Sensor Frozen-Period Detection Using Run-Length Clustering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting frozen periods in sensors rely on predetermined thresholds that are sensitive to sampling periods and do not adapt to changes in sensor data, making them inadequate for reliable anomaly detection.

Innovation Solution

The method computes run-lengths for sensor datasets, clusters them based on run frequency using K-means clustering, and identifies frozen periods within the cluster with lower run frequency, eliminating the need for a predetermined threshold and allowing for flexible detection of anomalous sequences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a predetermined threshold is used for detecting frozen periods, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates because the threshold is sensitive to sampling periods and does not adapt to changes in sensor data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection method complexityVSAvoidfrozen period detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static predetermined threshold to a dynamic threshold that adapts to changing sensor data conditions. The threshold is no longer fixed but evolves based on the statistical properties of the incoming data stream, allowing the detection system to maintain accuracy across varying sampling periods and data characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the threshold parameter from a constant predetermined value to a dynamically calculated value based on data statistics. This involves changing the threshold parameter according to the observed data distribution, mean, variance, or other statistical measures, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and sampling rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a predetermined threshold is set before hand, then the detection process is fast, but the adaptability to different sensor data conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidadaptability to sensor data changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing initial statistical analysis on the sensor data to establish baseline characteristics before formal detection begins. This preliminary characterization of the data distribution, mean, and variance enables the system to quickly adapt to new data conditions without requiring complex real-time calculations during the actual detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system implements self-service by automatically adjusting its own threshold parameters based on the statistical properties of the incoming sensor data. The system monitors its own performance and adapts the threshold dynamically without external intervention, using the data itself to determine appropriate detection parameters for varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11593245B2System, device and method for frozen period detection in sensor datasets
Publication Date: 2023.02.28 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • US11593245B2 patent drawing
  • US11593245B2 patent drawing
  • US11593245B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is disclosed herein of detecting at least one frozen period in at least one sensor dataset associated with at least one sensor in a technical system. The method includes receiving the at least one sensor dataset in time series and computing run-lengths for the at least one sensor dataset, wherein each of the run-lengths is length of consecutive repetitions of a sensor value in the at least one sensor dataset. The method includes clustering the run-lengths into one of two clusters based on a run frequency, wherein the run frequency is a number of times the run-lengths are repeated in the at least one sensor dataset. Further, the method includes identifying a cluster from the two clusters with lower run frequency and detecting the at least one frozen period in the at least one sensor dataset based on the identified cluster.