Lifetime maximization for wireless sensor networks using video cameras

We consider the problem of maximizing lifetime of a WSN where sensor nodes are equipped with video cameras for monitoring a set of targets. This problem is addressed using a column generation algorithm in which the subproblem is to generate groups. A group is a set of sensors that cover all the targets. Hence, designing a group is selecting a subset of sensors, setting the direction and focal distance for each video camera because a target is covered only if its picture is sharp. The master problem is to decide how long to use each group without violating the sensors battery limitations.