Machine State Visualization With Interactive Trend Overlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring complex machines with multiple moving and vibrating parts is challenging due to the difficulty in visually presenting operational information and identifying undesired behaviors from trend data over time.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) that overlays interactive graphical objects representing machine operating states on plots of operating parameters, allowing users to interact with these objects to expand and overlay specific time periods for enhanced context and understanding of machine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operational information is presented using traditional monitoring systems with multiple separate displays, then complete information is provided, but visual complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple operational parameters (temperature, pressure, vibration) and operating states into a single integrated graphical display. The time-series graph merges parameter trends with state indicators, allowing operators to view all operational information in one unified visualization rather than multiple separate displays, thereby maintaining information completeness while improving visual clarity and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension by displaying operational parameters as time-series data with trend lines. Operating states are represented as overlaid indicators on the time axis, creating a multi-dimensional visualization that shows both parameter values and state transitions over time within a single graph, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and visual simplicity
2Measurement precision
If detailed trend data is displayed for all operating parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into distinct visual layers: the base time-series graph shows parameter trends with detailed data points, while operating states are represented as separate overlaid indicators. This segmentation allows detailed trend data to be displayed without overwhelming the interface, as each element has its own visual representation layer that can be independently understood
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual overlays as an intermediary mechanism to connect detailed parameter data with operating states. The overlaid state indicators act as mediators that translate complex multi-parameter conditions into simple, intuitive visual markers on the graph, maintaining measurement precision while reducing the perceived interface complexity
3Reliability
If multiple operating parameters are monitored simultaneously, then reliability of monitoring is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating parameters into a single coordinated graphical display system. All parameters (temperature, pressure, vibration) are plotted on the same time axis with synchronized scaling, allowing operators to monitor multiple parameters simultaneously with improved reliability while reducing analysis difficulty through unified visual presentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-coded visual indicators to represent different operating states and parameter conditions. Color changes provide immediate visual cues about system status, making it easier to detect and measure parameter relationships across multiple monitored variables, thereby reducing analysis difficulty while maintaining comprehensive monitoring reliability
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a method includes receiving data characterizing an operating parameter of a machine, a time period of detection of the operating parameter, and one or more operating states associated with the machine. The method also includes rendering, in a graphical user interface (GUI) display space, a graph including a plot of the received data characterizing the operating parameter. A first axis of the graph is indicative of the time period and a second axis of the graph is indicative of the operating parameter. The method further includes receiving data characterizing user interaction with a first interactive graphical object located in the GUI display space. The first interactive graphical object indicative of a first operating state of the machine over a first sub-period of the time period. The method further includes replacing the first interactive graphical object with a first expanded interactive graphical object. The first expanded interactive graphical object overlays a first portion of the plot of the operating parameter detected during the first sub-period.