A self-powered module with localization and tracking system for paintball

In spite of the popularity of wireless sensor networks (WSN), their application scenarios are still scanty. In this paper we apply the WSN paradigm to the entertainment area, and in particular to the domain of Paintball. This niche scenario poses challenges in terms of player localization and wireless sensor node lifetime. The main goal of localization in this context is to locate and track the player in order to facilitate his/her orientation, and to increase the level of safety. Long term operation could be achieved by adopting appropriate hardware components, such as storage elements, harvesting component, and a novel circuit solution. In this work we present a decentralized localization and tracking system for Paintball and describe the current status of the development of a self-powered module to be used between a wireless node and an energy harvesting component. © 2008 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.