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Sensor Function Virtualization to Support Distributed Intelligence in the Internet of Things

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Abstract

It is estimated that—by 2020—billion devices will be connected to the Internet. This number not only includes TVs, PCs, tablets and smartphones, but also billions of embedded sensors that will make up the “Internet of Things” and enable a whole new range of intelligent services in domains such as manufacturing, health, smart homes, logistics, etc. To some extent, intelligence such as data processing or access control can be placed on the devices themselves. Alternatively, functionalities can be outsourced to the cloud. In reality, there is no single solution that fits all needs. Cooperation between devices, intermediate infrastructures (local networks, access networks, global networks) and/or cloud systems is needed in order to optimally support IoT communication and IoT applications. Through distributed intelligence the right communication and processing functionality will be available at the right place. The first part of this paper motivates the need for such distributed intelligence based on shortcomings in typical IoT systems. The second part focuses on the concept of sensor function virtualization, a potential enabler for distributed intelligence, and presents solutions on how to realize it.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge that part of this research was supported by the COMACOD project. The iMinds COMACOD project is co-funded by iMinds (Interdisciplinary institute for Technology) a research institute founded by the Flemish Government. Partners involved in the project are Multicap, oneAccess, Track4C, Invenso and Trimble, with project support of IWT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Information Technology (INTEC), Ghent University - iMinds, Gaston Crommenlaan 8, Box 201, 9050, Ghent, Belgium

    Floris Van den Abeele, Jeroen Hoebeke, Girum Ketema Teklemariam, Ingrid Moerman & Piet Demeester

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  1. Floris Van den Abeele
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  2. Jeroen Hoebeke
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  3. Girum Ketema Teklemariam
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  4. Ingrid Moerman
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  5. Piet Demeester
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Correspondence to Floris Van den Abeele.

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Van den Abeele, F., Hoebeke, J., Teklemariam, G.K. et al. Sensor Function Virtualization to Support Distributed Intelligence in the Internet of Things. Wireless Pers Commun 81, 1415–1436 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-015-2481-4

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