Semantic Description of Quality of Data in Sensor Networks

The annotation of sensor data with semantic metadata is essential to the goals of automation and interoperability in the context of Industry 4.0. In this contribution, we outline a semantic description of quality of data in sensor networks in terms of indicators, metrics and interpretations. The concepts thus defined are consolidated into an ontology that describes quality of data metainformation in heterogeneous sensor networks and methods for the determination of corresponding quality of data dimensions are outlined. By incorporating support for sensor calibration models and measurement uncertainty via a previously derived ontology, a conformity with metrological requirements for sensor data is ensured. A quality description for a calibrated sensor generated using the resulting ontology is presented in the JSON-LD format using the battery level and calibration data as quality indicators. Finally, the general applicability of the model is demonstrated using a series of competency questions.