MATLAB-based Graphic User Interface for Monitoring and Control of Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks are becoming more popular to remote sensing applications due to their high mobility, speed, security, and cost effective. A smart sensing network can be setup with XBee modules, sensors, actuators connected to microcontrollers. However due to the limited memory and speed, embedded microcontrollers cannot perform completed and sophisticated calculations needed in a modern sensing system. Further, the design of the remote human-machine interface, interaction and control for this system is also a challenge. This paper develops a new application for a wireless smart sensor network using XBee modules and microcontrollers LPC2148. The network interfaces to the personal computer’s Matlab software for data archiving, processing and exchanging in order to improve the ability of calculation, visualization, and control of remote embedded microcontrollers via this wireless network.