A particle swarm model for swarm-based networked sensor systems

Swarm behavior as demonstrated by flocks of birds, schools of fish, and swarms of insects provide a useful method for implementing a distributed network of mobile sensor platforms. Such mobile sensor swarm systems are useful for various search or surveillance activities. Swarm behavior ensures safe separation between swarm members while enforcing a level of cohesion. These two properties, when considered in the context of sensors and wireless communications, provide for low redundancy coverage and a robust and reliable communications system. This paper examines particle swarm behavior through simulation with respect to such a sensor network. Analysis of swarm behavior for various parameter settings indicate a classification methodology. This provides a foundation for a proposed taxonomy.

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