Distributed data fusion over an ad hoc network

We have been developing a decentralised architecture for data fusion for several years. In this architecture, sensing nodes, each with their own processing, are networked together. Previously, we have researched fully connected networks, tree-connected networks, and networks with loops, and have developed a range of theoretical and empirical results for dynamic networks. Here we report the results obtained from building and demonstrating a decentralised data fusion system in which the nodes are connected via an ad hoc network. Several vision based tracking nodes are linked via a wireless LAN. We use UDP to establish local routing tables within the network whenever a node joins, and TCP/IP to provide point to point communications within the network. We show that the resulting data fusion system is modular, scalable and fault tolerant. In particular, we demonstrate robustness to nodes joining and leaving the network, either by choice or as a result of link drop-out. In addition to experimental results from the project, we present some thoughts on how the technology could be applied to large scale, heterogeneous sensor networks.