Quality-of-information aware data collection for mobile sensor networks

Quality-of-information (QoI) in sensor networks measures attributes such as accuracy, timeliness, completeness and usefulness of data ultimately delivered to users. It is a challenge to provide the required QoI in mobile sensor networks given the large scale and complexity of the networks with heterogeneous mobile and sensing devices. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive study on major QoI metrics for mobile sensor networks and the effect of mobility. Three different mobility scenarios are studied including mobile sensors, mobile sinks and mobile “mules” carrying data between sensors. We conclude that mobility both can improve as well as degrade the QoI metrics. We then discuss how QoI can be optimized through coordination among heterogeneous devices. We also suggest a ubiquitous publish/subscribe system for mobile sensor networks.