A swarm pattern transformation method based on macroscopic parameter operations

Varghese, B. and McKee, G. T. (2009) A swarm pattern transformation method based on macroscopic parameter operations. In: 2008 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics, Vols 1-4. IEEE, New York, pp. 1164-1169. ISBN 9781424426782 doi: 10.1109/ROBIO.2009.4913165

Abstract/Summary

The work reported in this paper is motivated by biomimetic inspiration - the transformation of patterns. The major issue addressed is the development of feasible methods for transformation based on a macroscopic tool. The general requirement for the feasibility of the transformation method is determined by classifying pattern formation approaches an their characteristics. A formal definition for pattern transformation is provided and four special cases namely, elementary and geometric transformation based on repositioning all and some robotic agents are introduced. A feasible method for transforming patterns geometrically, based on the macroscopic parameter operation of a swarm is considered. The transformation method is applied to a swarm model which lends itself to the transformation technique. Simulation studies are developed to validate the feasibility of the approach, and do indeed confirm the approach.