In-time source detection is of paramount importance in predicting and recovering from a disaster. Embedded Wireless Sensor networks (WSN) which can be deployed as infrastructure networks with a well defined topology or as ad-hoc networks are suitable for source detection. (e.g. earthquake detection and monitoring, fire detection etc.) WSN are suitably developed for individual applications however, none of these studies address the problem as a general framework for source detection. We propose a WSN infrastructure for source detection and monitoring with an intelligent operator interface which will be as independent as possible from the application. Although we intend to use mine disaster case as an application to our proposed framework, other applications such as earthquake or fire detection will also be addressed.

The objective of SDESN is to design and implement a sensor network infrastructure for source detection. The intended application is the mine disaster prediction and recovery operation by employing SDESN. The following issues wil be addressed in SDESN :

- Communication Protocols : Starting from the MAC Layer, protocols will be designed for efficient communication of the sensor nodes. At the network layer and above, dynamic clustering, spanning tree formation and backbone formation algorithms and protocols that consider energy efficiency of the WSN nodes for source detection will be realized. We will provide a transport protocol that supports timely and reliable source detection and develop a congestion avoidance and control mechanism for maximum reliability and focus on adaptive approaches and investigate the impact of retransmission for increased reliability. We will also design a distributed time synchronization protocol for WSN nodes.

- Deployment and Localization: Localization, i.e. accurately determining the position of a sensor node is an important aspect of any WSN architecture as many packet routing protocols need it and also the location of data is needed for many applications such as sniper detection. We will provide this module as a combination of range based and range free approaches, making use of the advantages of both, in terms of accuracy and fault tolerance. Optimal deployment of nodes for application specific purposes will also be addressed. This intelligent deployment policy should lead to efficiency and simplicity in all variety of topics involving the WSN. For example, clustering can be straightforward, routing can be simplified, etc. Group of sensors will be carried by the miners and will be embedded in their equipment. Therefore, mobility of some sensors will also be adddressed in SDESN.

- Application Layer and Operator Interface : Our intended application is the mine disaster prediction. We will implement the designed wireless sensor architecture for monitoring environmental conditions in order to prevent and recover from mine disasters. In our application sensor and actor nodes are placed underground inside a mine. There will also be an intelligent operator interface to inform the authorities about the condition of the mine and the disaster information in the case of a disaster.  This network can be used for the following purposes:

• Monitoring environmental conditions inside a mine. For example, temperature, humidity, pressure and oxygen content in air.
• Finding location of miners within the mine.
• Monitoring health conditions (e.g., pulse rate) of miners working under extreme conditions.
• Providing quick relief during disasters like fire or mine collapses by informing the operators about the disaster, location of the miners etc.

Partners who :
  -  have experience with the source detection problem 
  -  have experience with the communication protocol stack of WSN
  - have experience in deployment and localization of embedded WSN for source detection
  - are interested in the prototypical application of the results and their evaluation
  - are interested in the integration of the results into products and their exploitation

- project coordination
- active contribution to the proposal
- analysis and requirements definition for the general framework of WSN for source detection
- research and development in one or more of the fields described in the outline together with contribution to cross-layer design
- interface design
- implementation and testing

- Universities and Institutions
- Research Centers
- Companies working on WSN implementations