Mobile agent based progressive multiple target detection in sensor networks

In this paper, we study the multiple target detection problem in sensor networks. Due to the unique features possessed by sensor networks, the multiple target detection approach has to be energy-efficient and bandwidth-efficient. The existing centralized solutions cannot satisfy these requirements. We present a progressive decentralized detection approach based on the classic Bayesian source number estimation algorithm. The progressive approach is realized by a mobile agent framework, where instead of each sensor sending raw data to a central unit, each sensor processes data locally and a mobile agent is dispatched from the central unit and migrates in the network updating the estimation progressively. Experimental results show that this approach can achieve progressive accuracy with the migration of mobile agent and reduce data transmission dramatically.