Sensor deployment optimization for detecting maneuvering targets

Sensor deployment is a fundamental issue in sensor networks. Studies on the deployment problem are concentrated deploying sensors to cover assigned areas or set of points efficiently. In this paper, we discuss the sensor deployment problem in the context of target tracking. Firstly, we propose a sensor deployment optimization strategy based on target involved virtual force algorithm (TIVFA). The TIVFA algorithm can dynamically adjust sensor networks configuration according to terrains, intelligence and those detected maneuvering targets in order to improve coverage and detection probability. Secondly, we present an improved sensor-ranking algorithm as well as a sensor protecting strategy with targets importance sequence in consideration. The TIVFA algorithm, together with the sensor protecting strategy, can produce an efficient and robust sensor network. Experiment results sufficiently demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.