QoS parameterization algorithm in data collection for wireless sensor networks

Environment monitoring is one key application of wireless sensor networks. In a monitoring application, continuous query is adopted to periodically retrieve data from the network. Sensor nodes have limited energy resources and their functionality continues until their energy drains. Data collection algorithm has to be designed to extend the lifetime of sensors to the best extent and at the same time keep the data accuracy to a certain level. This paper presents a novel data gathering algorithm for continuous query in wireless sensor networks. In particular, the problem of adaptive determination of data granularity for QoS-constraint query execution is address. Application specifies its QoS requirements with the query. Then, each node can choose the optimum data granularity for local data collection and transmission. The proposed algorithm is in a distributed fashion, and executed at each local sensor node. The proposed algorithm is verified and the impact of and tradeoff between various design parameters are analyzed.