Time-Series Feature Selection for Malfunction Detection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Selecting appropriate feature values from various types calculable from time-series data for predictive maintenance is challenging due to the multitude of combinations possible using statistics and ranges, making it difficult to determine which ones to use for effective malfunction detection.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes an obtaining module for time-series data, a decision module to determine different types of feature values based on a combination of a range-defining function and a statistic-defining function, and an assessment module to evaluate these feature values for accuracy of separation, allowing for the selection of more appropriate feature values and generation of a malfunction detection algorithm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple types of feature values are calculated from time-series data using various combinations of statistics and ranges, then the comprehensiveness of malfunction detection improves, but the difficulty of selecting appropriate feature values increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction detection accuracyVSAvoidfeature value selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically evaluates and selects appropriate feature values without requiring manual expert intervention. The assessment module autonomously calculates accuracy of separation for multiple feature value types and identifies the most suitable ones, allowing the system to serve itself in the feature selection process rather than relying on external expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of feature value selection with an automated computational system. Instead of experts manually evaluating and selecting feature values, the system uses the assessment module to automatically calculate separation accuracy and select optimal feature values, substituting human judgment with algorithmic evaluation.

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

2Ease of operation

If manual selection of feature values is performed based on expert knowledge, then the selection process is simple, but the reliability of malfunction detection decreases due to subjectivity and inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature value selection easeVSAvoidmalfunction detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The assessment module provides objective feedback by calculating the accuracy of separation for each feature value type. This quantitative feedback mechanism allows the system to evaluate feature values based on their actual performance in separating normal from malfunctioning data, rather than relying on subjective expert judgment, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter used for feature value selection from subjective expert judgment to objective accuracy of separation metrics. By evaluating feature values based on their ability to separate normal and malfunctioning data quantitatively, the system transforms the selection criterion from a soft, subjective parameter to a hard, objective parameter, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive assessment of all feature value types is performed, then the accuracy of malfunction detection improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature value assessment accuracyVSAvoidfeature value selection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive assessment of multiple feature value types to ensure accurate selection, evaluating all candidate feature values for accuracy of separation. This excessive action ensures that no potentially suitable feature value is missed, achieving high measurement precision in feature value selection despite the increased time and computational resources required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4254112A1Information processing system and method
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 OMRON CORP
  • EP4254112A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4254112A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4254112A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system (1) includes: an obtaining module (230) configured to obtain time-series data from a control device (100); a decision module (232) configured to decide a plurality of different types of feature values (50) based on combination of a first function (30) that defines a range used for feature value calculation in a target piece of the time-series data and a second function (40) that defines a statistic used as feature value; and an assessment module configured to assess the time-series data for each of the plurality of different types of feature values.