Dinam: A wireless sensor network concept and platform for rapid development

Dinam is a novel approach to simplified rapid prototyping of wireless sensor network applications as well as an according WSN platform. As opposed to the traditional mote-based development archetype, dinam proposes combining the development steps into a single continuous, fluid process that is completely integrated into the node. The dinam concept sensor node integrates all development tools, source code and other data into the sensor node system. It is claimed that this concept will greatly reduce the amount of effort required to develop wireless sensor network applications by removing the overhead of installation, iterative development steps and complexity of the development process. In order to confirm or refute this claim, a first prototype for educational purposes is developed and presented which implements the dinam approach. The development of applications is evaluated in terms of time required for a specific scenario with a user study. The results presented here indicate that an integrated instruction and development period of 10 minutes is sufficient for simple applications using the dinam approach.