Developing an IEEE 1451.2 Compliant Sensor for Real-time Distributed Measurement and Control in an Autonomous Log Skidder

The IEEE 1451 family of standards was created to resolve the issues and problems associated with the proliferation and the heterogeneity of sensor networks. This paper will discuss the approach taken in the implementation of an IEEE 1451.2 microcontroller-based STIM in developing a suite of smart sensors for use in an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle sensor network environment was initially developed outside of the IEEE 1451 standard hence it would provide a very good benchmark system for a comparative analysis of the use of a standardized approach to sensor network development and conventional non-standardized approach. This paper also lends its voice to the importance and usefulness of the IEEE 1451 standards, which even though has been well applauded, has not enjoyed a very wide use.