Algorithms for designing a trajectory of a communication aerial platform for collecting data from wireless sensor network nodes

Algorithms are proposed for solving the problem designing the flight path of a communication aerial platform for collecting monitoring data from the nodes of a large-scale disconnected wireless sensor network to achieve various objective functions: minimizing the collection time or maximizing the network operation time. To achieve the given objective functions, the problem is solved by applying a certain sequence of algorithms: clustering, finding the shortest path and its correction according to the defined heuristics. Obtaining admissible solutions in real time is based on the application of a set of developed algorithms (heuristics), which take into account the relative location of nodes, the energy level of their batteries, and the volume of monitoring data. In order to evaluate the efficiency of the application of flight path construction and data collection algorithms, a corresponding simulation model was developed. The obtained dependences of efficiency indicators (data collection time, battery energy consumption, network operation time) on a set of algorithms for building the spacecraft data collection trajectory with different input data. The results of simulations proved the possibility of reducing data collection time by up to 20 % or increasing network operation time by up to 15 % compared to existing solutions.