A device (1)(2) and method to monitor, in real time, one or more variables by an at least 2500 hour water proof sensor /
transmitter, not requiring recharge, placed at the source where data are automatically collected and transmitted by wire or
wireless means (2A)(2B) to a battery-free computer-powered (2C)
receiver connected to a computer, where
software continuously analyzes and charts the data. The
software auto and cross correlates the variables, continuously updates and displays the data on simple aggregate charts (4A) or decomposes the data and displays them on newly created common cause charts (4B)(4C) of internal systematically related effects and newly created special cause charts (4D)(4E) of external random unrelated effects, including
summary data, and creates graduated progressive sound, color, print and
world wide, fax, email and telephone alarm signals when the chart values exceed user specified limits, either in terms of actual units (4B)(4D) or standard deviations (4C)(4E), or when any particular pattern occurs. The device helps determine ahead of time, when the source of the monitored variables is functioning abnormally. Advance warning thus obtained, is used to initiate corrective action (3A)(3B)(3C)(3D) so as to prevent failure at the source that is generating the variables. Examples of failure that it helps prevent include but are not limited to, sudden infant death due to sudden infant death syndrome in human babies, heart or
respiratory failure in any
human being who is either at rest or moving around within a specified area, failure in industrial machines or
measuring equipment, manufacturing defects and financial irregularities.