US 6,073,089 A · Systems and methods for adaptive profiling, fault detection, and alert generation in a changing environment which is measurable by at least two different measures of state

Abstract

Systems and methods for detecting changes, and in particular faults, in a changing environment include constructing a profile of the environment using observations made during no fault conditions. A range of values for one or more "trusted" variables are identified as values indicative of a no fault condition. Data is also collected (only at times when the trusted variable(s) indicate(s) no fault) for other variables which may be indicative of a fault condition. Statistical profiles are established for each of these other variables. The environment is continuously monitored and the normal profile, as well as the thresholds/ranges, are preferably continuously updated during normal conditions, as indicated by the trusted variable(s). When, during monitoring of the environment, the trusted variable(s) exhibit value(s) outside the normal range, a possible fault condition is indicated and the present values of the other variables are examined to determine whether or not any of these variables exhibit values outside the normal profiled thresholds/ranges. Depending on which of these variables exhibits an abnormal value, a diagnosis of the fault may be possible. A method for determining the accuracy of trusted and fault variables is also disclosed.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for detecting a first state of an environment which is measurable by at least two different measures of state, said method comprising:

a) identifying a first measure of the state of the environment, the first measure being capable of indicating that the environment is not in the first state;
b) identifying a second measure of the state of the environment, the second measure being capable of indicating that the environment is in the first state;
c) building a profile over time of values of the second measure using samples taken only when values of the first measure indicates that the environment is not in the first state;
and
d) monitoring the environment over time to determine whether values of the second measure deviate from the profile.

2 more elements

A system for detecting a first state of an environment which is measurable by at least two different measures of state, said system comprising:

a) database means for storing a value range of a first measure of the state of the environment, said value range of the first measure being indicative that the environment is not in the first state, and said database means for storing a profile of values of a second measure, said values of the second measure having been sampled only when values of the first measure indicate that the environment is not in the first state;
b) monitoring means for repeatedly sampling values of the second measure;
c) comparator means for comparing sampled values of the second measure to said profile of values of the second measure to determine whether a sampled value of the second measure deviates from said profile of values of the second measure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for adaptive profiling, fault detection, and alert generation in a changing environment which is measurable by at least two different measures of state

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for adaptive profiling, fault detection, and alert generation in a changing environment which is measurable by at least two different measures of state

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20