Crucial edge detection in sensor systems under energy constraints

Abstract

Although the wireless sensor nodes available today may be equipped with rechargeable batteries, the minimal energy capacity and low recharge rates hinder the sensor's lifetime and achievable performance. Sensor loses energy predominantly because of the redundant transmissions of sensed data. To avoid this, a sensor is modeled to transmit only the changes sensed in the event occurrence process, referred to as Transitions or Crucial Edges.For the proposed sensor model, we have developed a near-optimal decision-making policy. The policy, designed for a single rechargeable sensor, addresses the question“how long should the sensor sleep, and how long to stay active?”