The adaptive environment: Delivering the vision of in situ real-time environmental monitoring
by G. M. P. O’Hare
D. Diamond
K. T. Lau
J. Hayes
C. Muldoon
M. J. O’Grady
R. Tynan
G. Rancourt
H. R. Kolar
and R. J. McCarthy
Widespread use of sensors provides difficult challenges for the
management of sensing technologies and their robust operation.
Such challenges involve the demands of system longevity,
autonomous operation, large-scale and operationally difficult
deployments, and unpredictable and lossy environments. This paper
examines the various challenges that exist in the development of the
adaptive environment, a sensing ''membrane'' that is situated within
the environment and that ideally will operate autonomously for
long periods. The paradigm of widespread sensing described in this
paper will yield data of an unprecedented volume and
heterogeneity. Topologies of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) will
increasingly be used to dynamically monitor our environment. The
challenge is to achieve effective decision-making within such WSNs
commensurate with the computational constraints within which
such devices operate. This paper examines steps toward delivering
in situ real-time environmental monitoring. We propose a new
generation of ubiquitous sensing technology that involves
autonomic WSNs (AWSNs) that will provide the intelligent
machinery necessary to enable the next generation of material
surfaces, sensors, and sensor networks for autonomic and
opportunistic adaptation.
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