An implementation of wireless sensor network for detection of runaway trains

In this paper, a real-time detection system of runaway trains based on the wireless sensor network is proposed. The Giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensor is used to detect the train wheels. According to the difference of wheels types, locomotives and wagons can be distinguished. Wheel sensors are connected to the sensor node which could send detected signal to sink nodes by the radio. The sink node is connected to PC where the information of trains are gathered and processed. A novel improved network structure is established based on Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems (PEGASIS), called PEGASIS_M (Multi-round Power-Efficient Gathering in Sensor Information Systems). The key idea in PEGASIS_M is to form a chain among the sensor nodes so that each node could receive and transmit signal. The leader node can not change at every round but after a certain number of rounds. The Multi-hop technology is used to reduce the energy consumption of the architecture. The system has those advantages such as low power dissipation, low cost and easy maintenance.