Contamination Source Detection with Fuzzy Sensors Data

This paper presents the development and implementation of a contamination source detection model for three types of sensors: (1) perfect sensors providing accurate unbiased contamination concentration measurements; (2) sensors transmitting fuzzy measured information (e.g., high, medium, low contamination); and (3) `0–1' (Boolean) sensors indicating only a contamination presence. A comparison between the three types of sensors is explored taking into consideration the systems response time (i.e., the time elapsed between a contaminant detection and a decision maker response decision). The model capabilities are demonstrated using a representative example application showing the tradeoffs between the sensor types and the abilities to receive unique solutions to the source detection problem.