The Pulse Timer Algorithm for Mobile Molecular Communication

Abstract

This letter explores mobile molecular communication, where bio-nanomachines interact and coordinate movement using signal molecules in aqueous environments. In the system studied, a sender emits periodic pulses of signal molecules that propagate through the environment, while a receiver observes these pulses to determine the sender’s direction. We propose the Pulse Timer Algorithm (PTA), a novel approach that leverages the Doppler shift, where the observed intervals between pulses change depending on the receiver’s motion relative to the sender. By setting a timer upon pulse detection, the PTA enables the receiver to maintain its direction of movement toward the sender if pulses arrive before the timer expires or change direction if no pulse is detected. Comparative analysis with the Pulse Interval Comparison Algorithm (PICA) demonstrates the PTA’s superior performance in guiding the receiver to the sender efficiently.