A virtual reality environment for multi-sensor data integration

Virtual reality (VR) has typically found applications in industrial design, rapid prototyping and advanced scientific visualization. In this paper, we investigate the use of VR for multi-sensor data integration. We attempt to demonstrate that multiple data types-graphical, functional and measurement can be effectively combined inside of a VR environment. This platform allows the user to rapidly sift through large and complex data sets and isolate features of interest. Furthermore, VR environments can be made to evolve based on system data and user input-this provides the ability to develop scenarios that can be used to make informed decisions. Results demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach are shown using the example of multi-sensor gas transmission pipeline inspection. This work is supported in part by the National Science Foundation award #0216348.