Multi-Stage Measurement Data Analysis with Event Stream Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current measurement data analysis systems face challenges in real-time evaluation and validation of measurement data, are vulnerable to malicious actors, and struggle to identify technical and non-technical losses, leading to inefficiencies and revenue losses in utility grids.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage measurement data analysis system utilizing event stream processing (ESP) and machine learning algorithms to validate measurement data by comparing direct and indirect data streams, transforming data into spectral densities, and verifying against models to detect technical and non-technical losses across large numbers of measurement devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If measurement data is collected and analyzed in real-time using multi-stage analysis, then data accuracy and loss detection capability are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis system is divided into multiple independent stages: data collection stage (receiving raw measurement data), preprocessing stage (filtering and validation), analysis stage (applying machine learning models), and output stage (generating loss detection results). Each stage processes data independently and passes results to the next stage, allowing the system to maintain high accuracy while managing complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Machine learning models serve as intermediary components between raw measurement data and loss detection results. These models process and interpret complex measurement patterns, acting as a bridge that transforms raw data into actionable insights without requiring the entire system to handle all computational complexity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If machine learning algorithms are used to validate measurement data and detect losses, then detection capability is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data validation and filtering before applying machine learning algorithms. Basic anomaly detection rules and threshold-based validation are applied first to eliminate obviously invalid data points, reducing the volume of data that requires computationally intensive machine learning processing and thereby reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning models are applied selectively to data points that pass preliminary validation but exhibit suspicious patterns, rather than processing every single data point through the full machine learning pipeline. This partial application of complex analysis maintains high detection capability for suspicious cases while reducing unnecessary computational overhead for normal data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If direct and indirect data streams are compared and validated, then data validation accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalidation accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates parallel copies of the measurement data processing pipeline: one stream processes direct measurements from meters, while another stream processes indirect measurements from communication networks. Both streams are processed independently through identical validation and analysis stages, then their results are compared and cross-validated to identify discrepancies and confirm anomalies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10212024B2Techniques for multi-stage analysis of measurement data with event stream processing
Publication Date: 2019.02.19 SAS INSTITUTE INC
  • US10212024B2 patent drawing
  • US10212024B2 patent drawing
  • US10212024B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments are generally directed to systems for multi-stage measurement data analysis (MMDA), such as for evaluation and/or validation of data received from a measurement device, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a MMDA system that utilizes event stream processing (ESP) to provide near real-time validation of measurement data, at least in part, by detecting losses in the measurement data. In many embodiments, the MMDA system may detect technical losses (e.g., due to equipment malfunction) and/or non-technical losses (e.g., due to compromised equipment). For example, the MMDA system may receive measurement data generated by an electrical meter and determine the electrical meter is malfunctioning by detecting a technical loss in the measurement data. In many embodiments, the MMDA system may utilize both direct and indirect measurement data transmitted via separate communication paths to provide near real-time validation of measurement data.