Intelligent optimization techniques making practical emergency responder sensor networks

Swarm intelligence algorithms are developed to solve different aspect of the complex “First Responder Sensor Network” for emergency personnel. Swarm intelligence algorithms can solve both design problems as well as real-time processing problems. In this paper, two particle swarm optimization algorithms are developed to solve a complex design problem and, for contrast, multilateration, a real-time signal-processing problem. A novel signal design technique is developed to design an ultra-wideband signal that supports communications as well as estimating location inside buildings and in hazardous conditions where GPS is unavailable. With the real-time processing in this network, propagation time is measured so that the location is estimated by a multilateration algorithm. The PSO based multilateration algorithm fuses time measurements from three or more sensors to locate a person in a two coordinate system.