The aim of this paper is to introduce a NUT model (NUT: network-uncertainty-trust) that aids the decrease of the uncertainty of measurements in autonomous hybrid Internet of Things sensor networks. The problem of uncertainty in such networks is a consequence of various operating conditions and varied quality of measurement nodes, making statistical approach less successful. This paper presents a model for decreasing the uncertainty through the use of socially inspired metaphors of reputation, trust, and confidence that are the untapped latent information. The model described in the paper shows how the individual reputation of each node can be assessed on the basis of opinions provided by other nodes of the hybrid measurement network, and that this method allows to assess the extent of uncertainty the node introduces to the network. This, in turn, allows nodes of low uncertainty to have a greater impact on the reconstruction of values. The verification of the model, as well as examples of its applicability to air quality measurements are presented as well. Simulations demonstrate that the use of the model can decrease the uncertainty by up to 55% while using the EWMA (exponentially weighted moving average) algorithm, as compared to the reference one.
Keywords: IoT network; reputation; sensor network; trust management; uncertainty.