Data Validation Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper presents a novel data validation algorithm for wireless sensor network. We applied qualitative methods such as heuristic rule, temporal correlation, spatial correlation, Chauvenet's criterion, and modified z-score as algorithms for validating sensor data samples for faults. Performance of the algorithms is evaluated using real data samples of WSNs prototype for environment monitoring injected with different types of data faults such as out-of-range faults, struck-at faults, and outliers and spike faults. Results show heuristic rule, temporal correlation, spatial correlation, chauvenet's criterion, and modified z-score method sit at different point on accuracy, no single method is perfect in detecting different types of data faults and reports false positives when sensor data samples contain different types of data faults. Selected effective methods such as heuristic rule, temporal correlation, and modified z-score are applied successively to data set for detecting different types of data faults but report false positives due to masking effects and increased fault rate. Finally we propose a novel data validation algorithm that uses novel approach in applying heuristic rule, temporal correlation, and modified z-score to data set for detecting different types of data faults. Compared to other methods, the proposed novel data validation algorithm is effective in detecting different types of data faults and reports high fault detection rate by eliminating false positives.