MOCUS: Moving object counting using ultrasonic sensor networks

Counting the number of moving objects in a given area has many practical applications. By investigating a series of state-of-the-art technologies, we propose a Moving Object Counting approach using Ultrasonic Sensor networks (MOCUS). In MOCUS, we deploy a network of three-node ultrasound sensor clusters, with each cluster having one ultrasound transmitting node and two ultrasound receiving nodes. Such three-node sensor clusters can successfully offset interference problems and accurately detect the direction of moving objects. In order to cover a wide area, MOCUS employs multiple sensor clusters, forming a wireless sensor network. To alleviate the impact of object moving velocity, shape of objects and distinguish closely tied multiple objects, we introduce intra-cluster analysis and inter-cluster cooperation techniques. We deploy a MOCUS prototype in our lab and evaluate the design through extensive experiments. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.