target. For both problems we present (i) lower bounds on the number of sensors required for an optimal algorithm, and (ii) algorithms to place at most a constant times the optimal number of sensors. In the second part of this dissertation, we study motion planning problems for mobile sensors. We start by investigating how to plan the motion of a team of aerial robots tasked with tracking targets that are moving on the ground. We then study various coverage problems that arise in two environmental monitoring applications: using robotic boats to monitor radio-tagged invasive fish in lakes, and using ground and aerial robots for data collection in precision agriculture. We formulate the coverage problems based on constraints observed in practice. We also present the design of prototype robotic systems for these applications. In the final problem, we investigate how to optimize the low-level motion of the robots to minimize their energy consumption and extend the system lifetime.This dissertation makes progress towards building robotic sensing systems along two directions. We present algorithms with strong theoretical performance guarantees, often by proving that our algorithms are optimal or that their costs are at most a constant factor away from the optimal values. We also demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of our results through system implementation and with results from simulations and extensive field experiments