Scallop : An open peer-to-peer framework for distributed sensor networks

Distributed smart cameras and sensors have been an active area of research in recent years. Most of the research has focused on either the machine vision algorithms or on a specific implementation. There has been less activity on building generic frameworks which allow different algorithms, sensors and distribution methods to be used. This paper presents an open and extendable framework for development of distributed sensor networks with an emphasis on peer-to-peer networking. The user is provided with easy access to sensors and communication channels between distributed nodes, allowing the effort to be focused on the development of machine vision algorithms and their use in distributed environments. The framework was used while implementing a simple demonstration system to test the sensor and network functionality. The system contains processing nodes which receive sensor data from cameras and communicate with each other through a peer-to-peer mesh.