Virtual sensor network (VSN) system and method

A method is used for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine. The method may include providing a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The method may also include integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. Further, the method may include determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.