Target localization in camera wireless networks

Target localization is an application of wireless sensor networks with wide applicability in homeland security scenarios including surveillance and asset protection. In this paper we present a novel sensor network that localizes with the help of two modalities: cameras and non-imaging sensors. A set of two cameras is initially used to localize the motes of a wireless sensor network. Motes subsequently collaborate to estimate the location of a target using their non-imaging sensors. Our results show that the combination of imaging and non-imaging modalities successfully achieves the dual goal of self- and target-localization. Specifically, we found through simulation and experimental validation that cameras can localize motes deployed in a 100 m x 100 m area with a few cm error. Moreover, a network of motes equipped with magnetometers can, once localized, estimate the location of magnetic targets within a few cm.