Feature Relevance Modeling for Early Operating State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring systems for industrial equipment struggle to predict and detect changes in normal operational behavior, especially due to wear and maintenance, using threshold-based methods, which are costly and time-consuming, and fail to provide early detection of abnormal states.

Innovation Solution

The use of machine-learning models to generate feature relevance data, which estimates the contribution of input values to predicted values, allowing for the characterization of operating states and providing earlier detection of abnormal states through aggregation of feature relevance values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threshold-based monitoring is used, then the system is simple to implement, but it generates alerts only after problems already exist and cannot detect gradual changes in normal behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the monitoring approach by changing from fixed threshold parameters to dynamic baseline parameters that adapt to gradual equipment degradation. The system continuously updates baseline values based on historical data, allowing detection of deviations from normal behavior patterns rather than comparing against static thresholds. This enables reliable detection of abnormal states while maintaining system simplicity through automated parameter adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If machine-learning models are used to predict future operation, then early detection of abnormal states is enabled, but the time and expense to establish and confirm prediction rules increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveearly detection capabilityVSAvoidrule establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated baseline generation and update mechanisms. The system automatically learns normal operation patterns from historical data and continuously refines its own prediction rules without requiring manual expert intervention. This self-learning capability enables early detection of abnormal states while eliminating the time-consuming process of manual rule establishment and confirmation, as the system autonomously adapts to equipment degradation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional monitoring rules are used, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot adapt to changes in normal behavior due to wear or maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebehavior adaptationVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a living baseline that continuously adapts to changing equipment behavior. Instead of static rules, the system dynamically updates baseline values based on ongoing operation data, automatically adjusting to gradual wear patterns and post-maintenance states. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation through automated processes while achieving high adaptability to behavioral changes, eliminating the need for manual rule updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240345550A1Operating state characterization based on feature relevance
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 AVATHON INC
  • US20240345550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345550A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345550A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes providing input data to one or more machine-learning models to generate output data. The input data includes an input value for each of N features associated, and the output data includes a predicted value of each of M features. The method further includes determining M sets of feature relevance values including a set of feature relevance values for each of the M predicted values. A particular set of feature relevance values is associated with a particular predicted value, and each feature relevance value of the particular set of feature relevance values represents an estimate of a contribution of a respective one of the N input values to the particular predicted value. The method also includes aggregating feature relevance values to generate N aggregate feature relevance values and characterizing the operating state of the monitored asset based on the N aggregate feature relevance values.