Design of distributed detection schemes for multiaccess channels

In this paper, we propose a methodology for designing the local mapping rule for energy-limited sensors in a distributed detection system, where all the sensors communicate with the fusion centre through a single slot multiaccess channel. Following the proposed methodology, we come up with two schemes, namely the modified amplify-and-forward (MAF) scheme and the modified detect-and-forward (MDF) scheme. Both schemes are optimized to achieve high energy efficiency. The performance of the MAF and MDF schemes will be analysed and compared in terms of error probability (for a finite number of sensors) and error exponent (for an infinite number of sensors). The MAF scheme is shown to be asymptotically optimal. However, it might be outperformed by the MDF scheme when a small number of sensors are concerned.