Influence of visual field offset on collective behavior: An exploration using the two-dimensional Vicsek model

This study investigates the influence of visual field offset-a restricted field of vision positioned at a fixed angle from an agent's heading direction-on collective behavior using the Vicsek model. This offset shapes an agent's ability to perceive and respond to neighbors, thereby impacting overall group dynamics. Our results reveal that introducing an offset leads to a diverse range of emergent behaviors, some of which are counterintuitive. Notably, in the case of flipped sensing, where particles perceive their surroundings from directly behind their heading direction, we observe near-perfect alignment and clustering at the center of mass, even under high noise conditions. This outcome contrasts with the conventional Vicsek model, where increased noise typically disrupts group behavior. Drawing inspiration from biological observations, where animals often process information beyond their immediate heading, these findings highlight the benefits of offset perception in natural systems. Furthermore, they suggest potential applications in artificial systems, such as multiple-robot teams, where implementing offset sensing could enhance coordinated group behavior.