On the coverage problem in video-based wireless sensor networks

Video-based wireless sensor networks continue to gain increasing interest due to their ability to collect visual information for a wide range of applications. However, knowledge about these types of networks is mostly related to visual algorithms, leaving the networking perspective aside. In this work, we analyze how an algorithm designed for traditional wireless sensor networks, which integrates the coverage and routing problem, behaves in video-based networks. Our results show that because of the unique way that cameras capture data, the sensor network algorithm does not give the expected results in terms of coverage preservation of monitored areas. We discuss the main differences between traditional wireless sensor networks and video-based networks that lead to such a result, and we provide ideas for how protocols should be designed for the unique features of video-based networks.