Graphical Data Analyzer Configuration for Machine Train Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data analyzers require complex software configurations, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for non-English speakers, limiting their usability and accuracy in diagnostic testing.

Innovation Solution

A data analyzer configuration tool with a graphical user interface that allows users to intuitively configure the data analyzer and machine using drag-and-drop functionality, generating a configuration file for diagnostic tests, independent of language, facilitating quick and accurate setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex computer software is used for data analyzer configuration, then the functionality and diagnostic capability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses graphical icons that visually represent physical machine components and data analyzer elements. Instead of requiring users to understand complex software terminology, the interface copies the visual appearance of actual equipment components, allowing users to configure the system by dragging and dropping visual representations that match the physical setup, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining full diagnostic functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a visual configuration interface as an intermediary between the user and the complex diagnostic software. This intermediary layer uses drag-and-drop graphical elements to mediate the configuration process, translating simple visual selections into the complex software commands needed for accurate diagnostic testing, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing diagnostic capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If detailed English-language descriptions are used for configuration, then the precision of configuration definition is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for non-English speakers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidlanguage accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces text-based English descriptions with visual graphical icons that represent machine components and data analyzer elements. These icons visually copy the appearance and characteristics of the actual equipment, allowing configuration to be performed through visual recognition rather than language comprehension, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while eliminating language barriers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the linguistic system (English-language descriptions) with a visual system (graphical icons and images). This replacement uses visual perception and spatial arrangement instead of language processing, allowing users of any language background to accurately configure the system by matching visual representations to physical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If complex configuration definitions are required before diagnostic testing, then the measurement precision of diagnostic results is improved, but the loss of time during setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides pre-configured graphical templates and default settings for common machine configurations. Users can quickly set up diagnostic testing by selecting from pre-prepared visual templates that automatically configure the appropriate parameters, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while significantly reducing the time required for configuration setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual drag-and-drop copying of graphical elements to quickly replicate standard configurations. Users can copy proven configuration templates and visually adapt them to specific machines, maintaining measurement precision through template validation while reducing setup time through visual replication rather than manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2939125B1Methods and apparatus for configuring a data analyzer
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2939125B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for configuring a data analyzer is provided. The method comprises displaying a graphical representation of at least a portion of the data analyzer. A data analyzer configuration for the data analyzer is then generated using a user input interface coupled to the presentation interface and the processor. The presentation interface then displays to the user a plurality of selectable machine train components. The method also comprises generating, using the user input interface, an interactive graphical representation of a machine train including at least one of the selectable machine train components. A configuration file is generated based on the data analyzer configuration and the graphical representation of the machine train. The configuration file facilitates diagnosing operation of the machine train using the data analyzer.