Epimetheus
The Epimetheus prototype came out of the Physical Computing studio class at the Interactive Telecommunications Program of NYU. This project was made possible by the continued mentoring of Tom Igoe, Eric Rosenthal, and Rob Faludi, the code of Heather Dewey-Hagborg, Lady Ada, and Igor González Martín, and the support of the ITP PhysComp studio class as well as the crucial help of Mike Dory Adam Simon and Tom Jenkins. The logo was courteously designed by Charles Truett, and the presentation coralled by Erin Eisinger. Feedback is always welcome.
What is Epimetheus?
Epimetheus is a prototype for a network of wildfire detectors designed to be deployed by active citizens. Utilizing cheap and easily available technology, the working prototype demo’ed at the ITP 2008 Spring show detects fire signature UV emissions, and updates a publicly viewable layer on Google Earth in real time.
The Sensor Node
When deployed, location coordinates are hard coded into the unit using an off-the-shelf GPS device connected via cable to the node. The sensor unit looks for ultraviolet emissions in the low 300 nm region of the spectrum specific to hydrocarbons burning. With such specificity built in the node, the noise-to-signal ratio is significantly high. When the node senses fire, it transmits via radio signal to a gateway node 3 pieces of information: this is who I am (node name), this is where I am (latitude/longitude) and status (I see fire).
The Gateway Node
The Gateway Node is placed on the periphery of the network, capable of listening to over 1000 sensor nodes simultaneously. When the gateway receives a fire alert from a node, it activates its own messaging system. Using an off-the-shelf Nokia phone and an inexpensive microcontroller, the gateway node transmits an SMS text message containing the node name, latitude longitude and status to the Communicator Node as well as the Epimetheus team leader.
The Communicator Node
The Communicator Node is a server application that waits for incoming text messages from multiple gateway nodes. It connects to a SQL database that can reference each node individually by name, and can update the status in real time. The database is viewable as a Google Earth KML file, which shows up as a layer on top of the globe.
In summary, this prototype can transmit fire alerts from autonomous off-the-grid locations in forests within a crucial time frame for extinguishing the fire. In addition, the communications framework is designed as an open mesh network, which provides for the option to install independent nodes that can attach themselves to the network and begin transmitting in real time. Once viewable, the node as well as the entire network can be monitored remotely by the original group or individual as well as affiliated interest groups and local leaders.
The act of localized deployment and open monitoring of a site can create a long-lasting effect that transcends saving forests: Empowered civilians with a real sense of custody over a specific site.
