Image Processing Reference
In-Depth Information
Optional evaluation modules
Interfaces
Microcontroller
Data forwarding
Processor
Event monitoring
Data aggregation
Communication
Interrupts
RAM
Flash
Memory
Localization
Mobility analysis
Sensors
Actorics
ADC
DAC
I/O
Phenomenon detection
PWM
Timer
Watchdog
Distributed storage
Energy management
Energy source
FIGURE .
Structure of a sensor node.
the dyke. hus, leakages can be detected earlier and reinforcement actions can be coordinated more
efficiently.
Well-known research activities in the field of sensor networks are UCLA's WINS [], Berkeley's
Smart Dust [], WEBS [], and PicoRadio []. An example of European research activities is the
EYES-Project []. Detailed surveys on sensor networks can be found in Refs. [,]. This chapter
focuses on innovative architectures and basic concepts of current software development solutions
for wireless sensor networks.
12.2 Preliminaries
Central unit of a sensor node is a low-power microcontroller that controls all functional parts. Soft-
ware for such a microcontroller has to be resource aware on one hand. On the other hand, several
quality-of-service (QoS) aspects have to be met by sensor node software, such as latency, processing
time for data fusion or compression, or flexibility regarding routing algorithms or medium access
control (MAC) techniques.
Conventional software development for microcontrollers usually covers hardware abstraction
layer (HAL), operating system (OS) and protocols, and application layer. Often, software for micro-
controllers is limited to an application-specific monolithic software block that is optimized for
River
Sandbag with sensor
Base station
FIGURE .
Example sensor network application: leakage detection along dikes.
