Simulation of synchronized animal calling with a distributed sensor network

A distributed sensor network has been programmed to simulate synchronized calling exhibited by many species of frogs and insects. The distributed sensor network consists of numerous sensor nodes consisting of a microprocessor, wireless communications and a sensor board containing a buzzer and microphone. The goal was to program the sensor array to mimic the synchronized calling behavior (inspired in no small part by the recent appearance of cicada brood X). To this end, a single leader node was programmed to begin calling (i.e., buzzing). The remainder of the node array was programmed with an algorithm which allows them to detect other buzzing nodes and to synchronize their own buzz to that of the group. After start-up transients, the entire array calls in synchrony. Of particular interest is the system’s transient behavior system when perturbed or when a second leader node begins calling out of synch with the array. The hardware and software algorithms will be described. Furthermore, numerous nodes will be distributed throughout the audience and a demonstration of system behavior will be provided. While this is a rather whimsical application of distributed array processing, it does demonstrate the unique system behaviors that can arise in truly distributed processing.