Local information processing for decision making in decentralised sensing networks

This paper describes consequences of local information processing for decision making in decentralised systems of sensor nodes. In decentralised data fusion systems, nodes take decisions based on information acquired locally. The ability of such nodes to fuse or combine information is linked to network organisation. Earlier work demonstrates a problem of inconsistency which arises given cyclic information flow in decentralised systems where nodes combine global information. This work shows how this inconsistency limits the decision making capabilities of the sensor nodes. Consequences for real-world systems using decentralised processes for decision making in process monitoring, tracking and aviation are discussed.