7 - Perspectives of NDT Data Fusion

Abstract

This chapter completes the work presented on multisensor data fusion by making concluding remarks on the theory as well as application of nondestructive testing (NDT) data fusion. The chapter also presents future research directions as well as possible applications for the further development of multisensor NDT data fusion. The applications of NDT data fusion showed that fusion should be performed using data that is as close as possible to the original data. It has the effect of minimizing the loss of information, which could occur from extensive signal processing and reducing complex processing operations. The criteria for the design of a data fusion model are operational flexibility, maximum efficiency, and maximum simplicity. Raw sensor data forms the most common input format of data integration and fusion systems; however, if a multiusage compatible system is required, the other parameters have to be considered. These parameters are the environmental data, information on external databases, information related to the experience of human operators, and information on sensor location.