A systems base for networks of cogent sensors

This paper discusses the systems issues concerned with the design and implementation of large arrays of intelligent networked sensors. Such systems are proposed often in the recent literature to address a number of leading edge design problems. If such systems are to be widely used, it is necessary that applications designers are freed from the necessity of solving the complicated distributed systems design issues that are inherent in the use of very many autonomous processors. The authors propose that a generic applications interface for such system is required. The paper discusses some of the proposed applications for intelligent networked sensors. Drawing from this discussion some general requirements for the Networked Sensor Support System (NSSS) that would support a generic applications interface. An architecture for the NSSS is proposed.