UWB-assisted real-time localization in wireless sensor networks

A safety monitoring and accident warning system for underground construction site has been designed in our previous work based on wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Real-time localization of mobile targets is crucial for tracking the related incidents. However, the current RSSI-based localization approach struggles to achieve the required performance. This is due to the limited ranging accuracy of RSSI devices. In this paper, we investigate various ways of improving the localization accuracy and propose our solution of a hybrid UWB-assisted approach. We argue that a hybrid UWB-assisted RSSI ranging has the best overall performance for our application. We show with both mathematical analysis and demonstration system that, instead of implementing a full UWB network, our approach can improve the accuracy to our desired level with only a small number of additional UWB anchor nodes. © 2013 IEEE

Smart ports: towards a high performance, increased productivity, and a better environment

Ports are currently competing fiercely for capital and global investments in order to improve revenues, mostly by improving performance and lowering labor costs. Smart ports are a fantastic approach to realize these elements since they integrate information and communication technologies within smart applications, ultimately contributing to port management improvement. This leads to greater performance and lower operational expenses. As a result, several ports in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America have gone smart. However, there are a lot of critical factors to consider when automating port operations, such as greenhouse gas emissions, which have reached alarming proportions. The purpose of this study is to define the most essential tasks conducted by smart ports, such as the smart ship industry, smart gantry and quayside container cranes, transport automation, smart containers, and energy efficiency. Furthermore, it gives a model of the smart port concept and highlights the critical current technologies on which the ports are based. Each technology’s most significant contributions to its development are noted. This technology is compared to more traditional technologies. It is hoped that this effort would pique the curiosity of fresh researchers in this sector

An Indoor Navigation System Using a Sensor Fusion Scheme on Android Platform

With the development of wireless communication networks, smart phones have become a necessity for people’s daily lives, and they meet not only the needs of basic functions for users such as sending a message or making a phone call, but also the users’ demands for entertainment, surfing the Internet and socializing. Navigation functions have been commonly utilized, however the navigation function is often based on GPS (Global Positioning System) in outdoor environments, whereas a number of applications need to navigate indoors. This paper presents a system to achieve high accurate indoor navigation based on Android platform. To do this, we design a sensor fusion scheme for our system. We divide the system into three main modules: distance measurement module, orientation detection module and position update module. We use an efficient way to estimate the stride length and use step sensor to count steps in distance measurement module. For orientation detection module, in order to get the optimal result of orientation, we then introduce Kalman filter to de-noise the data collected from different sensors. In the last module, we combine the data from the previous modules and calculate the current location. Results of experiments show that our system works well and has high accuracy in indoor situations

Utilizing industry 4.0 on the construction site : challenges and opportunities

In recent years a step change has been seen in the rate of adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by manufacturers and industrial organisations alike. This paper discusses the current state of the art in the adoption of industry 4.0 technologies within the construction industry. Increasing complexity in onsite construction projects coupled with the need for higher productivity is leading to increased interest in the potential use of industry 4.0 technologies. This paper discusses the relevance of the following key industry 4.0 technologies to construction: data analytics and artificial intelligence; robotics and automation; buildings information management; sensors and wearables; digital twin and industrial connectivity. Industrial connectivity is a key aspect as it ensures that all Industry 4.0 technologies are interconnected allowing the full benefits to be realized. This paper also presents a research agenda for the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies within the construction sector; a three-phase use of intelligent assets from the point of manufacture up to after build and a four staged R&D process for the implementation of smart wearables in a digital enhanced construction site

Internet of Things-aided Smart Grid: Technologies, Architectures, Applications, Prototypes, and Future Research Directions

Traditional power grids are being transformed into Smart Grids (SGs) to address the issues in existing power system due to uni-directional information flow, energy wastage, growing energy demand, reliability and security. SGs offer bi-directional energy flow between service providers and consumers, involving power generation, transmission, distribution and utilization systems. SGs employ various devices for the monitoring, analysis and control of the grid, deployed at power plants, distribution centers and in consumers' premises in a very large number. Hence, an SG requires connectivity, automation and the tracking of such devices. This is achieved with the help of Internet of Things (IoT). IoT helps SG systems to support various network functions throughout the generation, transmission, distribution and consumption of energy by incorporating IoT devices (such as sensors, actuators and smart meters), as well as by providing the connectivity, automation and tracking for such devices. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey on IoT-aided SG systems, which includes the existing architectures, applications and prototypes of IoT-aided SG systems. This survey also highlights the open issues, challenges and future research directions for IoT-aided SG systems

Underground Mining Monitoring and Communication Systems based on ZigBee and GIS

ZigBee as a wireless sensor network (WSN) was developed for underground mine monitoring and communication systems. The radio wave attenuations between ZigBee nodes were investigated to measure underground communication distances. Various sensor node arrangements of ZigBee topologies were evaluated. A system integration of a WSN-assisted GIS for underground mining monitoring and communication from a surface office was proposed. The controllable and uncontrollable parameters of underground environments were assessed to establish a reliable ZigBee network

New Approach of Indoor and Outdoor Localization Systems

Accurate determination of the mobile position constitutes the basis of many new applications. This book provides a detailed account of wireless systems for positioning, signal processing, radio localization techniques (Time Difference Of Arrival), performances evaluation, and localization applications. The first section is dedicated to Satellite systems for positioning like GPS, GNSS. The second section addresses the localization applications using the wireless sensor networks. Some techniques are introduced for localization systems, especially for indoor positioning, such as Ultra Wide Band (UWB), WIFI. The last section is dedicated to Coupled GPS and other sensors. Some results of simulations, implementation and tests are given to help readers grasp the presented techniques. This is an ideal book for students, PhD students, academics and engineers in the field of Communication, localization & Signal Processing, especially in indoor and outdoor localization domains

A wireless network system for automated tracking of construction materials on project sites

This paper presents a new prototype framework of automated tracking and monitoring system for construction materials. Previous technologies such as RFID and GPS deployed in construction material tracking have been reviewed and signal strength‐based localisation has been examined. As an emerging network standard for industrial applications, brief specifications of ZigBee™ protocol have been described. We introduce a ZigBee‐based tracking system architecture using hybrid techniques of RF and ultrasound to improve positioning accuracy and cost benefit. Finally, feasibility analysis and application scenario have been examined to present the possible deployment framework in construction area. Santrauka Straipsnyje aprašomas naujas automatizuotos statybinių medžiagų stebėsenos sistemos modelis. Apžvelgiamos tokios technologijos, kaip RFID ir GPS, anksčiau naudotos stebint statybines medžiagas, ir nagrinėjamas signalo stiprumu pagrįstas lokalizavimas. Aprašoma tinklo standarto ZigBee™ protokolo, naudojamo pramonėje, specifikacija. Pateikiama ZigBee tipo stebėjimo sistema, naudojanti RF ir ultragarso technologiją, skirtą pozicionavimo tikslumui gerinti ir jo kainai mažinti. Be to, pateikiama sistemos galimybių analizė ir taikymo sistema, nagrinėjanti galimą šios sistemos naudojimą statyboje. First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010 Reikšminiai žodžiai: ZigBee, daviklių tinklas, stebėjimas, kontrolė, statybinės medžiagos, lokalizavimo technika