Abstract

In cases when the information being collected and processed originates by a multi-sensor system, one has to be aware of the impact of the approaches followed in designing the overall system behavior. Typically, there are many steps involved in processing sensory information, from the time a real-world event takes place until the information that describes it and captures its semantics is stored and is available for further exploitation. It this paper we analyze and discuss the options available in the design phase while we underline their respective strengths and weaknesses. The main contribution of the paper lies in the analysis of the factors that affect the behavior and performance of an information system responsible for fusing and integrating sensory information. The main components that constitute such systems are presented in depth, while every choice and the respective effects are discussed in an organized and complete manner.

Keywords: Sensor data, semantic web, semantic integration, triples, sensor networks, Information integration, audiovisual sensors, smartphones, Synchronization