A secure novel sensor fusion architecture for nuclear applications

Abstract

We propose a novel architecture to fuse and synthesize data from multiple sensors. This architecture, based on wireless communication of data, can be applied to monitor system integrity, to help in system control, and for personnel guidance through potentially hazardous radiation areas in nuclear applications. The proposed architecture employs sensor fusion in a way that would lead to improved decision making. The sensor suites used are interconnected serially to warrant more robust sensing strategies while leveraging spatially correlated data. They are also fed in parallel into a data fusion center using wireless technologies to ensure enhanced system reliability. While the proposed architecture can readily be tailored for specific applications in the nuclear industry such as for plant monitoring and automated decision and control, it is also designed to track and guide personnel away from radiation-contaminated zones.