FlowerNet - How to design a user friendly Sensor Network

Today, sensor networks are on the way from simulation and short term measurements in the laboratory to real long term applications where devices operate for several weeks without administration. In this paper we describe the design, development and evaluation of a suitable application for further measurements of sensor network protocols and applications where users can benefit from the services of this network in daily life. Energy efficiency, reliability and adaptability are key features to fulfill the requirements of the users. We decide to develop a monitoring system for potted flowers at our institute and support the users with automatically generated decisions for watering the flowers. We perform long term measurements and evaluate the whole system including the benefit that the users experience. In this paper we present first results and the long term evaluation of the system.