Cooperative target localization method for heterogeneous sensor networks

Based on the binary sensor model, a novel method for target localization in heterogeneous sensor networks is presented. With the binary information reported by nodes, target's position is locked into the intersection area of sensing areas of all nodes which detect the same target, and then the estimated position is computed by geometric means. The proposed method adapts to heterogeneous sensor networks, moreover, it can integrate with other target localization approaches easily. Simulation results demonstrate that, in sensor networks composed of the same type of sensors, our method lead to a decrease in average localization errors compared with the traditional method; in heterogeneous sensor networks, the method renders more accurate estimate of the target's location.