Data fusion is a rapidly developing technology which involves the combination of information supplied by several NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) sensors to provide a more complete and understandable picture of structural integrity. This text is the first to be devoted exclusively to the concept of multisensor integration and data fusion applied to NDT. The advantages of this methodology are widely acknowledged and the author presents an excellent introduction to data fusion processes. Problems are approached progressively through detailed case studies, offering practical guidance for those wishing to develop and explore NDT data fusion further. This book will prove invaluable to inspectors, students and researchers concerned with NDT signal processing measurements and testing. It shows the great value and major benefits which can be achieved by implementing multisensor data fusion, not only in NDT but also in any discipline where measurements and testing are key activities.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) systems can generate incomplete, incorrect or conflicting information about a flaw or a defect. Therefore, the use of more than one NDT system is usually required for accurate defect detection and/or quantification. In addition to a reduction in inspection time, important cost savings could be achieved if a data fusion process is developed to combine signals from multisensor systems for manual and remotely operated inspections. This gathering of data from multiple sources and an efficient processing of information help in decision making, reduce signal uncertainty and increase the overall performance of a non-destructive examination. This book gathers, for the first time, essays from leading NDT experts involved in data fusion. It explores the concept of data fusion by providing a comprehensive review and analysis of the applications of NDT data fusion. This publication concentrates on NDT data fusion for industrial applications and highlights progress and applications in the field of data fusion in areas ranging from materials testing in the aerospace industry to medical applications. Each chapter contains a specific case study with a theoretical part but also presents experimental results from a practical point of view. The book should be considered more as a pragmatic introduction to the applications of NDT data fusion rather than a rigorous basis for theoretical studies.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) systems can generate incomplete, incorrect or conflicting information about a flaw or a defect. Therefore, the use of more than one NDT system is usually required for accurate defect detection and/or quantification. In addition to a reduction in inspection time, important cost savings could be achieved if a data fusion process is developed to combine signals from multisensor systems for manual and remotely operated inspections. This gathering of data from multiple sources and an efficient processing of information help in decision making, reduce signal uncertainty and increase the overall performance of a non-destructive examination. This book gathers, for the first time, essays from leading NDT experts involved in data fusion. It explores the concept of data fusion by providing a comprehensive review and analysis of the applications of NDT data fusion. This publication concentrates on NDT data fusion for industrial applications and highlights progress and applications in the field of data fusion in areas ranging from materials testing in the aerospace industry to medical applications. Each chapter contains a specific case study with a theoretical part but also presents experimental results from a practical point of view. The book should be considered more as a pragmatic introduction to the applications of NDT data fusion rather than a rigorous basis for theoretical studies.

Using MATLAB examples wherever possible, Multi-Sensor Data Fusion with MATLAB explores the three levels of multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF): kinematic-level fusion, including the theory of DF; fuzzy logic and decision fusion; and pixel- and feature-level image fusion. The authors elucidate DF strategies, algorithms, and performance evaluation mainly

The non-destructive evaluation of civil engineering structures in reinforced concrete is becoming an increasingly important issue in this field of engineering. This book proposes innovative ways to deal with this problem, through the characterization of concrete durability indicators by the use of non-destructive techniques. It presents the description of the various non-destructive techniques and their combination for the evaluation of indicators. The processing of data issued from the combination of NDE methods is also illustrated through examples of data fusion methods. The identification of conversion models linking observables, obtained from non-destructive measurements, to concrete durability indicators, as well as the consideration of different sources of variability in the assessment process, are also described. An analysis of in situ applications is carried out in order to highlight the practical aspects of the methodology. At the end of the book the authors provide a methodological guide detailing the proposed non-destructive evaluation methodology of concrete indicators. - Presents the latest developments performed in the community of NDT on different aspects - Provides a methodology developed in laboratory and transferred onsite for the evaluation of concrete properties which are not usually addressed by NDT methods - Includes the use of data fusion for merging the measurements provided by several NDT methods - Includes examples of current and potential applications

Taking another lesson from nature, the latest advances in image processing technology seek to combine image data from several diverse types of sensors in order to obtain a more accurate view of the scene: very much the same as we rely on our five senses. Multi-Sensor Image Fusion and Its Applications is the first text dedicated to the theory and practice of the registration and fusion of image data, covering such approaches as statistical methods, color-related techniques, model-based methods, and visual information display strategies. After a review of state-of-the-art image fusion techniques, the book provides an overview of fusion algorithms and fusion performance evaluation. The following chapters explore recent progress and practical applications of the proposed techniques to solving problems in such areas as medical diagnosis, surveillance and biometric systems, remote sensing, nondestructive evaluation, blurred image restoration, and image quality assessment. Recognized leaders from industry and academia contribute the chapters, reflecting the latest research trends and providing useful algorithms to aid implementation. Supplying a 28-page full-color insert, Multi-Sensor Image Fusion and Its Applications clearly demonstrates the benefits and possibilities of this revolutionary development. It provides a solid knowledge base for applying these cutting-edge techniques to new challenges and creating future advances.

Ultrasonic methods have been very popular in nondestructive testing and characterization of materials. This book deals with both industrial ultrasound and medical ultrasound. The advantages of ultrasound include flexibility, low cost, in-line operation, and providing data in both signal and image formats for further analysis. The book devotes 11 chapters to ultrasonic methods. However, ultrasonic methods can be much less effective with some applications. So the book also has 14 chapters catering to other or advanced methods for nondestructive testing or material characterization. Topics like structural health monitoring, Terahertz methods, X-ray and thermography methods are presented. Besides different sensors for nondestructive testing, the book places much emphasis on signal/image processing and pattern recognition of the signals acquired.