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ABox: New method for evaluating wireless acoustic-sensor networks This publication appears in: Applied Acoustics Authors: F. Reinoso Carvalho, J. Tiete, A. Touhafi and K. Steenhaut Volume: 79 Pages: 81-91 Publication Date: May. 2014
Abstract: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) equipped with microphones are low-cost solutions for real-time audio data acquisition, offering numerous applications such as environmental monitoring, surveillance and bio-acoustics. These networks consist of small nodes capturing sound data and transmitting it via a wireless link to a collection point. Usually software and hardware implementations, followed by in situ tests, are used to validate the performance of the network. This study proposes a new validation step using small anechoic boxes, called ABoxes. These boxes allow emulation of the complete acoustic sensor network in a laboratory environment to obtain first impressions, reducing costs and labor.
The new validation-step we are proposing simulates an open-field environment by setting up an electro-acoustic chain in individual small anechoic boxes, isolating every node from one another. Two different designs are being presented: the first ABox has modular pieces making it easier to build the second and improved ABox design is more complex due to the application of advanced room acoustics theory. Both boxes were built using materials and components that can easily be obtained in a standard hardware store. With this method, basic testing of an acoustic wireless sensor network is possible and future work could expand the field of application of this validation step. For example, ABox could be further developed to allow testing of microphone array sensor networks. ABox also provides opportunities for the development of methods to characterize anechoic environments. External Link.
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