An Embedded Wireless Sensor Network System for Cultural Heritage Monitoring

The adoption of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) for real time monitoring is currently considered one of the most challenging application scenario for this emerging technology. The promise of an unmanaged infrastructure, with a continuously decreasing cost per unit, attracts the attention of both final users and system integrator, opening new business opportunities. In Europe the necessity of preventing the deterioration of art and artifacts through control of the environment in storage and exhibition opens a novel application field for WSN. This involves a careful system design, since the application and the technology requirements are very strict. This paper describes a practical case study, starting from a real problem and reaching the best architectural solution with particular focus on the hardware implementation and communication protocol design. Finally, some tests and their results are presented to highlight the effectiveness and accurateness of the developed system.