Emerging Concepts in Collective Sensing

Abstract

A new computing paradigm where computing platforms are aware of their physical surroundings is emerging and will be commonplace in the near future. Millimeter-scale miniature devices with sensing, processing, and wireless communication capabilities will change the way we live. These systems will provide the technology behind numerous collective sensing applications expected in the near future. Collective sensing is the collaboration between multiple networked sensor devices in sharing their readings. Through collective sensing, sensor network applications are able to provide coverage, reliability, target tracking, and continuous monitoring. Furthermore, using heterogeneous sensors, collective sensing applications can provide accurate and comprehensive view of the environment or the monitored phenomenon. This results in network intelligence that far exceeds the capabilities of any individual sensor device. This chapter covers current and emerging concepts and applications in collective sensing and discusses their future directions.