Collective Search With Finite Perception: Transient Dynamics and Search Efficiency

Frontiers in Physics

Gosztolai, Adam¹  Carrillo, Jose A.¹  Barahona, Mauricio¹ 

[1] Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

关键词: Random walks;    Collective behaviour;    Optimisation problem formulation;    Fokker - planck equation;    Ecological population dynamics;    drift-diffusion;    Model Predicitve Control;    Foraging theories;    Transient dynamic behavior;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fphy.2018.00153

学科分类：物理（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Motile organisms often use finite spatial perception of their surroundings to navigate and search their habitats. Yet standard models of search are usually based on purely local sensory information. To model how a finite perceptual horizon affects ecological search, we propose a framework for optimal navigation that combines concepts from random walks and optimal control theory. We show that, while local strategies are optimal on asymptotically long and short search times, finite perception yields faster convergence and increased search efficiency over transient time scales relevant in biological systems. The benefit of the finite horizon can be maintained by the searchers tuning their response sensitivity to the length scale of the stimulant in the environment, and is enhanced when the agents interact as a result of increased consensus within subpopulations. Our framework sheds light on the role of spatial perception and transients in search movement and collective sensing of the environment.

【 授权许可】

CC BY