Title: Improving users' manipulation and control on WSNs through collaborative sessions

Authors: Laura Margarita Rodríguez Peralta; Lina M.P.L. Brito; João Filipe Freitas Santos

Addresses: Computing and Systems Research Centre (NUPERC), Salvador University (UNIFACS), Rua Ponciano de Oliveira, 126 – Rio Vermelho, CEP 41950-275, Salvador, BA, Brazil. ' Exact Sciences and Engineering Centre, University of Madeira (UMa), Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. ' Exact Sciences and Engineering Centre, University of Madeira (UMa), Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9000-390 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Abstract: The resource limitations of wireless sensor nodes foster the collaborative nature of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Thus, in this paper, we propose a generic model that represents the collaboration relationships that can be established in a WSN, and its implementation. To accomplish this, we approach the different types of collaboration that may occur in any WSN. As a result, we propose a collaboration hierarchy for WSNs. Furthermore, we present the WISE-MANager tool, which is a collaborative sessions' management tool that allows bringing these concepts into practice. The establishment of collaborative sessions, using a test-bed composed by ZigBee-based sensor nodes allows demonstrating that the WISE-MANager tool optimises the WSN's operation and increases the interaction between the user and the network.

Keywords: wireless sensor networks; WSNs; modelling; ZigBee; collaboration hierarchy; computer supported cooperative work; CSCW; wireless networks; collaboration relationships; sensor nodes; user-network interaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKWI.2012.050860

International Journal of Knowledge and Web Intelligence, 2012 Vol.3 No.3, pp.287 - 311

Received: 29 Sep 2011
Accepted: 11 Jun 2012
Published online: 04 Sep 2014 *

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