A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR QUERYING, MONITORING
AND CONTROLLING A WIRELESS SENSORNETWORK USING
AN INSTANT MESSAGING SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to wireless sensor networks, and particularly, to a method and system for communicating with a plurality of sensor nodes using one or more instant messengers over a network.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In the present hectic schedule, remote monitoring of ambience in a given area is gaining importance as it may not be possible and feasible to monitor the ambience by being physically present in the given area at any point of time. To address such issues, in the prior art, a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) that may be installed in the environment where tte ambience needs to be monitored was introduced. The WSN is a collection of networked tiny electr(»uc devices (herein also referred to as "sensor nodes") that are enable of sensing, processii^ and communication information. These senior nodes generally read ambience information from the surrounding environment and conviat the information iato one or more data packet(s). These data packets are processed ai^ may then be transmitted to users via one or more base stations, using a wireless network.
[0003] A typical WSN may be monitored thrcmgh v^ous comnmnication channels that include a standalone/desktop application, a web-based application or a mobile appUcation.
[0004] In case of a standalon^desktop application, s^ecii^j»d software is used to visuaUze and monitor the sensor nodes in the WSN from the bai^ station. Usws may send commands using this software to tune the behavior of the sensor nodes to some extent. However, it requires the user to have ^pertise in using the specialized software.

[0005] In case of a web-based application, commands that are sent by the users to the application are routed to the sensor nodes in the WSN via the base station. However, this requires the user to authenticate the web-based application specifically to send commands to the sensor nodes. Further, a specific web-based application needs to be customized for monitoring the sensor nodes.
[0006] In case of a mobile application, users may send tile quay to the WSN to know the status of sensor nodes in the network. Though mobile applications (devices) have an interface to communicate with the WSN, th^ cannot be used to perform complex operations such as sending a new code to the sensor nodes in the network.
[0007] Collectively, these applications that are being used to contixsl or monitor the sensors nodes in the WSN have one or more drawbacks. In the standard controller application, the desktop software installed on a particular machine needs to be accessed for controlling. The user needs to have domain kno^edge in ordo* to use tiie desktop appUcation. The web-based applications have overcome this disadvantage by allowing users to access the application from anywho^, but restrict the users to desktops or mobiles. Similarly, the intoface through mobile devices may provide access to WSN from anywhere. Though mobile devices have provided intoface to communicate with WSN, they may not be used to perform con^lex operations like sending new code to the sensors nodes.
[0008] Thus, all the techniques mentioned above are associated with one or more problems and hence, there is a need for a new communication means which will allow the users to monitor or control the WSN, without the Med to install any software, other than instant messenger, on their desktop computers or mobile devices. Further, the user should not have to customize the web-appUcation to communicate with the WSN using the communication means. Finally, the communication means should not require the user to learn or have e)q>ertise in usmg ^ecialized software for communicating with the WSN.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A method to communicate with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network is disclosed. Alio, a method for &mbVmg a WSN messaging client to converse with an instant messaging client ovo* a netwc»-k during communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN is disclosed. Such a method may help in establishmg communication between the sensor nodes and a user, to either get live updates of data monitored by the sensor nodes or for controlling , the sensor nodes. Also, the method may help in querying the sensor nodes to ascertain the status of the sensor nodes.
[0010] In one embodiment of the present technique, the method for communicating with one or more sensors in the WSN over the network includes the step of initiating communication with a server application by sending a message from an instant messaging client. The server ratity may include at least one of a WSN messaging client and a WSN server. The method further includes Ae stq) of encoding the message received by the server application by using the WSN messaging client. The encoded message is sent to the one or more sensor nodes usii^ the WSN server.
[OOil] Further, the method inchides the step of recmvii^ an encoded rei^onse from the sensor nodes toough the WSN server. The encoded response is decoded by the WSN messaging client before sending the decoded n^^sage to the instant messaging client.
[0012] In one embodiment of the present technique, tte WSN messaging client and the WSN server may be a single entity. In anotho* embodiment of the present embodiment, the WSN server and the WSN messaging client are separate entities. In one embodiment of the present technique, the mes^e sent from the instant messaging client to the WSN messaging client and vice-versa uses at least one of a plurality of instant messaging protocols.
[0013] In one embodiment of the present technique, the method to enable the WSN messaging client to converse with the instant mes^gbg client over the network

includes the step of identifying at least one of the plurality of instant messaging clients that the user is using for communication by sending messages and determining corresponding instant mess(^;ing protocols wxd by the identified instant messagmg client. The method fiirtiier includes the st^ of configuring the WSN messaging client to operate with at least one of the det^mined instant messaging protocol. Finally, the method includes adding a miessaging buddy with its imique identififg* name in one or more instant messaging clients to facilitate communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over the netwcffk through the WSN messaging client.
[0014] The method additionally includes tiie step of creating the messaging buddy for each of the configured WSN messaging clients with a unique identifier name by checking the availability of the unique identifier name with at least one of the WSN messaging client and Oxe instant messaging client.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present technique, the network may be an Internet and a local area network (LAN)-
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above mentioned features as well other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accon^anying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exen^lary environment illustrating communication of instant messaging cUents with a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) enabled edifice over a network, according to one embodiment of the present technique;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting a method of communicating with cme or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensof Network (WSN) over a network, according to one embodiment of the presort teclmique;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting a method for enabling a WSN messaging client to converse with an instwai messaging client over the n^woik during

communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN, according to one embodiment of the present technique;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram iUustrating communication of instant mess^ing cUent with one or more saisor nodes in the WSN over a network, according to one embodiment of the present technique; and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a system iUustrating a geno^zed con^uter network arrangement, in one embodiment of the present technique.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description is full and informative description of the best method and system presently contemplated for carrying out ^ presoit invention, which is known to the inventors at the time of filing the pat«it application. Of course, many modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those billed in the relevant arts in view of the following description, in view of the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. While the system and method described herein are i»'ovided with a certain degree of specificity, the present technique may be implemented with either greater or lesser specificity, depending on the needs of tl» us^. Further, some of the features of the present technique may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features described in the following paragraphs. As such, the present description should be considered as merely illustrative of ti» principles of the present technique and not in limitation thereof, since the pre!»nt technique is defined solely by the claims.
[0023] The present invention relates to a method and system for facilitating communication with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network. The method also details an approach for enabling a WSN messaging client to converse with an instant messaging client ov^ a network during communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN. The inventive technique to be detailed in the subsequent sections to follow also ocplains numerous variations to implement the inventive steps of the present technique in terms of one or more embodiments.

[0024] The following description is presented to exabie a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in &e context of the requirement for obtaining a patent. The present description is the best presently contemplated method for carrying out the present invention. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments, and some features of the present invention may be used without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consist^it with the principles and features described herein.
[0025] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment iUustri^ng communication of instant messaging clients with a Wkeless Sensor Network (WSN) enabled edifice over a network, according to one embodiment of the present technique. In one embodiment of the present technique, the exemplary environment 100 includes at least one an instant messaging client 110, a network 130, a server application 140 and a WSN enabled edifice ISO. In one embodiment of the present technique, the exemplary environment 100 may be set up for monitoring the condition of the edifice 150 (i.e. home in this case), which is WSN enabled, using one or more instant messaging clients 110. In anoth«' embodiment of the present technique, the exemplary environment may be a house and the owner is in an ofiice and wants to monitor his/her house hold appliances whether tiiey are switched on or off. Else, the owner may want to check wheUier some one has intruded into his/her house.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present technique, the instant messaging clients 110 may include at least one of an entraprise instant messaging client 118 and a public instant messaging client (not numbered). The public instant messaging client may include at least one of an AOL* client 103, a Google Talk^** client 106, a Skype™ client 109, a Yahoo!* client 112 and a MSN* client 115. The enterprise messaging client 118 may include at least one of an IBMf" Lotus* Sametime client, a Microsoft® Office Communicator client and an Oracle* Beehive client. The scope of the invention should not be restricted in light of the IM clients deleted hereby.

[0027J In one embodiment of the present technique, the network 130 may include Internet or a Local Area Network (LAN). In one embodiment of the present technique, the server application 140 may allow users (not ^own) to i^id messages using instant messaging client 110 to the deployed WSN. The server aK>lication 140 also allows extraction of meaningful messages sent by a sensof node within the WSN and conmiunicates it to the user through the instant messaging Qi^ein also referred to as "IM") chent 110. The server application 140 may also allow the users to control sensor nodes and present conditional information of the sensor nodes. The s^^^er application 140 can handle incoming messages from diffearent IM clients and may support multiple IM protocols to conmiunicate with the WSN enabled edifice 150.
[0028] In one embodiment of the present technique, the WSN enabled edifice ISO may include one or more sensor nod6s (not shown) within it. These sensor nodes may be used to monitor the situation of the edifice where it is installed. The sensor nodes may take command for controlling home appliances with one or more messages firom the IM client (i.e. Google Talk™, Yahool*, etc).
[0029] In one embodiment of the present technique, the communication with the sensor nodes using the IM cUent over the network is performed using at least one of a mobile application, a desktop application, a laptop^ application, and a web application.
[0030] Referring to the figures, FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depictmg a method of communicating with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network, according to one embodiment of the present technique.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present techiiique, the method comprises: 1) initiating communication with a server application by sending a message fi-om an instant messaging cUent (block 210); 2) encodmg the n^ssage received from the instant messaging client (block 220); 3) sending ibe encoded message to one or more sensor nodes in the WSN by the server application (block 230); 4) receiving a response from the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN by the server application (block 240); 5) decoding the response received from the one or more sensor nodes by the WSN server application (block 250); and 6) soiding the decoded response to the

instant messaging client (block 260). Each of the steps will be explmned in detail in the subsequent sections.
[0032] The method of communication with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network may begin with a st^ of initiating communication with a sever application by sending a messi^ from an IM client as represented by block 210. In step 210, the user may initiate communication with the one or more sensor nodes through the IM client, which the user has employed for communication. The messages are sent across the netwc^'k. The i^twork may be an Internet or a Local Area Network (herein also referred to as "LAN"). The messages which were sent from the IM client are received by the SCTvar ^plication and are processed before being forwarded to the sensor nodes, as represoited by block 220. In one embodiment of the present technique, the server aj^lication may be a pteway or a base station. In step 220, the message is encoded in a format essential for the sensor nodes to interpret. The process of encoding the mess^es is performed by a WSN cUent application. In one embodiment of the present technique, the WSN client application may be a part of the server application or may be ^ (Uscrete module.
[0033] In step 230, the encoded message is forwarded to the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN by the server application. The process of sending the encoded message to the sensor nodes may be performed by a WSN server. In one embodiment of the present technique, the WSN server may be a p^ of tiie server application or may be a discrete module.
[0034] The message sent from the user through the IM clleitt to the one or more sensor nodes may include at least one of a request message, a command message, and a query message. In one embodiment of the present technique, the request message may be receive the monitored data by one or more sensors. The monitored data may include checking status of the electric application or main door or etc. Similarly, the command message may include controlling the activity of the sensor nodes. The process of controlling the senor nodes may include changing the condition to be monitored or threshold, and so forth. The query message may include clicking the

health or condition of the sensor nodes, which are d^loyed in the WSN enabled edifice for monitoring conditions.
[0035] In step 240, the sensor nodes on receiving the encoded message may respond based on the type of the message received. In one embodiment of the present technique, the response sent by the sensor nodes may be received by the server application. The WSN s^^er may receive the response from the sensor nodes.
[0036] In step 250, the response received from the sensor iK)des is sent to the WSN messaging client for decodii^ so that it may be interpreted for subsequent use. The decoded message is later forwarded, by the WSN messaging client, to the IM client, as represented by block 260. The forwarded message from the WSN messaging client is easily interpreted by the IM client and presented to the uso*.
[0037] The steps depictdd in the above method allow the us«r to communicate with the one or more sensors in the WSN network using the IM client, which are currently employed for communication with otho's. Thus, this method does not require the user to install any software, oth^ than ah instant messenger, on their desktop computO's or mobile devices to communicate with the WSN.
[0038] Referring to the figures, FIG. 3 is a flow diagram deleting a method for enabling the WSN messaging client to commimicate with an instant messaging client over the network during communication with one co* m(»'e sensor nodes in the WSN, according to one embodimeirt of the present technique.
[0039] In one embodiment of the present technique, the method comprises: 1) identifying at least one of a plurality of instant messaging clieitts that the user is using for communication by sending messages (block 310); 2) determining one or more instant messaging protocols that are employed by the identified instant messaging client for messaging (block 320); 3) configuring the WSN messaging client to operate with at least one of the determined instant messa^g protocols (block 330); 4) creating a messaging buddy for each of the configured WSN messaging clients with a unique identifier name (block 340); 5) addmg the mess^i% buddy with its unique identifier name in one or more instant messaging clients (block 350); and 6)

facilitating communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over a network through the WSN messaging client (block 360). Each of the steps will be explained in detail in the subsequent i^ctions.
[0040] The method for enabling the WSN messaging cUcat to communicate with an instant messaging client over the network during communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN may begin with a step of identifying at least one of a plurality of instant messaging clients that the user is using for communication by sending messages as represented by block 310. In this s^>, the user may be queried to determine the type of IM client that they are using for communication with either family or friends or colleagues. This information may be used to configure the server application, which is going to be deployed at the users' edifice. The swver application may include the WSN messaging client and a WSN sexv&c or both. The configuration of the server application may mean configuring the WSN messing client. In one embodiment of the present tedmique, the IM cUent may inchtde an enterprise IM client or a pubhc IM cUent. The public IM clieot may include any of an XMPP cUent, a Yahoo!* client, a Google™ client, a Hmm«il*cliefBt, an AOL* client, and a Skype™ cUent. The enterprise IM client may include at least one of an IBM* Lotus* Sametime cUent, a Microsoft* Office Communicator client and an Oracle* Beehive client. The IM client depicted above should not be restricted in Hght of the scope of the inventive steps detailed as per the presrait teclmique.
[0041] In stq) 320, based on the type of IM client the users are using for communication, the corresponding instant messaging protocol timt is employed by the identified IM client for messaging is determined. The IM protocol may include an XMPP protocol, a YMSG protocol, a Skype^^ protocd, an ICQ protocol and an MSN® protocol.
[0042] In step 330, the WSN messaging client is configured to operate with at least one of the determined IM protocols. This configuration is essential to bring the WSN messaging client and the IM client under the same IM protocol, so that the messages that were sent to the one or more sensor nodes during communication may be received by the WSN messaging client before the messages are receivwl by the one or

more sensor nodes. In one embodiment of tt» present tedinique, the WSN messaging client may be configured to operate with more than one IM protocol, based on the requirement or demand of the usws.
[0043] In step 340, on completion of configuration of the WSN messaging client to operate in the detected IM protocol, a messaging buddy may be created for each of the configured WSN messaging clients with a unique identifier name. The creation of the messaging buddy may be optional. The messaging buddy is an instance of the WSN messaging client. The messaging buddy rq)resents the WSN messaging client which is configured within the serv^ application for enabling communication with the external IM client, which the us^ is using for communication. The messaging buddy may differ based on the WSN messaging client and the underlying protocol IM protocol on which it is configured. The existing messaging buddy with its unique name may be considered. In case a new messaging buddy is created, than the buddy may have the unique name of the uso* choice. The unique name may also include a domain name, and the domain name may be draived fi'om tiie WSN setup installed at the edifice.
[0044] In one embodiment of the present technique, the messaging buddy with its unique name refers to the at least one of the sensor node or a group of sensor nodes in the WSN. Thus, assigning one unique identifier name to tihe sensor nodes or group of sensor nodes allows the users to communicate to an individual sensor node or group of sensor nodes.
[0045] In another embodiment of the present technique, tibe existing messaging buddy with its unique identifier name may refer to the standard mess^ing buddy name created by a service provider of the WSN. For instance, the messaging buddy may be named as a conference room in building XYZ or confo^nce rooms in certain XYZ locations. Thus, the individual sensor node or the ffto^ of nodes associated with this name is referenced by this unique identifier name of the messaging buddy which allows the users to communicate with the messapng buddy.

[0046] In step 3 50, the messaging buddy with its unique identifira: name is added in one or more instant messaging clients of the user. The user may add different messaging buddies in corresponding IM clients, bas^ on the IM protocol on which the WSN messaging client is configured and the IM client is operational. For example, if the WSN messaging client is configur«i for working with XMPP protocol, than the messaging buddy that is either created or sdected may be added to the IM cUent that supports XMPP protocol such as, for example, Google Talk™.
[0047] In step 360, the added messaging buddy facilitate the us^ to communicate with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over a network through the WSN messaging client. The user may converse with the sensor nodes, just like he/she is conversing with a person. The user may get to know the status of the sensor nodes or monitor the edifice where the sensor nodes are deployed, or even change the control threshold set for the sensor nodes. The method of communicating with the sensor nodes has been explained in conjunction with FIG. 2. TMs facility is available to the user without the need for the user to install additional software in there desktop or laptop. The user may communicate with the one or more sensor nodes using the instant messaging client over the network using at least one of a mobile application, a desktop application, a laptop application, and a web application.
[0048] Referring to the figures, FIG 4 is a block diagram illustrating communication of instant messaging client with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over a network, according to one embodiment of the present technique.
[0049] In one embodiment of the present technique, the block diagram 400 illustrates a system for communicating with one or more semor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network. In one embodiment of Ae present technique, the system 400 may be set up for monitoring the condition of the edifice (not shown), which is WSN enabled, using the IM client 410. In another embodiment of the present technique, the exemplary environment may be a house or an pffice.
[0050] In one embodiment of the present technique, the system includes at least one of the EM clients 410, a server application 430 and a WSN 440. In one

embodiment of the present technique, a user 410 may initiate communication with a sensor node 400A-G through the IM client 420. The user 410 may converse with the server application 430 using IM client 420 through a netwoilc 425.
[0051] In one embodiment of the present technique, the us«a- 410 may initiate communication with at least one of the sensor nodes 440 A-G using the IM client 420, which the user has employed for communication.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present technique, the ^ client 420 may include at least one of an XMPP client, a Yahoo!* cUent, a (kK>gJie'^ client, a Skype^^ client, an ICQ client, an MSN* client, an IBM* Lotus* Sametime client, a Microsoft* Office Communicator client and an Oracle* Beehive client or condtinations thereof The scope of the invention should not be restricted with respect to the number of IM client 420 mentioned above. It should be noted that other IM clients not mentioned above may also be used for communication without deviating from tiie scope of the present technique.
[0053] The IM client 420 may operate using one or more IM messaging protocols. In one embodiment of the present technique, the IM protocol may include at least one of an XMPP protocol, a YMSG protocol, a Skype^"^ protocol, an ICQ protocol and an MSN* protocol.
[0054] On initiation of communication, the IM client 420 may send a message to the server application 430 over the network 425. The network 425 may include at least one of Internet and a Local Area Network (LAN).
[0055] In one embodiment of the present technique, the server application 430 may be a gateway or abase station to handle the communication related to the WSN. The server application 430 may include at least one of a WSN messaging client module 434 and a WSN server module 438 or combinations thereof In another embodiment of the present technique, the WSN messaging client module 434 and the WSN server module 438 may be discrete units.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present technique, the WSN messaging client 434 may be configured using an application programming interfece (API). The API used for configuring the WSN messaging client 434 may differ based on the type of the IM protocol the IM client 420 uses. In one embodiment of the presait technique, a SMACK API may be used to build WSN messaging clieitt 420, which may be operable using the XMPP protocol. Similarly, any othw known APIs may be used for configuring the WSN messaging client 420, based on the requirement of the user.
[0057] In one embodiment of the present technique, on receipt Of the messages, the WSN messaging client 410 encodes the same. The mcodmg of tiie message is essential to synchronize the message in a format, which the sensor nodes 440A-G may be able to interpret. The encode messages may be forwarded to tiie WSN server 438 for iurther communication with the saisor nodes 440A-G.
[0058] The WSN messaging client 410, on receipt of the re^onse fi-om the sensor nodes 440 A-G, may decode the same. The decodii^ of the response is essential to synchronize the response in the format, which tl^ IM client may be able to interj^et. The decoded response may be presented to the user 410.,
[0059] In one embodiment of the present technique, fix WSN server 438 may be the communicating entity, which sends the encoded mes!»ges to the s«isor nodes 440A-G m the WSN 440. Also, the WSN sever 438 may receive the encoded response sent from the one or more sensor nodes 440A-G in the WSN 440. In one embodiment of the present technique, tiie WSN server 438 ftmctions like the base station or the gateway routing the message betwewi the WSN 440 and the server application 430. In one embodiment of the present tecluuque, an OpenFure API may be used for configuring the WSN server 438. The WSN server configured using the OpenFire API is compatible to operate with the KMPf protocol based WSN messaging client 434. Similarly, in anotho* embodiment of tiie present technique, any other known API may be used to configure the WSN server 438 depending upon the underlying protocol on which the WSN messaging client 434 is operating. The scope of the present mvention should not be restrictive based upon the description provided above.

[OOiSO] In one embodiment of the present technique, the WSN network 440 may include a plurality of sensor nodes 440A-G depending on the requirement of the user, where the WSN 440 is d^loyed. The WSN 440 may be generally configured in the home or the office to monitor the condition.
[0061] The sensor nodes 440A-G, on receipt of the encoded message, interpret the information and act accordii^y either by sending the encoded response back to the WSN server 438 or en(piring the status of the adjacent seMor nodes or controlling or changing the threshold or condition which the nodes are meant for monitoring.
[0062] In one embodiment of the present technique, the IM client 420, which the user 410 has employed for communication is identified and upon identification of the same, the IM protocol of IM client 420 is determined for tuning the WSN messaging client 434 so that the WSN messaging client 434 operates using the same IM protocol. The configuration of the WSN messaging client 434 to opwate with the same IM protocol as determined in the IM client 410 is required for providing the same platform, to enable the conversation between the two.
[0063] In one embodiment of the present technique, a messaging buddy may be created using the API depending on the requirement of the user. The type of the API used to create the buddy may depend on the underlying WSN messaging client 434 used. The SMACK API may be used to create a messaging buddy if the WSN messaging client 434 operates using XMPP protocol.
[0064] In another embodiment of the present technique, the messaging buddy may be used to converse using the WSN messaging client 434. For instance, if the messaging buddy is of Google Talk™, the same may be used in the WSN messaging client 434 for communication with the IM client 420.
[0065] The messaging buddy may include a unique name. The unique name, in turn, includes a buddy name and a domain name. The buddy name may be a user name or the name of the WSN network or anything of user's choice. The domain name may be the IM client 410 name or the WSN 440 name. The messenger buddy with its unique name is added in the IM client before initiating the communication

with the sensor nodes 440A-G. In one embodiment of the present technique, the availability of the unique name may be enquired with the WSN messaging client 434 or the IM client 410.
[0066] The WSN messaging client 434 further includes an administration module 436, which is used for monitoring the administrating activity within the WSN. The validation module 436A of the administration module 436 may be used by an owner of the WSN to provide an admmistrative access in the WSN. Ihs avmst (herein also referred to as "authorized usa:") may need to provide tl» consent for adding the messaging buddy with its unique identifier name by otlur usors in their IM. In another embodiment of the present invention, the authorized user may registra* a number of other users; those are entitled for accessing the WSN network through their IM. The process of adding the messaging buddy may include enabling the messaging buddy made available for communication with the other v^sers through their instant messaging client.
[0067] In one embodiment of the present technicpe, tt% admisistration module 436 may include a controller module 436B for providing the service provider of the WSN with an ability to control or view or qu«7 or monitor the WSN. The controller module may also WSN service provider to check the activities of one or more sensors in the WSN.
[0068] In one embodiment of the present technique, the user module 436C of the administration module 436 may provide selective access resttiction to other us^'s for communication with the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN.
[0069] In one embodiment of the present technique, whh the detailed setup explained above the system 400 may enable the user 410 tt> communicate with Ibe one or more sensor nodes 440A-G using their respective IM client 420.
[0070] In one embodiment of the present technique, the main advantage includes providing easy means to communicate with the sensor nodes using the commonly available IM clients. The users need not install any additional software, other than

instant messenger, on their desktop computers or mobile devices for communication purpose.
[0071] Exemplary Computing Environment
[0072] One or more of the above-described techniques cm be implemented in or involve one or more computer systems. FIG. S illustrates a generalized example of a computing environment 500. The computing environment 500 is not intended to suggest any limitation as to scope of use or functionality of described embodiments.
[0073] With reference to FIG. 5, the computing environment 500 includes at least one processing unit 510 and memory 520. In FIG. 5, this basic configuration 530 is i included within a dashed line. The processing unit 510 executes computer-executable instructions and may be a real or a virtual processor. In a multi-processing system, multiple processing units execute computer-executable instructions to increase processing power. The memory 520 may be volatile memory (e.g., registers, cache, RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc.), or some combination of the two. In some embodunents, the memory 520 stores software 580 implementing described techniques.
[0074] A computing environment may have additional features. For example, the computing environment 500 includes storage 540, one or more iiq)ut devices 550, one or more output devices 560, and one or more communication connections 570. An interconnection mechanism (not shown) such as a kis, controller, or network interconnects the components of the confuting environment 500. Typically, operating system software (not shown) provides an operatii^ environment for other software executing in the computing environment 500, and coordinates activities of the components of the computing environment 500.
[0075] The storage 540 may be removable or non-removable, and includes magnetic disks, magnetic tapes or cassettes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, DVDs, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed within the computing environment 500. In some embodiments, the storage 540 stores instructions for the software 580.

[00761 The input device(s) 550 may be a touch input device such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, trackball, touch screen, or game controller, a voice input device, a scanning device, a digital camera, or another device that provides mput to the computing environment 500. The output device(s) 560 may be a display, printer, speaker, or another device that provides output from the computing environment 500.
[0077] The communication connection(s) 570 enable commtmication over a communication medium to another computing entity. The communication medium conveys information such as computer-executable insUuctions, audio or video information, or other data in a modulated data signal. A modulated data signal is a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in mch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired or wireless techniques implemented with an electrical, optical, RF, infrared, acoustic, or other carrier.
[0078] Implementations can be described in the genial context of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media are any avaUable media that can be accessed within a computing environment. By way of example, and not limitation, within the computing enviroimient 500, computer-readable media uiclude memory 520, storage 540, communication media, and combinations of any of the above.
[0079] Having described and illustrated the principles of our invention vdth reference to described embodiments, it will be recognized that the described embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. It should be understood that the pro-ams, processes, or methods described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of computing environment, unless indicated otherwise. Various types of general purpose or specialized computing environments may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein. Elements of the described embodiments shown in software may be implemented m hardware and vice versa.
19

[0080] In view of the many possible embodiments to vMch the principles of our invention may be applied, we claim as our invention all such embodiments as may come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

CLAIMS:
1 ■ 1. A method of communicating with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network, the method comprising:
initiating communication with a server application by sending a message from an instant messaging client;
encoding the message received from the instant ffi^s^ing client by the server application;
sending the encoded message to the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN by the server appUcation;
receiving a response from the one or more sensor nodw in the WSN by the server application;
decoding the response received from the one or more sratsor nodes by the server application; and
sending the decoded response to the instant messaging client.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wl^^ia the step of initiating communication with the server application comprises s^diqg a recpiest message to receive data monitored by the one or more sensor nodes in tte WSN.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, whwein the step of initiating communication with the server application comprises sending a command message to control the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN.

4. The method as, recited in claim 1, wha-ein the step of initiating communication with the saver application conpises sending a query message to one or more sensor nodes in the WSN,
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the stq> of initiating communication with the server application comprises conversing with at least one of a WSN messaging client and a WSN server.
6. The method of claim S, wherein the communication initiated by sending the message from the instant messaging client to tiie server application is received by the WSN messagmg client.
7. The method of claim 6, who-em the steps of encoding the message received from the instant messaging client and decoding tim response received from the one or more sensor nodes are performed by the WSN messaging client.
8. The method of claim 5, wherem a plurdity of instant messaging protocols is used for initiatmg communication by the instant messaging client with the WSN messaging client.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of instant messaging protocols comprises at least one of an XMPP protoa)l, an YMSG protocol, a Skype^^ protocol, an ICQ protocol, a Virtual Places protocol, Session initiation protocol. Simple Mail Transfer protocol and an MSN* protocol.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein the steps of sending the encoded message to the one or more sensor nodes and receiving the encoded response from the one or more sensor nodes are performed by the WSN server.
11. The mediod as recited m claim I, wherein the communication with &e one or more sensor nodes usiii^ the instant messaging client over the netw^k are performed using at lea^ one of a mobile application, a desktop application, a l^top application, and a web application.
12. The method zs recited in claim 1, wherein tlw network is at least one of an Internet and a local area network (LAN).
13. A method for aiabling a Wireless Sensor Netwoik (WSN) mess^ing client to converse with an instant messaging client over a netw(M-k during communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN, the method comprising:
identifying at least one of a plurality of instant uMssaging clients that a user is using for conversing by sending messages;
determining one or more instant messaging protocols that are employed by the identified instant messaging client for sending messages;
configuring the WSN messaging client to operate with at least one of the determined instant messaging prcHocol; and
adding a messaging buddy with its unique identifier name, associated to the configured WSN messaging client, in one or more instant messaging clients to facilitate communication with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over a netw<^ through the WSN messaging client.

14. The method as recited in claim 13, whwein the i^ep of configMiing tiie WSN messaging client comprises tuning the WSN messaging client to operate with at least one of an XMPP protocol, an YMSG protocol, a Skype^'^ protocol, an ICQ protocol, a Virtual Places protocol. Session initiation protocol. Simple Mail Transfra* protocol and an MSN* protocol.
15. The method as recited in claim 13, who^ein ^e messaging buddy is an instance of the WSN messaging cUent.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the messaging buddy with its unique identifier name implies to at least one of the sensor node in the WSN or to a j?-oup of sensor nodes in the WSN.
17. The method as recited in claim 13, additionally comprises the step of creating the messaging buddy for each of the configured WSN messaging clients with the unique identifier name.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of creating the messaging buddy comprises checking availability of the unique identifier name with at least one of the WSN messaging client and the instant messaging client.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of creating the messaging buddy comprises configuring the WSN messaging client witii at least one domain name using an application programming interface (API),

20. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the messaging buddy with its unique identifier name is added to the instant mess^ir^ client of at least one (»-more users.
21. The method of claim 20, additionally comprises the step of validating the messaglQg buddy before adding to the instant messaging, by the WSN messaging client.
22. A system for communicating with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) over a network, the system comprising:
one or more instant messaging clients configured for sending a message from a user; and
a server application module configured for:
encoding the message received fi'om tt» fe sensor nodes in the
WSN;
receiving an encoded response from the one or more sensors nodes in
the WSN; and
decoding the encoded respone and sending the decoded response to the instant messaging client.

23. The system as recited in claim 22, wh^-ein the server application module comprises at least one of a WSN messaging client module and a WSN server module.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the WSN messa^ng client module is built using an application programming interface (API).
25. The system of claim 23, wherein the WSN m^si^ing client nK>dule is configured for receiving the message from the instant messaging client and for sending the decoded response to the instant messaging client.
26. The system of claim 23, wherein the WSN m^sagic^ client modah is configured for encoding the messaging received from tt^ inst^ messi^ing client and decoding the response received from the one or more saisor nodes in the WSN.
27. The system of claim 23, wherein the WSN server module is configured for sending the encoded message to the one more sensor nodes in the WSN and for receiving the encoded response from the one more sensor nodes in the WSN.
28. The system as recited in claim 22, wherein tius instant Messaging client comprises at least one of an enterprise messaging client aa& a paMc messaging client.
29. The system of claim 28, wh^ein the enterprise messaging client comprises at least one of an IBM* Lotus* Sametime clieirt, a Microsoft* Office Communicator client and an Oracle Beehive client

30. The system of claim 28, wherein ^e public messaging client comprises at least one of an XMPP client, a Yahoo!* client, a CSoogle'** client, a Hotmail* client, an AOL* client, and a Skype^^ client.
31. The system as recited in claim 23, wherien tl% WSN messaging client comprises an administration module configured for monttoiing ^e administrating activity within the WSN.
32. The system of claim 31, wherien the administration module further comprises an validation module for providing the owner of the WSN m administrative access in the WSN.
33. The system of clsiim 31, wh«-em the administration module ftirtiier comprises a controller module for providing the service provider of the WSN to control or view or query or monitor the activities of one or more saisors of the WSN.
34. The system of claim 31, wherien the administration module fiuthra" comprises an user module for providing selective access resttictiOTi to other users for communication with the one or more sensor nodes in tiie WSN.
35. A computer program product comprising a con^utrar usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied th«'ein for communicating with one or more sensor nodes in a Wireless Sensor Netwcffk (WSN) ova* a network, the computer program product comprising:

a program code adapted for:
initiating conmmnication with a server application by sending a message from an instant messaging client;
encoding the message received from the instant messaging client by the server application;
sending the encoded message to the one or more sensor nodes in the WSN by the server application;
receiving a response from the one or more semor nodes in the WSN by the server application;
decoding the response received from the one or more sensor nodes by the server application; and
sending the decoded response to the iostant messagmg client.
36. A computer program product comprisii^ a computo* usable m^um having a computer readable program code embodied therein for enabling a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) messaging client to converse with an instant messaging client over a network during communication with one or more s&mx nodes in a WSN, the computer program product comprising:
a program code adapted for:
identifying at least one of a plurality of mstant messaging client that an user is using for communication by sending messages;
determining one or more instant messaging protocols that is employed by the identified instant messaging chent for sending messaging;
configuring the WSN messaging client to operate with at least one of the determined instant messaging protocol; and

adding a messaging buddy with its unique identifier name, associated to the configured WSN messaging client, in one or more instattt messaging clients to facilitate conunumcatlon with one or more sensor nodes in the WSN over a network through the WSN messaging client.