SBIR Phase I: A Novel Solution for Sensor Degradation Detection in Information Technology Systems

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I research project focuses on techniques to enhance the reliability and performance of sensor networks. Incipient sensor degradation can lead to inaccurate diagnostic results and ineffective control actions in an Information Technology (IT) system. This research proposes to establish the feasibility whether sensor degradation algorithms using analytical redundancy approach, can be integrated with model-based monitoring methodologies. Specifically, the proposed research will be based on the following techniques: 1) detecting sensor degradation in a monitored system; and 2) model-based system monitoring, diagnosis and prognosis. This project will impact the maximizing of the life of sensor-based device and applications, thus providing better maintenance support through the diagnosis of sensor failures. Specifically, the proposed integrated software will fill the gap between many existing distributed sensor networks within IT infrastructure and machine level operations. The work will provide a solution to significantly enhance information technology infrastructures by adaptively detecting system fault and sensor degradation.