A Framework for Intelligent Data Gathering and 'Triage' Techniques in Self Maintaining Ad Hoc Wireless Sensor Networks for a Martian Environment

摘要

The deployment and operation of self-organizing and autonomous ad hoc sensor networks is envisioned as playing a key role in exploration of Mars and space exploration in future. Ad hoc sensor networks have stringent energy requirements, and this problem of managing energy consumption across sensor nodes in order to increase the longevity of the network is important. This paper focuses on sensor networks on a Martian surface where human intervention is either impossible or risky and costly, and as a result the network might be shortlived and unable to fulfill its objective. Past research has shown that routing software protocols that are distributed and location aware can result in power savings in an ad hoc wireless sensor network. This research moves beyond routing protocols, to consider how an autonomous ad hoc sensor network could use all available resources to extend its useful lifetime. We analyze the current state of research, and propose a new framework for intelligent data gathering and the use of "triage" techniques in the form of a tool known as TRIAGE (Tool for Resource and Information mAnaGement in Extreme environments). TRIAGE is used to coordinate the self-repair and maintenance of a wireless ad hoc sensor network, and specifically attempts to address the remote operation of sensor nodes in a self-maintaining wireless ad hoc sensor network. Such a system would be ideal for data gathering in a remote, extreme environment, such as the Martian surface.