Merging discrete-time signals

Abstract

A method for monitoring a state of a system is provided. The method includes receiving a first sampled signal having a first sampled point sampled at a first sampled rate, and receiving a second sampled signal having a second sampled point sampled at a second sampled rate. Both the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal originate from sensing in a dimension in the same sensing process. The method also includes determining a first displacement in a dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampled point of the first sampled signal, determining a second displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different from the first sampled point, determining a calculated displacement as a function of the first displacement and the second displacement, generating a merged signal including each of the first sampled points and each of the second sampled points shifted based on the calculated displacement, determining whether there is at least a threshold fault indication based on an analysis of the merged signal, and disabling a component or recommending removal of the component in response to determining that there is at least a threshold fault indication.

Description

Background Art 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to signal processing, and more particularly, to the temporal dynamic fusion of signals of different qualities.

[0003] 2. Description of related technologies

[0004] Condition monitoring systems monitor parameters in machinery in order to detect the occurrence of faults. Data collection systems are used to collect sensor measurements of dynamic parameters associated with component systems of machinery. Such parameters may include, for example, temperature, pressure, vibration, and many other types of sensors. The data collection system may not have the sampling, transmission, and / or storage capacity required for a condition monitoring system. The output of the data collection system may be output to a common destination for further fault detection analysis. The common destination may include a recording system that provides output to a fault detection analysis system.

[0005] Two or more data collection systems may operate on a single signal. The outputs of the two or more data collection systems may be sampled at different rates, and / or displaced in time relative to each other, and each has important information that can complement the others. For fault detection analysis, it may be challenging to utilize information output by multiple data collection systems operating on the same signal where the outputs are sampled at different rates and may also be displaced in time.

[0006] While conventional methods and systems have been generally satisfactory for their intended purposes, a need remains in the art for systems and methods that preserve information provided by multiple signals originating from the same source but sampled at different rates before being provided to a fault detection analysis system. Summary of the invention

[0007] The objectives and advantages of the illustrated embodiments described below will be shown in the following description and will be apparent. Other advantages of the illustrated embodiments may be realized and obtained from the devices, systems, and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and the claims thereof, as well as from the accompanying drawings. To achieve the foregoing and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the illustrated embodiments, in one aspect, a method of monitoring a state of a system is provided. The method includes receiving a first sampled signal having first sampled points sampled at a first sampling rate and receiving a second sampled signal having second sampled points sampled at a second sampling rate. Both the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal are sourced from a sensed quantity in the same sensing process. The method further includes determining a first displacement in dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampled point of the first sampled signal, determining a second displacement in dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different from the first sampled point, determining a calculated displacement as a function of the first displacement and the second displacement, generating a combined signal including each of the first sampled points and each of the second sampled points displaced based on the calculated displacement, determining whether there is at least a threshold fault indication based on an analysis of the combined signal, and deactivating a component or recommending removal of a component in response to determining that there is at least a threshold fault indication.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first sampled point may have a corresponding measured value MV1. Determining the first displacement may include selecting a third consecutive sampled point and a fourth consecutive sampled point from a second plurality of sampled points, the third sampled point and the fourth sampled point each having a corresponding measured value MV3 and MV4, respectively, where the condition MV3 ≤ MV1 < MV4 may be satisfied. The method may further include determining a first line having a first slope and a first intercept passing through the third sampled point and the fourth sampled point, determining a first point on the first line having the measured value MV1, and determining the first displacement as a first distance between a first dimensional value DV1 corresponding to the first sampled point and a second dimensional value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

[0009] In an embodiment, the second sampled point may have a corresponding measured value MV1, and determining the second displacement may include selecting a third consecutive sampled point and a fourth consecutive sampled point from a second plurality of sampled points. The third sampled point and the fourth sampled point may each have a corresponding measured value MV3 and MV4, respectively, where the condition MV3 ≤ MV1 < MV4 may be satisfied. The method may further include determining a first line having a first slope and a first intercept passing through the third sampled point and the fourth sampled point, and determining a first point on the first line having the measured value MV1, and determining the second displacement as a first distance between a first dimensional value DV1 corresponding to the first sampled point and a second dimensional value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes selecting the first sampled point and the second sampled point along a ramp-up portion of the first sampled signal.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first sampling point and the second sampling point may not be consecutive sampling points.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first sampling point and the second sampling point may be consecutive sampling points.

[0013] In an embodiment, the method may further include sampling the combined signal to generate a third plurality of sampling points, wherein determining whether at least a threshold fault indication is present is performed by analyzing the third plurality of sampling points.

[0014] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a state monitoring system is provided, the state monitoring system comprising a memory configured to store instructions and a processor arranged in communication with the memory. When executing the instructions, the processor is configured to perform the operation of the method.

[0015] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided in which one or more computer programs are stored. The computer program associated with each layer includes instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer system, cause the processor to perform the operations of the method.

[0016] These and other features of the disclosed systems and methods will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to enable those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains to easily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the present disclosure without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a condition monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 is a graph of a portion of an exemplary sampled signal before merging according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 3 To illustrate an exemplary first shift between sampled signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 The curve diagram shown in;

[0021] Figure 4 To illustrate an exemplary second shift between sampling signals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 The curve diagram shown in;

[0022] Figure 5 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 A graph of a portion of an exemplary merged signal of a sampled signal shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Graphs of different portions of an exemplary merged signal shown in FIG.

[0024] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for merging discrete-time signals sampled at different rates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of determining a displacement for combining discrete-time signals sampled at different rates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system configured to implement a signal consolidation component of a condition monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Reference will now be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not intended to be limiting, Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a condition monitoring (CM) system according to the present disclosure is shown and generally identified by reference numeral 100 . Figures 2 to 9 Methods associated with operation of the CM system 100 according to the present disclosure or aspects thereof are provided as will be described below.The systems and methods described herein may be performed in real time, prior to recording to a recording system, or offline on data recorded by a recording system.

[0028] CM system 100 includes a signal merging component 108 and an analysis component 110 that operate on outputs from a data collection (DC) system 101 to merge multiple signals that are different versions of the same source signal.

[0029] The data collection (DC) system 101 includes one or more sensors 105 deployed about the monitored target system component 103, two or more DC subsystems (such as, a first DC subsystem 102 and a second DC subsystem 104), and a recording system 106. The sensor 105 outputs a signal representing a measurement value of a physical property. The DC first subsystem 102 and the second subsystem 104 process and calculate the information in the signal, and the recording system 106 stores the output of the DC subsystem. Other sensors, DC subsystems, and recording systems may be included in the data collection system 101.

[0030] The target system component 103 may be, for example, a component of an electrical system, a temperature control system, a hydraulic system, an engine system of a mobile or stationary system such as an aircraft, an automobile, a power plant, etc. The sensor 105 senses a physical property such as linear velocity, rotational velocity, temperature, vibration, pressure, etc. The sensor outputs a dynamic signal having an amplitude relative to a dimension. The dimension may be, for example, time, distance, etc. along the x, y, or z axis of a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0031] Some data collection systems (such as traditional data collection systems) are not designed to support the application of condition monitoring systems, such as diagnostic and health management (PHM) algorithms. The signals output by such data collection systems may not be sampled, such as due to sampling, transmission and / or storage limitations, and therefore may not be sufficient for the performance of condition monitoring.

[0032] In the example shown, the first CM subsystem 102 and the second CM subsystem 104 each have their own tasks to perform on the component sensing signals and may also have their own sampling requirements. The sampling performed by the first CM subsystem 102 and the second CM subsystem 104 may not be sufficient for the performance of condition monitoring, however, the merged signal output by the signal merging component 108 based on the sampling performed by the first CM subsystem 102 and the second CM subsystem 104 may have a significantly increased sampling rate.

[0033] The challenges posed by the data collection system 101 are now described in more detail. The first DC subsystem and the second DC subsystem 102 can each sample, operate, and / or publish the signals received by them. In the illustrated example, the first DC subsystem 102 receives a component sensing signal output by one of the sensors 105. The first DC subsystem 102 samples the component sensing signal at a first rate SR1 to obtain a first sampling point, transmits the first sampling point sampled at the first rate SR1 to the second DC subsystem 102, and publishes (or otherwise communicates) a second sampling point obtained by sampling the first sampling point at a second rate SR2. The recording system 106 receives the published second sampling point.

[0034] The second DC subsystem 104 receives the first sampling point from the first DC subsystem 102 and publishes (or otherwise communicates to the recording system 106) a third sampling point resampled from the first sampling point at a third rate SR3. The third sampling point may be shifted (meaning delayed) relative to the first sampling point and / or the second sampling point, such as due to a transmission processing delay. The delay may vary in dimension (e.g., time). The recording system 106 receives the first sampling point and the third sampling point, which are two versions of the same signal (i.e., the component sensing signal).

[0035] In an embodiment, at least two of the sampling rates SR1, SR2, SR3 are different rates. In an embodiment, SR2≤SR1, and SR3≤SR1. In addition, in an embodiment, SR2 and SR3 are not equal to each other. In an embodiment, SR1, SR2, and SR3 are different rates. In an embodiment, SR2=SR3, but the signal output by the second DC subsystem 104 is delayed relative to the signal output by the first DC subsystem 102.

[0036] CM system 100 receives data collected by data collection system 101 monitoring dynamic parameters in one or more target system components 103. CM system analyzes the output of data collection system 101 to detect the occurrence of a fault.

[0037] This merged signal may be processed by, for example, health analysis component 110 to perform condition monitoring. Health analysis component 110 may use the merged signal to perform condition monitoring and determine when there is a fault indication associated with a particular component 103. Intervention may be provided to the particular component, such as removing component 103 and / or repairing component 103.

[0038] In the example, the monitored target system component 103 is a cabin air compressor of a cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS). The sensor 105 is a speed sensor for sensing motor speed. The component sensing signal is a motor speed signal. The first DC subsystem 102 is a common motor starter controller (CMSC), which samples the motor speed signal transmitted to the second DC subsystem 104 at a first rate SR1 (e.g., 100 Hz). The CMSC also samples and publishes the motor speed signal at a second rate SR2 (e.g., 1 Hz). The second DC subsystem 104 is a pack control unit (PCU), which resamples the sampled motor speed signal at a third rate SR3 (e.g., 1 Hz), thereby causing the resampled motor speed signal published by it to be further delayed. The recording system 106 is an aircraft parameter data recorder, which records the published motor speed signal sampled at the second rate SR2 and at the third rate SR3. The recorded signals are all derived from the motor speed signal output by the speed sensor.

[0039] Figure 2A graph 200 is shown of a primary sampled signal p 202 and a secondary sampled signal q 204 output by the first DC subsystem 102 before merging. The primary sampled signal p 202 represents the output from the first DC subsystem 102, and the secondary sampled signal q 204 represents the output from the second DC subsystem 104, each being a graph of a measured value versus a dimension. In the example shown, the value is CAC speed (rpm), and the dimension is shown as an index of a sample associated with a time dimension.

[0040] The primary sampled signal 202 and the secondary sampled signal 204 are similar to each other, wherein the secondary sampled signal 204 is lagged relative to the primary sampled signal 202. The primary sampled signal 202 and the secondary sampled signal 204 are substantially equal to each other at the beginning and end of the figure (indexes 8-13 and 20-24). During the ramp-up (indexes 13-18) phase, the primary sampled signal 202 and the secondary sampled signal 204 are relatively linear and parallel, and the lag of the secondary sampled signal 204 relative to the primary sampled signal 202 is significant. The purpose of the present disclosure is to shift the sampling points of the secondary sampled signal 204 to the left so that the secondary sampled signal 204 is aligned with the primary sampled signal 202, and then combine the sampling points of both the primary signal sampling 202 and the secondary signal sampling 204 into a merged signal (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0041] Figure 3 Graph 300 is shown as an enlarged version of a portion of the ramp-up phase of graph 200. Indices 15-17 are labeled t_15-t_17, each index representing an increment of time, for example, one second. A first displacement 316 is determined between the primary sampled signal p 202 and the secondary sampled signal q 204 at an index associated with the time dimension. The first displacement 316 is determined at a selected first sampling point 304 (p_i sampled at T_15) of the primary sampled signal p 202, where i is the index (time increment), the sampling point p_i corresponds to the signal value at index i, and t_i is the time at index i. Then, a second displacement 324 is determined at a selected second sampling point 306 (p_i+1) of the primary sampled signal p 202.

[0042] exist Figure 4In this case, the second sampling point 306 is shown as the next successive point to the first sampling point 304 in this example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a particular second sampling point. The second sampling point 306 can be selected as the previous sampling point p_i−1, or can be spaced far apart from the first sampling point 304, such as, at p_i + n or p_i − n. It is required that the first sampling point 304 and the second sampling point 306 are each spaced apart from one another and are located on the ramp-up phase of a primary sampling signal p202. Additionally, it is also required that the sampling points of the secondary sampling signal q204 are located at values on its ramp-up phase that are higher than the value of the first point 304 and lower than the value of the second point 306.

[0043] Both the first sampling point 304 and the second sampling point 306 are selected to be located on the ramp-up phase of the primary sampling signal p202 and enable points on the ramp-up portion of the secondary sampling signal q204 that can be used to determine the first displacement and the second displacement to be selected. Exemplary methods for selecting the first sampling point 304 and the second sampling point 306 are described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this particular method. In the example shown, the first sampling point is selected as a value greater than the value of the threshold 302. The threshold 302 is selected to intersect at the ramp-up phases of both the primary signal 202 and the secondary signal 204. This method requires that the primary signal 202 and the secondary signal 204 have periods or phases that vary in a substantially linear manner. In the example shown, the first point p_i 304 is p_15, which has a measured value MV1, and the second point p_i+1 306 is p_16, which has a measured value MV2.

[0044] Next, the third successive sampling point 308 and the fourth successive sampling point 310 of the secondary sampling signal q204 are selected to have respective corresponding measured values MV3 and MV4, where MV3 ≤ MV1 < MV4. In the example shown, the third sampling point is q_15 and the fourth sampling point is q_16. A first line 312 passing through the third sampling point 308 and the fourth sampling point 310 is determined, and the slope and intercept of the first line 312 are determined. A first point 314 having a measured value MV1 on the first line 312 is determined. The first displacement 316 is determined as the distance between a first dimension value DV1 corresponding to the first sampling point 304 and a second dimension value DV2 corresponding to the first point 314. In the example shown, DV1 = t_15. This first displacement 316 is the index difference (representing a time difference) between the primary sampling signal p202 and the secondary sampling signal q204 in the region of the third sampling point 308 and the fourth sampling point 310 such that the first displacement 316 applied to the secondary sampling signal q204 will be aligned with the first sampling signal p202 at the first sampling point 304.

[0045] As Figure 4As shown, the second displacement 324 is determined. The fifth sampling point 318 consecutive to the fourth sampling point 310 is selected on the decimated signal q204. In the example shown, the fifth sampling point 318 is q_17 and has a measured value MV5, where MV4 ≤ MV2 < MV5. The second line 320 passing through the fourth sampling point 310 and the fifth sampling point 318 is determined, and the slope and intercept of the second line 320 are determined. The second point 322 having the measured value MV2 and the dimension value DV4 on the second line 320 is determined. The second displacement 324 is determined as the distance between the first dimension value DV3 corresponding to the first sampling point 306 and the second dimension value DV4 corresponding to the second point 322. In the example shown, DV3 = t_16. This second displacement 324 is the index difference (representing a time difference) between the primary sampling signal p202 and the decimated signal q204 in the region of the fourth sampling point 310 and the fifth sampling point 318, such that applying the second displacement 324 to the decimated signal q204 will align it with the first sampling signal p202 at the second sampling point 306.

[0046] Apply a function to the first displacement 316 and the second displacement 324 to obtain the calculated displacement, such as taking the average of the first displacement and the second displacement 324. Other exemplary methods of combining the first displacement 316 and the second displacement 324 are to apply functions such as taking the minimum, maximum, or square root sum function. By applying the calculated displacement to displace the dimension value (corresponding to time) of each sampling point, the decimated signal q204 is adjusted. In the example shown, the calculated displacement is applied by subtracting the calculated displacement from the dimension value of each sampling point of the decimated signal q204.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 , curve 500 shows a portion of the combined signal 502 including the first sampling point 302 and the second sampling point 304 of the primary sampling signal p202, and the displaced third sampling point 308, displaced fourth sampling point 310, and displaced fifth sampling point 318 of the sampling signal q204, with all the sampling points grouped together and sorted by their time values.

[0048] Reference Figure 6 , curve 600 shows the combined signal 502 with more sampling points and displaced sampling points, including a complete ramp-up portion and a non-ramp-up portion. The combined signal 502 is a higher-fidelity signal, due to an effective sampling rate higher than either the primary sampling signal p202 or the decimated signal q204, and the combined signal 502 has a curve with better resolution. Although the sampling points and the displaced sampling points are not uniformly distributed in time, this can be addressed by resampling the combined curve at a fixed rate.

[0049] The health analysis component 110 analyzes the merged signal 502 to detect the occurrence of a fault in the monitored component. The health analysis component 110 may analyze the merged signal 502 to estimate the characteristics of the component sensing signal, such as by determining the area under the curve of the merged signal 502. Other examples of characteristics that can be derived from the merged signal are the area under the selected portion of the curve, and the slope of the linear portion. The higher fidelity merged signal 502 enables the health analysis component 110 to achieve higher accuracy for estimating such characteristics and identifying the occurrence of faults. When a fault is detected, the health analysis component 110 issues a fault indication, at which time the monitored component or target system is disabled, or the component is recommended for maintenance, which may include disabling the component and / or removing the component from the target system where the component is located or disabling the target system. Recommending maintenance may include performing actions that cause the component to be tested, disabled, removed and / or replaced. Actions may be applied to the component or target system or a system external to the target system.

[0050] exist Figures 2 to 6 In the illustrated example, the primary signal 202 and the secondary signal 204 are sampled at the same time, however the present disclosure is not limited to such concurrent sampling. Regardless of whether the sampling is concurrent or not, the algorithm accurately describes the function.

[0051] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , which shows a flowchart demonstrating the specific implementation of various exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that it is not required Figure 7 and Figure 8 The order of operations shown in the , various operations may not be performed in the order illustrated or may be performed in parallel. Moreover, some operations may be skipped, different operations may be added or replaced, or selected operations or groups of operations may be performed in independent applications following the embodiments described herein.

[0052] Figure 7 A flowchart 700 illustrating an exemplary method according to an embodiment is shown. The method may be performed by a CM system, such as, Figure 1 . In operation 702, a first sampled signal is received. The first sampled signal has a first plurality of sampled points sampled at a first sampling rate. Each first sampled point has an associated measurement value and a dimension value. In operation 704, a second sampled signal is received. The second sampled signal has a second plurality of sampled points sampled at a second sampling rate, each of the second sampled points having an associated measurement value and a dimension value. The first sampled signal and the second sampled signal originate from the same process of a sensing component. In operation 706, a first displacement in a dimension (e.g., time) between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampling point of the first sampled signal is determined. In operation 708, a second displacement in a dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a different second sampling point of the first sampled signal is determined.

[0053] At operation 710, a calculated displacement that is a function of a first displacement and a second displacement is determined. At operation 712, a combined signal is generated that includes each of a first plurality of sample points and each of a second plurality of sample points displaced based on the calculated displacement. At operation 714, it is determined whether there is at least a threshold fault indication based on an analysis of the combined signal. This determination is performed by analyzing the combined signal, and the determination may include estimating characteristics of a component sensing signal based on characteristics of the combined signal. Characteristics of the combined signal may be compared to a threshold. If the determination is NO, meaning that at operation 714 it is determined that there is no threshold fault indication, the method may return to operation 702 to process sampled signals associated with other monitoring, such as monitoring other components. If the determination is YES, meaning that at operation 714 it is determined that there is at least a threshold fault indication, the component is deactivated or removal of the component is recommended. The method may continue at operation 702.

[0054] Figure 8 Flowchart 800 illustrates an exemplary method performed by a signal processing system in accordance with an embodiment. At operation 802, a third consecutive sample point and a fourth consecutive sample point among a second plurality of sample points are selected. The third sample point and the fourth sample point each have a corresponding measured value MV3 and MV4, where MV3 ≤ MV1 < MV4. At operation 804, a first line passing through the third sample point and the fourth sample point is determined. The first line has a first slope and a first intercept. At operation 806, a first point on the first line is determined. The first point has a measured value MV1. At operation 808, a first displacement is determined as a first distance between a first dimension value DV1 corresponding to the first sample point and a second dimension value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

[0055] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block.

[0056] The computer program instructions which may direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to act in a particular manner may be stored in a computer-readable medium, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block.

[0057] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other apparatus to cause a series of operable operations to be performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other apparatus to produce a computer-implemented method, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide a method for implementing the functions / behaviors specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0058] Embodiments of the signal merging component 108 may be implemented or executed by one or more computer systems, such as, Fig. 9 902. Each computer system 902 can implement the signal merging component 108 or multiple instances thereof. In various embodiments, the computer system 902 can include a server, a mainframe computer system, a workstation, a network computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc., and / or include one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, etc.

[0059] The computer system 902 is only one example of a suitable system and is not intended to suggest any limitation on the use or functionality of the disclosed embodiments described herein. Regardless, the computer system 902 is capable of implementing and / or performing any of the functions shown above.

[0060] The computer system 902 can be described in the basic context of computer system-executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by the computer system. Generally, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. The computer system 902 can be practiced in a distributed data processing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network. In a distributed data processing environment, program modules can be located in local and remote computer system memory storage media (including memory storage devices).

[0061] Fig. 9A computer system 902 is shown in the form of a general purpose computing device. Components of the computer system 902 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 916, a system memory 928, and a bus 918 coupling various system components including the system memory 928 to the processor 916. The bus 918 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0062] Computer system 902 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media can be any available media that can be accessed by signal merging component 108, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0063] The system memory 928 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 930 and / or cache memory 932. The computer system 902 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, a storage system 934 may be provided for reading and writing to the medium from a non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown and generally referred to as a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a disk drive for reading and writing to the disk from a removable, non-volatile disk and an optical drive for reading and writing to the optical disk from a removable, non-volatile optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media) may be provided. In such examples, each may be connected to the bus 918 via one or more data media interfaces. As will be further described and described below, the memory 928 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules, which are configured to implement the functions of the disclosed embodiments.

[0064] A program / utility 940 having a set (at least one) of program modules 915 (such as for respectively executing Figure 7 and Figure 8700 and 800 shown in FIG. 1 ) may be stored in memory 928 (by way of example and not limitation), as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a network environment. Program modules 915 generally implement the functions and / or methods of the disclosed embodiments as described herein.

[0065] The computer system 902 may also communicate with one or more external devices 914, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 924, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer system 902; and / or any device that enables the signal merging component 108 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., a network card, a modem, etc.). Such communication may occur via an input / output (I / O) interface 922. In addition, the computer system 902 may communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter 920. As depicted, the network adapter 920 communicates with other components of the signal merging component 108 via a bus 918. It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used with the computer system 902. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archive storage systems, etc.

[0066] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible specific implementation architectures, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment or code portion including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in the box may not appear in the order mentioned in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed roughly at the same time, or these boxes can sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box illustrated in the block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by a system based on special-purpose hardware, and the system performs a specified function or behavior, or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0067] The description of various embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for illustrative purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements to technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0068] The disclosed method provides a possible advantage in the ability to process enhanced signals and / or signals from disparate data collection systems with sensors that use the strength of each of the available signals to produce one or more fused signals and / or signals output by different data collection systems while minimizing weaknesses in such signals. The method can be used for one, two, or more data collection systems. The fused signal is dynamic with respect to time because the signals are evaluated and fused cycle by cycle. The above method can be applied to stream synchronized signals that are fused in time.

[0069] The technology described herein is exemplary and should not be construed as implying any specific limitations of certain illustrated embodiments. It should be understood that various substitutions, combinations, and modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the operations associated with the methods described herein may be performed in any order unless the operations themselves are otherwise specified or indicated. This disclosure is intended to encompass all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0070] The terms “comprises” or “comprising” are interpreted as specifying the presence of stated features, integers, operations or components, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features, integers, operations or components or groups thereof.

[0071] Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with respect to the above disclosed embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of certain illustrated embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the status of a system, the method comprising: receiving a first sampled signal having a first plurality of sampled points, the first sampled signal originating from a process dimensionally sensing a component of a system, the first sampled signal being sampled at a first sampling rate, and each first sampled point having an associated measurement value and a dimensionally value; receiving a second sampled signal having a second plurality of sampled points, the second sampled signal originating from the same sensing process and sampled at a second sampling rate, the second plurality of sampled points each having an associated measurement value and dimensioned value; determining a first displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampling point of the first sampled signal; determining a second displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different from the first sampled point; determining the calculated displacement as a function of the first displacement and the second displacement; generating a merged signal including each of the first plurality of sampling points and each of the second plurality of sampling points shifted based on the calculated shift; determining whether at least a threshold fault indication exists based on an analysis of the combined signal; as well as The component is disabled or removal of the component is recommended in response to determining that at least a threshold fault indication is present.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV1, and determining the first displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV3 and MV4, where MV3≤MV1 <MV4; determining a first line having a first slope and a first intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; Determine a first point on the first line having a measurement value MV1; as well as The first displacement is determined as a first distance between a first dimensional value DV1 corresponding to the first sampling point and a second dimensional value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV2 and a dimension DV3, and determining the second displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV4 and MV5, where MV4≤MV2 <MV5; determining a second line having a second slope and a second intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; determining a second point on the second line having a measurement value MV2; as well as The second displacement is determined as a second distance between a second dimensional value DV3 corresponding to the second sampling point and a second dimensional value DV4 corresponding to the second point. 4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising selecting the first sampling point and the second sampling point along a ramp-up portion of the first sampling signal. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first sampling point and the second sampling point are not consecutive sampling points. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first sampling point and the second sampling point are consecutive sampling points.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising sampling the combined signal to generate a third plurality of sampling points, wherein determining whether at least the threshold fault indication is present is performed by analyzing the third plurality of sampling points.

8. A condition monitoring system, comprising: a memory configured to store instructions; a processor arranged in communication with the memory, wherein: When executing the instructions, the processor is configured to: receiving a first sampled signal having a first plurality of sampled points, the first sampled signal originating from a process dimensionally sensing a component of a system, the first sampled signal being sampled at a first sampling rate, and each first sampled point having an associated measurement value and a dimensionally value; receiving a second sampled signal having a second plurality of sampled points, the second sampled signal originating from the same sensing process and sampled at a second sampling rate, the second plurality of sampled points each having an associated measurement value and dimensioned value; determining a first displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampling point of the first sampled signal; determining a second displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different from the first sampled point; determining the calculated displacement as a function of the first displacement and the second displacement; generating a merged signal including each of the first plurality of sampling points and each of the second plurality of sampling points shifted based on the calculated shift; determining whether at least a threshold fault indication exists based on an analysis of the combined signal; and In response to determining that at least a threshold fault indication is present, an action is performed to disable or remove the component.

9. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the first sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV1, and determining the first displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV3 and MV4, where MV3≤MV1 <MV4; determining a first line having a first slope and a first intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; Determine a first point on the first line having a measurement value MV1; as well as The first displacement is determined as a first distance between a first dimensional value DV1 corresponding to the first sampling point and a second dimensional value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

10. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the second sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV2 and dimension DV3, and determining the second displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV4 and MV5, where MV4≤MV2 <MV5; determining a second line having a second slope and a second intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; determining a second point on the second line having a measurement value MV2; as well as The second displacement is determined as a second distance between a second dimensional value DV3 corresponding to the second sampling point and a second dimensional value DV4 corresponding to the second point.

11. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to select the first sampling point and the second sampling point along a ramp-up portion of the first sampling signal when executing the instructions.

12. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the first sampling point and the second sampling point are not consecutive.

13. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the first sampling point and the second sampling point are continuous.

14. The condition monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the processor, when executing the instructions, is further configured to sample the combined signal to generate a third plurality of sampling points, wherein determining whether at least the threshold fault indication is present is performed by analyzing the third plurality of sampling points.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having one or more computer programs stored therein, the computer programs comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of a computer system, cause the processor to: receiving a first sampled signal having a first plurality of sampled points, the first sampled signal originating from a process dimensionally sensing a component of a system, the first sampled signal being sampled at a first sampling rate, and each first sampled point having an associated measurement value and a dimensionally value; receiving a second sampled signal having a second plurality of sampled points, the second sampled signal originating from the same sensing process and sampled at a second sampling rate, the second plurality of sampled points each having an associated measurement value and dimensioned value; determining a first displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a first sampling point of the first sampled signal; determining a second displacement in the dimension between the first sampled signal and the second sampled signal at a second sampled point of the first sampled signal, the second sampled point being different from the first sampled point; determining the calculated displacement as a function of the first displacement and the second displacement; generating a merged signal including each of the first plurality of sampling points and each of the second plurality of sampling points shifted based on the calculated shift; determining whether at least a threshold fault indication exists based on an analysis of the combined signal; as well as In response to determining that at least a threshold fault indication is present, an action is performed to disable or remove the component.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the first sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV1, and determining the first displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV3 and MV4, where MV3≤MV1 <MV4; determining a first line having a first slope and a first intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; Determine a first point on the first line having a measurement value MV1; as well as The first displacement is determined as a first distance between a first dimensional value DV1 corresponding to the first sampling point and a second dimensional value DV2 corresponding to the first point.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the second sampling point has a corresponding measurement value MV2 and dimension DV3, and determining the second displacement comprises: Select a third consecutive sampling point and a fourth consecutive sampling point from the second plurality of sampling points, the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point each having a corresponding measurement value MV4 and MV5, where MV4≤MV2 <MV5; determining a second line having a second slope and a second intercept passing through the third sampling point and the fourth sampling point; determining a second point on the second line having a measurement value MV2; as well as The second displacement is determined as a second distance between a second dimensional value DV3 corresponding to the second sampling point and a second dimensional value DV4 corresponding to the second point.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to select the first sampling point and the second sampling point along a ramp-up portion of the first sampling signal.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the first sampling point and the second sampling point are consecutive.

20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to sample the combined signal to generate a third plurality of sampling points, wherein determining whether at least the threshold fault indication is present is performed by analyzing the third plurality of sampling points.

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