Topology Control Strategy for Movable Sensor Networks in Ultradeep Shafts

Abstract

Ultradeep shafts are the only means available to extract solid mineral resources from deep within the earth, and the conditions of these shafts directly affect the working safety of the lifting system. Chain-type wireless sensor networks (CWSNs), which are mobile and self-supporting, provide a new option for mobile collaborative monitoring of ultradeep shafts by sampling panoramic images. In this paper, a topological control method for CWSNs in an ultradeep shaft based on mobile sensor nodes is proposed. First, a video sensor node that can vertically climb a rope and automatically generate power is designed. Then, a uniform chain-type deployment strategy is proposed to accommodate the actual conditions of an ultradeep shaft. Ultimately, the network repair strategies based on mobile nodes are designed to address node movement and communication failures. The research results indicate that a uniform hierarchical deployment algorithm with a scheduling strategy can achieve overall monitoring of the ultradeep shaft in a monitoring cycle and that the collaborative repair strategy can effectively maintain the linear-domain coverage of the network.