Object tracking using a bio-inspired wireless sensor network

Abstract

Wireless sensor networks can be deployed to track moving objects in a field of interest. However, practical wireless sensor networks are still facing some issues which prohibit their widespread use, such as their limited power supply. In this paper, a control algorithm for object tracking is proposed. Based on the novel analogy of human immune system called artificial immune systems (AIS), the algorithm is developed to decentralize the decision making process of each individual sensor nodes, so that they work towards the same goal of tracking objects. Each sensor node utilizes the information about neighboring sensor nodes and objects being tracked to compute whether it is in an active state to collection and report data. In this model, multiple nodes are required to determine the exact location of an object. The main contribution of this paper is to propose an alternative means to object tracking to conserving valuable power since frequent communication with neighboring sensor nodes is prone to collisions and increases power consumption. © 2008 IEEE.