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Facility Monitoring: A Qualitative Theory for Sensor FusionData fusion and sensor management approaches have largely been implemented with centralized and hierarchical architectures. Numerical and statistical methods are the most common data fusion methods found in these systems. Given the proliferation and low cost of processing power, there is now an emphasis on designing distributed and decentralized systems. These systems use analytical/quantitative techniques or qualitative reasoning methods for date fusion.Based on other work by the author, a sensor may be treated as a highly autonomous (decentralized) unit. Each highly autonomous sensor (HAS) is capable of extracting qualitative behaviours from its data. For example, it detects spikes, disturbances, noise levels, off-limit excursions, step changes, drift, and other typical measured trends. In this context, this paper describes a distributed sensor fusion paradigm and theory where each sensor in the system is a HAS. Hence, given the reach qualitative information from each HAS, a paradigm and formal definitions are given so that sensors and processes can reason and make decisions at the qualitative level. This approach to sensor fusion makes it possible the implementation of intuitive (effective) methods to monitor, diagnose, and compensate processes/systems and their sensors. This paradigm facilitates a balanced distribution of intelligence (code and/or hardware) to the sensor level, the process/system level, and a higher controller level. The primary application of interest is in intelligent health management of rocket engine test stands.
Document ID
20040000844
Acquisition Source
Stennis Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Figueroa, Fernando
(NASA Stennis Space Center Stennis Space Center, MS, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
August 7, 2001
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
NASA/SE-2000-12-00026-SSC
Meeting Information
Meeting: 37th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint propulsion Conference and Exhibit
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Country: United States
Start Date: July 8, 2001
End Date: July 11, 2001
Sponsors: American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society for Electrical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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