Wireless sensor network saves time and money in heating

Back on December 5, the RFID Journal reported on the successful deployment of an 802.15.4 network at the City of London School for Girls. After an initial test of the system on one floor over the summer, the remainder of the 5-story building will be receiving the control system over the winter break.

This is a classic example of where wireless mesh networking and its inherent lower deployment cost has afforded the installation of an energy efficient HVAC system. The building was not condusive to a wired solution due to the cement, stone, and metal structure. And according to Tony Lucido, Jennic's VP of marketing, the cost of the installation was 80 less than a wired solution, and the installation time was 90 percent less.

OpenBSD 3.9 adds sensor framework

OpenBSD 3.9 adds sensor framework - ZDNet UK News
"The upcoming version of OpenBSD has better buffer-overflow protection, and can ease the burden of systems monitoring through a new sensor interface framework"
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/software/linuxunix/0,39020390,39259254,00.htm

This is clearly not wireless, but it is bringing to light the powerful advantages of sensor data at your fingertips. If this is the state of the server room, clearly there is plenty of room for sensor networks (wireless or otherwise) to grow.

Good ideas aren't lonely

And every one of those eight is in an area where someone else already has an entry.

Not neccesarily a bad thing. Guy Kawasaki [guykawasaki.com] has commented that there are a lot of smart people in the world... if you come up with an idea, look around, and see abolutely no competition, then you have pull a Scott Adams and ask yourself, "which is more likely?"

• I am incredibly smarter, luckier, and/or more insightful than each and every other person on the planet who might have ever had the chance to come up with this idea. In a sea of six billion faceless drones, I alone am unique.
• There are smarter people in the world - much smarter than me - who have thought of and then discarded this idea as the disgusting piece of trash that it is.

Now, you see, the trick is that if you are somewhat smarter, luckier, or more insightful, you have two choices. You can attempt to come up with something completely original and new, which is really risky, as shown above. Or, you can enter a known, existing, money making market where your somewhat-smarter brain, store of luck and somewhat novel insgihts will allow you to out-maneuver the barely sentient cretins who currently inhabit that market niche. Still somewhat risky, but not anywhere near as risky as trying to create a completely new market.

Web Services Upend Old Ideas About the Little Guy's Role

"The second-generation Internet technologies — combined with earlier tools like the Web itself and e-mail — are drastically reducing the cost of communicating, finding things and distributing and receiving services online. That means a cost leveling that puts small companies on equal footing with big ones, making it easier for upstarts to innovate, disrupt industries and even get big fast.

The phenomenon is a big step in the democratization of information technology. Its imprint is evident well beyond business, in the social and cultural impact of everything from blogs to online role-playing games. Still, it seems that small businesses, and the marketplace they represent, will be affected the most in the overall economy. Long-held assumptions are suddenly under assault."
Go to NYTimes article

Wireless sensor networks

Here at Wisefields we are interested in the young industry surrounding wireless sensor networks and mesh networks. Our goal is to create a forum for people to discuss the current topics and technologies related to wireless sensor networks, their applications, and their promise. From building automation to environmental monitoring and control, smart dust to motes, it will be covered. Please feel welcomed to participate in this growing community and share your experiences and ideas.