Novel Framework for Data Collection in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Flying Sensors

This paper proposes a novel framework for data
collection from a sensor network using flying sensor nodes.
Efficient data communication within the network is a necessity
as sensor nodes are usually energy constrained. The proposed
framework utilizes the various entities forming the network
for a different utility compared to their usual role in sensor
networks. Use of flying sensor nodes is usually considered for
conventional purpose of sensing and monitoring. Flying sensing
nodes are usually utilized collectively in the form of an aerial
sensor network, they are not expected to function as a data
collection entity, as proposed in this framework. Similarly, cluster
heads (CHs) are usually expected to transfer the aggregated data
to an adjoining CH or to the base station (BS) directly. In the
proposed framework the CH transfers data directly to the flying
sensor node, averting the need for energy intensive multi-hop
inter-cluster communication to relay information to the BS. The
flying sensor node is referred as sensor fly. The limitations of
a conventional sensor network deployed on ground surface, in
respect to the near ground path loss, and communication hindrance
due to undulating terrain are avoided in this framework.
The proposed framework is therefore highly suitable for sensor
network deployment in inhabitable harsh terrain. Fuzzy logic
based inference of the clusters (referred as cluster-hops) that could
be covered by the sensor fly, governed by the input parameters
has been presented.