Distributed Sensor Networks
Abstract
The Distributed Sensor Networks (DSN) program was aimed at developing distributed target surveillance and tracking methods for systems employing multiple spatially distributed sensors and processing resources. Such systems would be made up on sensors, data bases, and processors distributed throughout an area and interconnected by an appropriate digital data communication system. The hypothesis of the program was that through netting and distributed processing, the information from many sensors could be combined to yield effective surveillance systems. The overall concept called for a mix of sensor types as well as geographically distributed sensors. Surveillance and tracking of low-lying aircraft with ground-based acoustic and imaging sensors was used to develop and evaluate DSN concepts in the light of a specific problem. An experimental DSN testbed system was developed and has been used to test and demonstrate DSN techniques. Small arrays of microphones providing directional information were employed as acoustic sensors and visible TV cameras were used as imaging sensors in the testbed system. The primary accomplishment during this final report period was the demonstration of distributed real time tracking using both TV and acoustic sensors. Tracking was implemented as a geographically decentralized confederacy of autonomous cooperating nodes. Thus the feasibility of this organization has been established for a DSN system containing multiple sensor types as well as distributed nodes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA182216
Entities
People
- Richard T. Lacoss
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology