Using sensor networks for highway and traffic applications

Wireless sensor networks have been used for a variety of applications. However, many highway and traffic applications have not been tapped, primarily sensor networks for highway and traffic algorithms that alleviate generic problems such as highway congestion. This is due to the fact that sensor network technology is a very recent development. Since sensor networks are relatively new, not many applications have been explored in depth. Utilizing the new generation of TinyOS micaboard mote sensors, miniaturized sensors that utilize TinyOS, an event-based operating environment written in code similar to stylized C, the article focuses on how to achieve the best possible data results from sensor network applications and setups for traffic/highway goals. How to use sensor-network graphs for optimal placement of sensors in a network so as to minimize work and to achieve the best possible, and most accurate, signal-strength localization measurements is also be a primary focus. Also discussed is a method that optimizes the tradeoff between energy and accuracy using a variety of activation policies. Finally, simulations and distancing experiments of indoor and outdoor data are provided to encourage similar sensor work.