A maritime piracy scenario for the n-core polaris real-time locating system

Abstract

There is a wide range of applications where Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) and Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) can be used to build context-aware systems. On the one hand, WSNs comprise an ideal technology to develop sensing systems, as well as Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) aimed at indoor environments, where existing global navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, do not work correctly. On the other hand, agent technology is an essential piece in the analysis of data from distributed sensors and gives them the ability to work together and analyze complex situations. In this sense, n-Core Polaris is an indoor and outdoor RTLS based on ZigBee WSNs and an innovative set of locating and automation engines. This paper describes the main components of the n-Core Polaris system, as well as a proposed scenario where n-Core Polaris can be used to support boarding and rescue operations in maritime piracy environments. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.