Distributed Sensor Relay System for Near Real Time Observation, Control and Data Management on a Scientific Research Ship

Abstract

AbstractAdding intelligence to deployed instruments in an oceanographic environment of restricted bandwidth helps to improve service quality and enables autonomous observation and data management. Delay tolerance and remote access often pose challenges to providing near real time observation. We have experimented with a distributed hybrid web enabled sensor system and conducted its deployment in a scientific oceanographic cruise. The purpose of the experiment was to study the feasibility and performance of narrow-band network relay communication in an oceanographic environment to assist near real time observation and sensor control. The restriction of resources, in particular the unreliable Internet satellite connection and lack of bandwidth prevent a centralized real-time system from working properly. Bandwidth tests were conducted and a delay tolerant networked relay has been introduced by de-coupling the functions to make it like a distributed system. Multiple nodes are setup across the ship, cloud Internet, and laboratory ashore to form a loosely coupled and balanced networked system. The system also aims to form a foundation platform for integrating higher level services to support oceanographic observation, data management with interoperability, such as OGC SWE services and IEEE 1451 smart sensor standards.Keywordsoceanographysensor web enablementdata managementinteroperability