U.S. patent application number 16/390807 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-17 for nodal dynamic data acquisition and dissemination.
This patent application is currently assigned to ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Kernan, Neil Loychik.
Application Number | 20190320245 16/390807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55854561 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-17 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190320245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loychik; Neil ; et
al. |
October 17, 2019 |
NODAL DYNAMIC DATA ACQUISITION AND DISSEMINATION
Abstract
Apparatus is provided having a signal processor configured to:
respond to stimuli caused by a vibrating machine or structure and
capture a sampled data set containing information about the
stimuli, including where the stimuli include at least vibration of
the vibrating machine or structure; and determine wireless
signaling containing a pre-selected subset of information from the
sampled data set that can be provided as relevant data that
includes a relevant data package/sample, the size of the relevant
data package/sample, and computations upon the relevant data
package/sample, based upon implementing a data interpretation
algorithm that uses a wireless communication capacity or protocol
for communication. The apparatus may include a data collector or
sensor having the signal processor arranged therein and configured
for coupling to the vibrating machine or structure to be
monitored.
Inventors: |
Loychik; Neil; (Victor,
NY) ; Kernan; Daniel J.; (Liverpool, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC |
Wilmington |
DE |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES
LLC
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
55854561 |
Appl. No.: |
16/390807 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14681577 |
Apr 8, 2015 |
10271115 |
|
|
16390807 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 2209/40 20130101;
H04W 4/38 20180201; G01H 1/00 20130101; G08C 2201/93 20130101; H04Q
9/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 9/00 20060101
H04Q009/00; G01H 1/00 20060101 G01H001/00 |
Claims
1-38. (canceled)
39. A device to monitor a vibrating machine or structure, the
device comprising: a data collector, wherein the data collector is
mechanically coupled to the vibrating machine or structure and the
data collector includes: a vibration sensor to sense and collect
data about a vibration of the vibrating machine or structure along
at least one axis; a microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor is
configured to: receive the data from the vibration sensor; capture
a sampled data set containing information about the vibration of
the vibrating machine or structure; implement a data interpretation
algorithm on the sampled data set to determine a relevant data
package from the sampled data set, wherein the relevant data
package is a subset of the sampled data set.
40. The device of claim 39, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to send the relevant data package to a collection
node.
41. The device of claim 40, wherein the microprocessor is further
configured to receive from the collection node wireless control
signalling containing information to change content of the subset
of the sampled data set based on continuous evaluation of the
relevance of the data collected.
42. The device of claim 39, wherein the vibration sensor includes a
three axis accelerometer.
43. The device of claim 39, further comprising a 42. The device of
claim 39, wherein the data interpretation algorithm depends on a
wireless communication capacity or protocol for communication.
44. The device of claim 39, wherein the vibrating machine or
structure is a pump or rotary device.
45. The device of claim 39, wherein the data about a vibration of
the vibrating machine or structure includes information about a
frequency of measurement.
46. A system to monitor a first vibrating machine or structure and
a second vibrating machine or structure, the system comprising: a
first data collector, wherein the first data collector is
mechanically coupled to the first vibrating machine or structure
and the first data collector includes: a first vibration sensor to
sense and collect first data about a vibration of the first
vibrating machine or structure along at least one axis; a first
microprocessor, wherein the first microprocessor is configured to:
receive the first data from the first vibration sensor; capture a
first sampled data set containing information about the vibration
of the first vibrating machine or structure; implement a data
interpretation algorithm on the first sampled data set to determine
a first relevant data package from the sampled data set, wherein
the first relevant data package is a subset of the first sampled
data set; send the first relevant data package to a collection
node; a second data collector, wherein the second data collector is
mechanically coupled to the second vibrating machine or structure
and the second data collector includes: a second vibration sensor
to sense and collect second data about a vibration of the second
vibrating machine or structure along at least one axis; a second
microprocessor, wherein the second microprocessor is configured to:
receive the second data from the second vibration sensor; capture a
second sampled data set containing information about the vibration
of the second vibrating machine or structure; implement the data
interpretation algorithm on the second sampled data set to
determine a second relevant data package from the sampled data set,
wherein the second relevant data package is a subset of the second
sampled data set; send the second relevant data package to the
collection node; the collection node, wherein the collection node
includes a collection node signal processor, and the collection
node signal processor is configured to: receive the first relevant
data package and the second relevant data package; and implement an
application to display summary relevant data to a user.
47. The system of claim 46, further comprising a central server,
wherein the central server is configured to: receive the first
relevant data package and the second relevant data package from the
collection node; and store the first relevant data package and the
second relevant data package.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the central server is further
configured to interpret the first relevant data package and the
second relevant data package.
49. The system of claim 48, wherein the central server is further
configured to: determine an updated data interpretation algorithm
based upon the interpretation of the first relevant data package
and the second relevant data package, wherein the updated data
interpretation algorithm redefines the information from a sample
data set to be included in a relevant data package.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] This application relates to a technique for monitoring a
vibrating machine or structure; and more particularly to a
technique for monitoring multiple vibrating machines or structures
using data collectors or sensors.
2. Brief Description of Related Art
[0002] Techniques for monitoring a vibrating machine or structure
are known in the art. By way of example, a handheld vibration
analyzer is known in the art, e.g., that requires a person to use
and perform an interpretation based on readings provided from the
handheld vibration analyzer. Alternatively, a monitoring system is
also known in the art, e.g., that is a very expensive permanent
installation. Both techniques are susceptible to inconsistent
measurements due to different data collection and handling. In
addition, the processing of a large data set is not feasible across
the industry and available sources using current known
techniques.
[0003] See also U.S. Pat. No. 8,154,417, which discloses a compact
self-contained condition monitoring device, is assigned to the
assignee of the present application, and is incorporated hereby by
reference. In operation, the compact self-contained condition
monitoring device is coupled to a vibrating machine, senses
vibration along multiple axes in relation the vibrating machine, as
well as the temperature thereof, processing signaling containing
information about the same, and monitors the condition of the
vibrating machine based upon said signaling processed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides new and unique techniques for
monitoring a vibrating machine or structure, and more particularly
provides a new and unique technique for monitoring multiple
vibrating machines or structures using multiple data collectors or
sensors.
The Apparatus
[0005] According to some embodiments, the present invention may
take the form of apparatus comprising a signal processor configured
to: [0006] respond to stimuli caused by a vibrating machine or
structure and capture a sampled data set containing information
about the stimuli, including where the stimuli include at least
vibration of the vibrating machine or structure; and [0007]
determine wireless signaling containing a pre-selected subset of
information from the sampled data set that can be provided as
relevant data that includes a relevant data package/sample, the
size of the relevant data package/sample, and computations upon the
relevant data package/sample, based upon implementing a data
interpretation algorithm that uses a wireless communication
capacity or protocol for communication.
[0008] The apparatus may include at least one data collector,
sensor or device having the signal processor arranged therewith and
being configured for mechanical coupling to the vibrating machine
or structure to be monitored, e.g., including a pump or rotary
device.
[0009] In summary, the present invention is based upon selecting a
subset of information that the at least one data collector, sensor
or device can provide, as so-called "Relevant Data". By way of
example, this may be due to the limited communication capacity
(e.g., bandwidth or time) from the at least one data collector,
sensor or device, e.g., to a wireless access point, then to a
central or cloud server. By way of example, this so-called
"Relevant Data" may be preset to be representative and sufficient
for most vibrating machine or structure monitoring device
situations. However, depending on the application or type of
"vibrating machine or structure" monitored, the "Relevant Data" may
turn out to be not that "relevant" and it may be determined that a
different subset of information may be more effective for analysis
and conclusions. Accordingly, via a back communication channel, the
"Relevant Data" may be re-defined in the data collector, sensor or
device. In operation, relevant data acquisition overcomes the
limited bandwidth and/or Internet access, and the backchannel
communication improves the relevant data over time.
[0010] In order to implement the nodal dynamic data acquisition and
dissemination techniques, the present invention may include one or
more of the following features:
[0011] The signal processor may be configured to provide the
wireless signaling containing the relevant data, e.g., either to
another data collector or sensor or to a system or collection node,
for further signal processing and/or provisioning to a central or
cloud server.
[0012] The pre-selected subset of information may be representative
and sufficient for most situations for monitoring such a vibrating
machine or structure. For example, depending on a particular
vibrating machine or structure to be monitored, a particular
sampled data set containing information about a particular stimuli
may be captured, and a particular pre-selected subset of
information may be determined from the particular sampled data set
and provided as particular relevant data for the particular
vibrating machine or structure.
[0013] The signal processor may be configured to receive, e.g., via
the back communication channel, wireless control signaling
containing information to change the content of the pre-selected
subset of information based upon continuous evaluation of the
relevance of the pre-selected subset of information.
[0014] The apparatus may include a system or collection node
comprising a system or collection node signal processor configured
to receive and provide, e.g., via the back communication channel,
the wireless control signaling to the at least one data collector,
sensor or device.
[0015] The transmission of the wireless signaling is limited by
either available bandwidth or time related to the wireless
communication capacity or protocol.
[0016] The signal processor may be configured to provide the
wireless signaling as a stream of real time or stored data.
[0017] The apparatus may include multiple data collectors or
sensors, each data collector or sensor having a respective signal
processor and being mechanically coupled to a respective vibrating
machine or structure to be monitored, each signal processor being
configured to provide respective wireless signaling containing a
respective pre-selected subset of information that can be provided
as respective relevant data, including when some measurements are
made with respect to other measurements.
[0018] The multiple data collectors or sensors may be configured to
be synched to provide transmissions of the respective wireless
signaling, e.g., including when the transmissions are across an
industrial plant and in the form of a webbed-node collection to a
base station.
The System or Collection Node
[0019] The system or collection node may include a system or
collection node signal processor configured to receive the wireless
signaling by the data collector or sensor and identify or
downselect the relevant data received in the wireless
signaling;
[0020] determine system or collection node signaling containing the
relevant data; and either provide the system or collection node
signaling containing the relevant data, e.g., to a central or cloud
server, or provide summary relevant data to a user, or provide
both.
[0021] The system or collection node may include, or take the form
of, a wireless device, e.g., including where the wireless device is
a smart phone, iPad, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer,
personal digital assistant (PDA) device, router, wireless repeater,
base station, etc. The wireless device may be configured to
implement an application or app to display the summary data to the
user.
[0022] The wireless device may be configured with Internet
communications protocol capability.
[0023] The apparatus may include the system or collection node,
according to some embodiment of the present invention.
The Central or Cloud Server
[0024] The central or cloud server may include a central or cloud
signal processor configured to receive the system or collection
node signaling, and store and interpret the relevant data; identify
critical data necessary for optimum dynamic data collection and
interpretation, and determine central or cloud server signaling
containing information about a new or updated data interpretation
algorithm; and/or provide the central or cloud server signaling,
e.g., to the system or collection node containing the new or
updated data interpretation algorithm. In operation, the central or
cloud server may periodically adapt the relevant data based upon
the specific kind of vibrating machine or structure and the
specific kind of application in which the specific kind of
vibrating machine or structure is operating and provide adapted
relevant data to the data collectors or sensors via a back
communication channel.
[0025] Regarding the functionality associated with identifying
critical data necessary for optimum dynamic data collection and
interpretation, the term "identify" may be understood to mean and
include embodiments where the central or cloud server commands the
system and collection node of minimum or updated parameters, e.g.,
by not making an interpretation if no data is present.
Alternatively, the term "identify" may be understood to mean and
include embodiments where the central or cloud server may
automatically determine "relevant" data, and accordingly command
the system and collection node.
[0026] Regarding dissemination, the central or cloud server may be
configured to disseminate vibration data to other parts of the
apparatus either automatically or with user requests, e.g., data
collected may be transmitted from a remote location via another
location for viewing.
[0027] The apparatus may include the central or cloud server,
according to some embodiment of the present invention.
System-Nodal Collection Technique
[0028] In a system-nodal collection technique according to the
present invention, the system or collection node may also be
configured to act as a distributor of new data interpretation
algorithms to the data collector or sensor. Moreover, each system
or collection node may be configured to receive respective wireless
signaling from a group of data collectors or sensors, identify the
relevant data, and provide the system or collection node signaling
to the central or cloud server, as well as provide summary relevant
data to the user.
Webbed-Nodal Collection Technique
[0029] The webbed-nodal collection technique may also include one
or more of the following features:
[0030] In the webbed-nodal collection technique, the system or
collection node may be configured to transmit respective nodal
commands to a local or nodal web of one or more data collectors or
sensors, which are distributed as local web disseminated nodal
commands to the data collectors or sensors within the local or
nodal web.
[0031] The multiple data collectors may be configured with a
webbed-nodal connection so that the multiple data collectors are
able to cross-communicate and transmit the respective relevant data
from one data collector or sensor at one location to a next data
collector or sensor at a next location to a viable Internet
connection point at another location.
[0032] Each multiple data collector or sensor may be configured to
implement a webbed-nodal connection algorithm to enable each
multiple data collector to cross-communicate and transmit the
respective relevant data received from a respective one data
collector or sensor to either a respective next data collector or
sensor or the viable Internet connection point.
[0033] The multiple data collectors or sensors may be configured to
synch data collector transmission signaling so that the respective
relevant data from each multiple data collector or sensor flows
from respective locations to Internet access points, including
where the multiple data collectors or sensors and the Internet
access points form a localized web having webbed data collectors or
sensors.
[0034] The apparatus may include the system or collection node
having the system or collection node signal processor configured to
receive the data collector transmission signaling and provides
system or collection node signaling containing information about
compiled respective relevant data from each multiple data collector
or sensor.
[0035] The apparatus may include the central or cloud server having
the central or cloud server signal processor configured to receive
the system or collection node signaling and store and interpret the
compiled respective relevant data from each multiple data collector
or sensor.
[0036] The multiple data collectors or sensors may be configured to
provide local web disseminated commands to the webbed data
collectors, e.g., including where the local web disseminated
commands contain a new or updated data interpretation algorithm in
order to implement modified or optimum dynamic data collection and
interpretation so as to re-define the pre-selected subset of
information and improve the interpretation of dynamic data in
comparison to the relevant data previously collected and
interpreted. The modified data collection and interpretation is
understood to be a dynamic, adaptive or improved data collection
and interpretation scheme when compared to the previous data
collection and interpretation it is understood to replace.
[0037] The respective signal processor may be configured to receive
the local web disseminated commands containing the new or updated
data interpretation algorithm and implement the optimum dynamic
data collection and interpretation so as to re-define the
pre-selected subset of information and improve the interpretation
of dynamic data in comparison to the relevant data previously
collected and interpreted.
The Method
[0038] According to some embodiments, the present invention may
take the form of a method including steps for responding with a
signal processor to stimuli caused by a vibrating machine or
structure and capturing a sampled data set containing information
about the stimuli, including where the stimuli include at least
vibration of the vibrating machine or structure; and determine with
the signal processor wireless signaling containing a pre-selected
subset of information from the sampled data set that can be
provided as relevant data that includes a relevant data
package/sample, the size of the relevant data package/sample, and
computations upon the relevant data package/sample, based upon
implementing a data interpretation algorithm that uses a wireless
communication capacity or protocol for communication.
[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
method may also include implementing one or more of the features
set forth above and herein.
Advantages
[0040] In effect, by combining nodal data collection and telemetry
means, one can effectively measure many vibrating machines,
structures or devices, e.g., without the need for permanent
installations or frequent human interaction, including where the
term "telemetry" is understood to mean a highly automated
communications process by which measurements are made and other
data collected at remote or inaccessible points and transmitted to
receiving equipment for monitoring.
[0041] The present invention reduces the human interaction and
training required to operate, and also reduces the need for power
and/or Intranet and/or Internet access to effectively communicate
to and from a dynamic source.
[0042] The present invention also provides consistent measurement
from collector, sensor or device to collector, sensor or
device.
[0043] The present invention also makes feasible the processing of
a large data set across the industry and available sources.
[0044] The present invention also permits refinement and
improvement of dynamic algorithms that are superior.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0045] The drawing includes the following Figures:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of apparatus according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 2A is a diagram of apparatus for implementing nodal
dynamic data acquisition and dissemination using a system-nodal
collection technique, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 2B is a diagram of data flow, e.g., related to the
apparatus in FIG. 2A, including such data flow between a data
collector or sensor device, a system or collection node and a
central or cloud server, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 3A is a diagram of apparatus for implementing nodal
dynamic data acquisition and dissemination using a webbed-nodal
collection technique, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 3B is a diagram of data flow, e.g., related to the
apparatus in FIG. 3A, including such data flow between a data
collector or sensor device, webbed collectors, a system or
collection node and a central or cloud server, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 4A is a block diagram of a hardware
system/configuration, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a hardware
system/configuration with examples of associated functionality,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a block diagram/matrix with a summary of data
collector, system node and central or cloud server functionality,
which includes rows showing hardware, action, example actions and
relevant change configurations, and columns showing analog front
end, analog signal control, signal analysis, signal intelligence
and aggregate signal analysis, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an implementation based upon
Hall-effect sensing that allows for user interaction using a
magnet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1: The Basic Apparatus 10
[0055] By way of example, FIG. 1 shows apparatus 10 for
implementing a nodal dynamic data acquisition and dissemination,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
apparatus 10 may include some combination of one or more data
collector, sensor or device 12, a system or collection node 14 and
a central or cloud server 16, for monitoring one or more vibrating
machines or structures, e.g., such as a pump or rotary device.
The Signal Processor 12
[0056] By way of example, and consistent with that shown in FIG. 1,
the collector or sensor 12 may include a signal processor 12a
configured at least to: [0057] respond to stimuli caused by the
vibrating machine or structure and capture a sampled data set
containing information about the stimuli, e.g., including where the
stimuli include at least vibration of the vibrating machine or
structure; and [0058] determine wireless signaling containing a
pre-selected subset of information from the sampled data set that
can be provided as relevant data that includes a relevant data
package/sample, the size of the relevant data package/sample, and
computations upon the relevant data package/sample, e.g., based
upon implementing a data interpretation algorithm that uses a
wireless communication capacity or protocol for communication.
[0059] The apparatus 10 may include the data collector or sensor 12
having the signal processor 12a arranged therein and configured for
mechanically coupling to the vibrating machine or structure to be
monitored.
[0060] The signal processor 12a may be configured to provide the
wireless signaling containing the relevant data, e.g., either to
another data collector or sensor like element 12 or to the system
or collector node like element 14, consistent with that disclosed
herein.
[0061] The pre-selected subset of information may be representative
and sufficient for most situations for monitoring the vibrating
machine or structure. For example, depending on a particular type
or class of vibrating machine or structure to be monitored, a
particular sampled data set containing information about a
particular stimuli may be captured, and a particular pre-selected
subset of information may be determined from the particular sampled
data set and provided as particular relevant data for the
particular vibrating machine or structure. By way of example, the
reader is referred to the discussion below regarding "Sampled
Data."
[0062] The signal processor 12a may be configured to receive, e.g.,
via a back communication channel, wireless control signaling
containing information to change the content of the pre-selected
subset of information based upon continuous evaluation of the
relevance of the pre-selected subset of information. By way of
example, and consistent with that which would be appreciate by a
person skilled in the art, the back communication channel may be a
downstream channel having a communication frequency that is
different than the corresponding upstream communication frequency
for exchanging signaling between the data collector or sensor 12,
the system or collection node 14, the central or collection node
16, and/or any frequency channel for exchanging associated
signaling between the data collectors or sensors 12 in any nodal
web 13 (see FIG. 3A). In effect, the scope of the invention is not
intended to be limited to the type or kind of back communication
channel or frequency to be used herein.
[0063] The system or collection node 14 may include a system or
collection node signal processor 14a configured to receive and
provide, e.g., via the back communication channel, system or
collection node signaling containing the wireless control signaling
having the information to the at least one data collector, sensor
or device 12.
[0064] The transmission of the wireless signaling is limited, e.g.,
by either available bandwidth or time related to the wireless
communication capacity or protocol. The scope of the invention is
not intended to be limited to any particular available bandwidth or
time constraint in which the pre-selected subset of information may
be implemented, e.g., including available bandwidth or time related
to the wireless communication capacity or protocol either now known
or later developed in the future.
[0065] Consistent with that set forth herein, the signal processor
12a may be configured to provide the wireless signaling as a stream
of real time or stored data.
[0066] Moreover, consistent with that set forth below, including
that shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B, multiple data collectors or
sensors 12 may be configured to be synched to provide transmissions
of respective wireless signaling, e.g., including where the
transmissions are across an industrial plant and in the form of a
webbed-node collection to any such base station.
The System or Collection Node 14
[0067] The system or collection node 14 may include a system or
collection node signal processor 14a configured to receive the
wireless signaling by the data collector or sensor and identify or
downselect the relevant data received in the wireless signaling;
determine system or collection node signaling containing the
relevant data; and provide either the system or collection node
signaling containing the relevant data, e.g., to the central or
cloud server 16, or provide summary relevant data to a user, or
provide both.
[0068] The system or collection node 14 may include, or take the
form of, a wireless device, e.g., including where the wireless
device is a smart phone, IPad, tablet, laptop computer, desktop
computer, personal digital assistant (PDA) device, router, wireless
repeater, base station, etc. The wireless device may be configured
to implement an application or app to display the summary relevant
data to the user.
[0069] The wireless device may be configured with Internet
communications protocol capability.
The Central or Cloud Server 16
[0070] The central or cloud server 16 may include a central or
cloud signal processor 15a configured to receive the system or
collection node signaling, and store and interpret the relevant
data; identify critical data necessary for optimum dynamic data
collection and interpretation, and determine central or cloud
server signaling containing information about a new or updated data
interpretation algorithm; and/or provide the central or cloud
server signaling, e.g., to the system or collection node containing
the new or updated data interpretation algorithm.
[0071] Consistent with that set forth above, the central or cloud
server 16 may be configured to command the system and collection
node of minimum or updated parameters, e.g., by not making an
interpretation if no data is present. Alternatively, the central or
cloud server 16 may be configured to automatically determine
"relevant" data, and accordingly command the system and collection
node 14.
[0072] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in
operation the central or cloud server 16 may be configured to
define "relevance," so that the system collects data that is
relevant based upon the definition. Relevance may be defined for
any descriptors of the vibrating machine or structure (e.g.,
location, model number, design parameters, etc.). The scope of the
invention is intended to include embodiments in which there is no
weighting factor on relevance, consistent with that set forth
herein. However, the scope of the invention is intended to also
include embodiments in which raw data may be passed through a data
sampler (e.g., having a different sampling ratio), followed by a
weighting factor (e.g. vibration in 1 axis may be understood to
indicate less failure relevant to vibration in another axis),
followed by some data integration (e.g., not running for single
events) and then compiling the weighted individual data together
for further signal processing.
FIG. 2A and 2B: System-Nodal Collection Technique
[0073] FIGS. 2A and 2B show apparatus for implementing a
system-nodal collection technique and upstream/downstream data
flow, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0074] By way of example, FIG. 2A shows that the apparatus 10
includes multiple data collectors, sensors or devices like element
12. Each data collector or sensor 12 may be coupled mechanically to
a respective vibrating machine or structure to be monitored and
provide such respective wireless signaling containing a respective
pre-selected subset of information that can be provided as
respective relevant data. The scope of the invention is not
intended to be limited to any particular manner in which the data
collector or sensor 12 is mechanically coupled to the vibrating
machine or structure, and is intended to include manners both now
known and later developed in the future. In operation, each data
collector or sensor 12 has a signal processor like element 12a
(FIG. 1) that captures the sample data set, processes onboard the
sample data set captured, and selects the relevant data that
includes the relevant data package/sample, the size of the relevant
data package/sample and computations upon the relevant data
package/sample, consistent with that indicated in module 12A shown
in FIG. 2B, e.g., based upon implementing a data interpretation
algorithm that uses the wireless communication capacity or protocol
for communication. Each data collector or sensor 12 provides the
wireless signal containing the pre-selected subset of information
that is provided as the relevant data, e.g., to the system or
collection node 14, for further provisioning to a central or cloud
server. In FIG. 2A, each system or collection node 14 receives and
further processes respective wireless signaling from one or more
data collectors or sensors 12.
[0075] The system or collection node signal processor 14a may also
be configured to implement signal functionality related to a
collection node, e.g., to capture data from the device 12 and
provide summary relevant data to a user, including where the
wireless device is configured to implement an application or app to
display the summary relevant data to the user, consistent with that
indicated in module 14A shown in FIG. 2B.
[0076] In operation, and consistent with that shown in FIG. 2B, the
central or cloud server signal processor 16a may be configured to
implement signal functionality related to a server, e.g., to
receive the system or collection node signaling, and store and
interpret the relevant data, consistent with that indicated in
module 16A shown in FIG. 2B; identify critical data necessary for
optimum dynamic data collection and interpretation, consistent with
that indicated in module 16B shown in FIG. 2B; and provide central
or cloud server signaling containing a new or updated data
interpretation algorithm. The system or collection node signal
processor 14a may also be configured to receive the central or
cloud server signaling containing the new or updated data
interpretation algorithm, act as distributor of the new data
interpretation algorithms, consistent with that indicated in module
14B shown in FIG. 2B, and provide, e.g., via the back communication
channel, corresponding system or collection node signaling
containing the new or updated data interpretation algorithm to the
device 12. The signal processor 12a may be configured to receive,
e.g., via the back communication channel, the corresponding system
or collection node signaling containing the new or updated data
interpretation algorithm and implement the optimum dynamic data
collection and interpretation so as to re-define the pre-selected
subset of information and improve the interpretation of dynamic
data in comparison to the relevant data previously collected and
interpreted, consistent with that indicated in module 12B shown in
FIG. 2B.
FIGS. 3A and 3B: Webbed-Nodal Data Collection Technique
[0077] FIGS. 3A and 3B show apparatus for implementing a
webbed-nodal collection technique and upstream/downstream data
flow, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0078] The multiple data collectors or sensors like element 12 may
be configured with a webbed-nodal connection in a nodal web 13 so
that the multiple data collectors or sensors 12 are able to
cross-communicate and transmit the respective relevant data from
one data collector or sensor 12 at one location to a next data
collector or sensor at a next location to a viable Internet
connection point at another location, e.g., like the system or
collection node 14.
[0079] As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, each
multiple data collector or sensor 12 may be configured to implement
a webbed-nodal connection algorithm to enable each multiple data
collector or sensor 12 to cross-communicate, select and transmit
the respective relevant data received from a respective one data
collector to either a respective next data collector sensor 12, or
the viable Internet connection point, e.g., like the system or
collection node 14, consistent with that indicated in module 12A'
shown in FIG. 3B.
[0080] The multiple data collectors or sensors and/or nodal web
12/13 may be configured to synch data collector transmission
signaling so that the respective relevant data from each multiple
data collector or sensor 12 flows from respective locations (e.g.,
including extreme locations) to Internet access points, including
where the multiple data collectors or sensors and the Internet
access points form the localized web 13 (FIG. 3B) having webbed
collectors or sensors 12, consistent with that indicated in module
12C' shown in FIG. 3B.
[0081] The system or collection node signal processor 14a may be
configured to receive the data collector transmission signaling and
provides system or collection node signaling containing information
about compiled respective relevant data from each multiple data
collector from the nodal web 13, consistent with that indicated in
module 14A' shown in FIG. 3B. The central or cloud server signal
processor 16a may be configured to receive the system or collection
node signaling and store and interpret the compiled respective
relevant data from each multiple data collector 12, consistent with
that indicated in module 16A' shown in FIG. 3B.
[0082] Moreover, the central or cloud server signal processor 16a
may also be configured to identify critical data necessary for
optimal dynamic data collection and interpretation, and provides
central or cloud server signal processor signaling containing
information about a new data interpretation algorithm, consistent
with that indicated in module 16B' shown in FIG. 3B. The system or
collection node signal processor 14a may also be configured to
receive the central or cloud server signal processor signaling, and
provide the system or collection node signal processor signaling
containing information such information to one or more webbed data
collectors or sensors, e.g., in the nodal web 13, consistent with
that indicated in module 14B' shown in FIG. 3B.
[0083] In the nodal web 13, the multiple data collectors or sensors
12 may be configured to receive the system or collection node
signal processor signaling, and provide local web disseminated
nodal commands to respective webbed data collectors or sensors 12,
e.g., including where the local web disseminated commands contain
the new or updated data interpretation algorithm in order to
implement optimum dynamic data collection and interpretation so as
to re-define the pre-selected subset of information and improve the
interpretation of dynamic data in comparison to the relevant data
previously collected and interpreted, consistent with that
indicated in module 12D' shown in FIG. 3B.
[0084] The respective signal processor 12a may be configured to
receive the local web disseminated commands containing the new or
updated data interpretation algorithm and implement the optimum
dynamic data collection and interpretation so as to re-define the
pre-selected subset of information and improve the interpretation
of dynamic data in comparison to the relevant data previously
collected and interpreted, consistent with that indicated in module
12B' shown in FIG. 3B. It is understood that the local web
disseminated commands may contain new or updated data
interpretation algorithms for some respective webbed data
collectors or sensors 12 but not all respective webbed data
collectors or sensors 12, depending on the operating of any
particular vibrating machine or structure.
[0085] The scope of the invention is also intended to include, and
embodiments are envisioned, where the webbed-nodal data collection
technique has additional capabilities, including providing data
redundancy or more rapid transmissions of communications. By way of
example, one or more neighbor nodes may be configured to provide
redundant data by recording identical data to prevent data loss due
to the loss of a web node. By way of further example, one or more
web nodes may be configured either to communicate with redundant
data via the fastest transmission path, or to communicate with
redundant data on multiple devices simultaneously to increase
bandwidth.
FIGS. 4A and 4B
[0086] FIG. 4A shows a hardware system/configuration generally
indicated as 100, and FIG. 4B shows examples of functionality
associated with the hardware elements shown in FIG. 4A. In FIGS. 4A
and 4B, the hardware system/configuration 100 may include a
microprocessor 101, a synched sensor 102, a 3-axis accelerometer
103, a vibration sensor 104, a temperature sensor 105, a 4-channel
A/D converter 106, a signal conditioner 107, a power management
unit 108, a flat cell battery 109, a data storage module 112, a
radio module 113, as well as a signal amplifier 115 (see FIG. 4B).
In FIG. 4A, the hardware elements are coupled together via various
pin connections as shown and labeled in order to implement the
functionality associated with some embodiments on the present
invention.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 4B, and by way of example, the
microprocessor 101 may be configured to perform data interpretation
functions 101a, signal process or processing functions 101b, 101c,
calibration functions 101d and computation functions 101e, e.g.,
all consistent with that disclosed herein.
[0088] By way of example, the power management unit 108 may be
configured to perform sensor(s) functions 109a and processor
functions 108b, e.g., all consistent with that disclosed
herein.
[0089] By way of example, the synched sensor 102 may be configured
to perform time functions 102a and other vibration sensor functions
102b, e.g., all consistent with that disclosed herein.
[0090] By way of example, the data storage module 112 may be
configured to perform alarm information functions 112a, routine
information functions 112b and operating system functions 101c,
e.g., all consistent with that disclosed herein.
[0091] By way of example, the radio module 113 may be configured to
perform advertised information functions 113a and one or more data
communication functions 113b, 113c, e.g., all consistent with that
disclosed herein.
[0092] As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the
functions shown in FIG. 4B are provided by way of example, and the
microprocessor 101, the synched sensor 102, the vibration sensor
104, the A/D converter 106, the signal conditioner 107, the power
management unit 108, the data storage module 112, the radio module
113 and the signal amplifier 115 may all be configured to perform
other functions not shown in FIG. 4B in order to implement the
underlying functionality within the scope and spirit of the present
invention disclosed herein.
FIG. 5: Summary of Data Collector,
System Node and Central or Cloud Server Functionality
[0093] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram or matrix generally indicated
as 200 with a summary of data collector, system node and central or
cloud server functionality, which includes rows R.sub.1, R.sub.2,
R.sub.3, R.sub.4 showing the hardware, action, example actions and
relevant change configurations, and which includes columns C.sub.1,
C.sub.2, C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 showing analog front end, analog
signal control, signal analysis, signal intelligence and aggregate
signal analysis. In order to reduce clutter, the individual row,
column matrix elements like R.sub.1, C.sub.1; R.sub.1, C.sub.2;
R.sub.1, C.sub.3; . . . ; R.sub.4, C.sub.3; R.sub.4, C.sub.4;
R.sub.4, C.sub.5 are not separately labeled in FIG. 5 and not all
separately described in the description below.
[0094] By way of example, the functionality associated with the
data collector in row R.sub.1 re hardware, and in column C.sub.1 re
its analog front end, may include, or take the form of,
implementations related to a sensor, an analog filter, and power
supply or battery operations.
[0095] By way of example, the functionality associated with the
data collector in row R.sub.2 re actions, and in column C.sub.1 re
its analog front end, may include, or take the form of,
implementations related to collecting an analog signal that can be
sent to an analog-to-digital converter, e.g., including collecting
the analog signal from a 6-DOF (degree of freedom) sensor (see row
R.sub.3 re example actions, and column C.sub.1).
[0096] By way of example, the functionality associated with the
data collector in row R.sub.1 re hardware, and in column C.sub.2 re
its analog signal control, may include, or take the form of,
implementations related to an analog-to-digital converter, a clock
and a radio.
[0097] By way of example, the functionality associated with the
data collector in row R.sub.2 re actions, and in column C.sub.2 re
its analog signal control, may include, or take the form of,
implementations related to controlling when a signal needs to be
collected, controlling the signal's analog-to-digital conversion,
controlling the duration of the signal sampled, and synching
measurements with other sensors, e.g., including using high versus
low sampling frequencies (see R.sub.3 re example actions, and
column C2).
[0098] Based on that shown in FIG. 5, a person skilled in the art
would appreciate and understand the remaining data collector,
system node and central or cloud server functionality, which
includes rows R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4 showing the
hardware, action, example actions and relevant change
configurations, and which includes columns C.sub.1, C.sub.2,
C.sub.3, C.sub.4, C.sub.5 showing the remaining analog front end,
analog signal control, signal analysis, signal intelligence and
aggregate signal analysis, e.g., consistent with that disclosed
herein.
Signal Processors 12a, 14a, 16a
[0099] Signal processors 12a, 14a, 16a may be configured to perform
basic signal processing functionality for implementing the present
invention. The signal processors 12a, 14a, 16a may be a stand alone
signal processing module, form part of a controller, controller
module, etc., or form part of some other module. Many different
types and kinds of signal processors, controllers and controller
modules are known in the art, for example, including programmable
logic controllers, etc. By way of example, based on an
understanding of such known signal processors, a person skilled in
the art would be able to configure the signal processor 12a, 14a,
16a to perform the aforementioned signal processing functionality
consistent with that described herein.
[0100] By way of still further example, the functionality of the
signal processor may be implemented using hardware, software,
firmware, or a combination thereof, although the scope of the
invention is not intended to be limited to any particular
embodiment thereof. In a typical software implementation, such a
module would be one or more microprocessor-based architectures
having a microprocessor, a random access memory (RAM), a read only
memory (ROM), input/output devices and control, data and address
buses connecting the same. A person skilled in the art would be
able to program such a microprocessor-based implementation to
perform the functionality described herein without undue
experimentation, including where the signal processor and a memory
combine to implement a program code, e.g., stored in the memory, so
as to cause the signal processor to implement the aforementioned
signal processing functionality. The scope of the invention is not
intended to be limited to any particular implementation using
technology both now known or later developed in the future.
[0101] The signal processor, controller or controller module may
include other modules to perform other functionality that is known
in the art, that does not form part of the underlying invention,
and that is not described in detail herein.
Sampled Data
[0102] By way of example, and consistent with that which would be
understood and appreciate by a person skilled in the art, the type
of sampled data set may include, or be based on, the type of
stimuli (e.g., vibration along one or more translational or
rotational axes), the frequency of measurement (e.g., by
sub-second, seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.) of the stimuli,
the frequency of the provisioning of the measurements, e.g., from
the data collector or sensor, etc. It is understood that axes are
not intended to be limited to physical axes per se. Instead, an
axis may be defined along different axes of a vibrating machine or
structure, e.g., including multiple horizontal axes along different
horizontal axis points, multiple vertical axes along different
vertical axis points, and/or multiple transverse axes along
different transverse axis point, multiple rotational axes along
different horizontal, vertical and transverse axes, etc. In other
words, any given vibrating machine or structure can be understood
to have n given degrees of freedom and associated axes to be
sensed.
[0103] By way of further example, the type of sampled data set may
include, or be based on, "relative motion" between two or more
sensors to determine measurements like phase or misalignment.
[0104] By way of further example, depending on the frequency of
data sampling, and the types or kinds of data sampling or
measurements, the sample data set can become a very large and
difficult to effectively transmit, depending on the wireless
communication capacity and protocol, e.g., based on bandwidth and
time constraints. In view of this, the selected subset of
information may include some but not all of the sampled data, e.g.,
some of the type of stimuli (e.g., vibration along one or more
axes), or some of the frequency of measurement (e.g., by
sub-second, seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc.) of the stimuli,
etc.
[0105] Moreover, consistent with that set forth above, different
types or kinds of vibrating machines or structures may call for
different types of data sampling sets. For example, for one type or
class of vibrating machine or structure to be monitored, one type
of sampled data set containing information about one type of
stimuli may be captured, and one type of selected subset of
information may be determined from the one type of sampled data set
and provided as one type of relevant data for the one type of class
of vibrating machine or structure. In contrast, for another type or
class of vibrating machine or structure to be monitored, another
type of sampled data set containing information about another type
of stimuli may be captured, and another type of selected subset of
information may be determined from the another type of sampled data
set and provided as another type of relevant data for the another
type of class of particular vibrating machine or structure.
[0106] In effect, the scope of the invention is not intended to be
limited to any particular type or kind of vibrating machine or
structure to be monitored, any particular type or kind of stimuli
to be measured or sensed for any particular vibrating machine or
structure, any particular frequency of measurement of the stimuli
for any particular vibrating machine or structure, or the frequency
of the provisioning of the measurements for any particular
vibrating machine or structure, etc. Moreover, the scope of the
invention is intended to include types or kinds of either vibrating
machine or structure to be monitored, or stimuli to be measured or
sensed for any particular vibrating machine or structure, that are
now known and later developed in the future.
Signal Processing Algorithm
[0107] A person skilled in the art would appreciate that signal
processing algorithms are known in the art, including signal
processing algorithms like a data interpretation algorithm or a
webbed-nodal connection algorithm.
[0108] By way of example, a person skilled in the art would be able
to implement a data interpretation algorithm to process a sample
data set and provide a pre-selected subset of information from the
sample data set as relevant data without undue experimentation,
based on that disclosed in the present application along with that
known in the prior art. For example, a person skilled in the art
would be able to implement a data interpretation algorithm to
process a sample data set and provide a pre-selected subset of
information from the sample data set as relevant data having some
subset of the sampled data set, e.g., based upon a data
interpretation algorithm or a webbed-nodal connection
algorithm.
[0109] Moreover, and by way of example, a person skilled in the art
would also be able to implement a webbed-nodal connection algorithm
to exchange sampled data sets from respective data collectors or
sensors like elements 12, provide the same to a system or collector
node like element 14, as well receive and disseminate local web
nodal commands to such data collectors and sensor like element 12
received from such a system or collector node like element 14,
without undue experimentation, based on that disclosed in the
present application along with that known in the prior art.
[0110] The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to
any particular type or kind of any such data interpretation
algorithm, or any such webbed-nodal connection algorithms, either
now known or later developed in the future. For example, data
interpretation algorithms or webbed-nodal connection algorithms may
be known in the art and suitably adapted to implement the signal
processing requirements of the present invention.
The Vibrating Machine or Structure
[0111] Vibrating machines or structures, e.g., like pumps or rotary
devices, reciprocating machines, engines, blowers, are known in the
art, and are not described in detail herein. Moreover, the scope of
the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type
or kind thereof that is either now known or later developed in the
future.
Synching
[0112] Synching is understood to be the ability to synch vibration
signaling with another signal or sensor within the data collector
or web. In effect, in some embodiments synched sensor results may
better identify relevant data than vibration sensing alone,
depending on the particular application.
[0113] By way of example, three important synchs may include
temperature, time and GPS location. For instance, the scope of the
invention is intended to include embodiments where the vibration
signaling may be synched with another sensor such as a temperature
sensor or a clock (time). In this case, in some embodiments, a
temperature measurement may be taken together with a vibration
measurement. Alternatively, in some embodiments, two sensor may be
configured to take a vibration measurement at substantially the
same time. The scope of the invention is also intended to include,
and embodiments are envisioned, using sensor(s) that are now known
as well as those later developed in the future.
[0114] Moreover, embodiments are also envisioned, and the scope of
the invention is intended to include, also using temperature as a
component of a dynamic data acquisition system.
Data Collector and Sensor Functionality
[0115] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the
data collector and sensor may be configured to implement analog
front end functionality, analog signal control functionality,
signal analysis functionality, and signal intelligence
functionality. The respective functionality may be associated with
specific hardware, actions to be taken, and relevant change
configurations.
[0116] In particular, the analog front end functionality in
relation to specific hardware may include functionality associated
with a sensor (e.g., which signals of a 6 degrees-of-freedom (DOF)
vibration sensor are relevant), analog filter (e.g. a minimum
sampling frequency signal), power supply or battery (e.g., a
frequency of measurement). The analog front end functionality in
relation to specificactions may inlude functionality to collect an
analog signal that can be sent to an analog-to-digital converter
(ADC). (As a person skilled in the art would appreciate and
understand, the term "frequency" as used herein may be understood
to be the frequency, e.g., either that the A/D collects information
from a vibration stimuli (generally measured in many Hz or cycles
per second), or that the monitoring device turns on (generally
measured in hours, weeks, etc.).)
[0117] The analog signal control functionality in relation to
hardware may include functionality associated with an ADC, a clock
or radio. The analog signal control functionality in relation to
specific actions may include functionality associated with controls
re when a signal needs to be collected, controls re signal analog
to digital conversion, controls the duration of a signal, or
synching measurements with other sensors. Examples of specific
actions may include analog signal control related to high vs. low
data sampling. The relevant change configurations may include, or
relate to, the sampling frequency, the sampling duration, the
analog to digital resolution, the selection of specific sensors, or
synching multiple measurements.
[0118] The signal analysis functionality in relation to hardware
may include functionality associated with implementing the signal
processor. The signal analysis functionality in relation to
specific actions may include functionality to improve the signal
received with digital correction, to perform analysis on the signal
(e.g., converting the signal to information), or to provide data
classification, data validation, or data storage. Examples of
specific actions may include signal analysis related to frequency
domain analysis. The relevant change configurations may include, or
relate to, the method or level of digital correction, or dynamic
algorithms that analyze the signal and convert it into relevant
information.
[0119] The signal intelligence functionality in relation to
hardware may include functionality associated with a logic
processor. The signal intelligence functionality in relation to
specific actions may include functionality to extract condition
criteria from a raw or analyzed signal, or to select data for
transmission. Examples of specific actions may include the
provisioning of one or more machine alarm conditions from the
signal analysis, including providing indicators like "Alarm,"
"Watch" or "OK." The relevant change configurations may include, or
relate to, set criteria that identifies information from the signal
that is deemed to be relevant, radio communications, (e.g., two-way
communications), or radio broadcast (e.g., one-way
communication).
[0120] The scope of the invention is intended to include, and
embodiments are envisioned in which, there is overlapping
functionality between the data collector or sensor and the system
or collection node related to at least some signal analysis
functionality and some signal intelligence functionality, e.g.,
consistent with that set forth herein.
System or Collection Node Functionality
[0121] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the
system or collection node may be configured to implement analog
signal analysis functionality and signal intelligence
functionality. The respective functionality may be associated with
specific hardware, actions to be taken, and relevant change
configurations.
[0122] In particular, the signal analysis functionality in relation
to hardware may include functionality associated with implementing
the signal processor. The signal analysis functionality in relation
to specific actions may include functionality to improve the signal
received with digital correction, to perform analysis on the signal
(e.g., converting the signal to information), or to provide data
classification, data validation, or data storage. Examples of
specific actions may include signal analysis related to frequency
domain analysis. The relevant change configurations may include, or
relate to, the method or level of digital correction, or dynamic
algorithms that analyze the signal and convert it into relevant
information.
[0123] The signal intelligence functionality in relation to
hardware may include functionality associated with implementing a
logic processor. The signal intelligence functionality in relation
to specific actions may include functionality to extract condition
criteria from a raw or analyzed signal, or to select data for
transmission. Examples of specific actions may include the
provisioning of one or more machine alarm conditions from the
signal analysis, including providing indicators like "Alarm,"
"Watch" or "OK." The relevant change configurations may include, or
relate to, set criteria that identifies information from the signal
that is deemed to be relevant, radio communications, (e.g., two-way
communications), or radio broadcast (e.g., one-way
communication).
[0124] The scope of the invention is intended to include, and
embodiments are envisioned in which, there is overlapping
functionality between the data collector or sensor and the system
or collection node related to at least some signal analysis
functionality and some signal intelligence functionality, e.g.,
consistent with that set forth herein.
Central or Cloud Server Functionality
[0125] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the
central or cloud server may be configured to implement aggregate
signal analysis functionality. The respective functionality may be
associated with specific hardware, actions to be taken, and
relevant change configurations.
[0126] In particular, the aggregate signal analysis functionality
in relation to hardware may include functionality associated with
the central or cloud server. The aggregate signal analysis
functionality in relation to specific actions may include
functionality to combine and organize aggregate data, or control
analysis and intelligence subsystems. Examples of specific actions
may include signal analysis related to aggregate signal or
signaling analysis that helps identify improved relevant detection.
The relevant change configurations may include, or relate to,
archive data, signature definitions, or aggregate data
analysis.
[0127] Example of Software Algorithm
1 Overview
[0128] By way of example, the following summarizes a software
algorithm containing functions and operations for the implementing
a data collector, sensor or device, according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0129] 2 Approach/SOW
[0130] By way of example, the software algorithm may be implemented
on, or in relation to, or using the following hardware
system/configuration and associated functionality.
2.1 Technical Approach
[0131] By way of example, FIG. 4A shown a block diagram of
circuitry for implementing a hardware system/configuration
generally indicated as 100, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
2.2 Alarm Levels
[0132] By way of example, alarm level functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0133] The alarm levels may be temperature and vibration thresholds
that, when exceeded, cause the data collector, sensor or device to
enter an alarm mode. In most cases, these may be thresholds based
on the type or kind of vibrating machine or structure, e.g., such
as a pump type and motor power.
[0134] The thresholds may be set by a user at a node based on the
pump serial number and access to the central or cloud server.
[0135] The software may be implemented to set an initial vibration
threshold, e.g., to 0.005588 meters per second (approximately 0.22
inches per second).
[0136] The software may be implemented to store alarm levels for x
vibration, y vibration, and z vibration as well as any synched
sensors when alarm criteria are reached, e.g. when alarm criteria
are met, multiple sensor data sets are stored with dynamic data.
This will allow the user to set alarm levels manually or via a
serial number lookup for the pump type or though automated baseline
methods of threshold detection.
[0137] In some embodiments, the software may be implemented to set
the current temperature, x vibration, y vibration, and z vibration
values as the alarm levels when a baseline request is received.
[0138] By way of example, some combination of these vibration
thresholds, choice of axes, frequency of measurement, temperature
setting, and actual sampled measurements, as well as the associated
computational signal processing thereof, related to the alarm level
functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of the adaptive
relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
2.3 Data Storage
[0139] By way of example, data storage functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0140] The software may be implemented to store temperature and
vibration levels data, e.g., once per hour for 60 days. These
stored values may be collected by a ADC like element 106 in FIG. 4
which is connected to the. In some embodiments, the vibration
values collected every 5 minutes by the MSP are not stored,
although the scope of the invention is intended to be limited to
whether the collected vibration values are stored or not, or how
often any such storage may be implemented.
[0141] The software may be implemented to calculate once per hour
data the RMS values using 0.25 s of data.
[0142] The software may be implemented to include a timestamp on
all stored data.
[0143] The software may be implemented to replace the oldest data
with the newest data when storage limits are reached.
[0144] The software may be implemented to store characters to be
used as system identification information. The software may be
implemented to update this information upon receipt of a system
command message. In addition, the software may be implemented to
send this information to the a system node upon request. By way of
example, the system identification information is typically not
used for any further software-based signal processing, but provides
qualitative information such as equipment configuration that can be
relevant to the analysis of data.
[0145] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
data storage functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of
the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0146] s2.3.1 Data Storage--Counters
[0147] By way of example, data storage counter functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0148] The software may be implemented to increment, once per hour,
counters for "Hours Running," "Hours Idle," "Hours In-Alarm," if
the increment criteria for those counters has been met.
[0149] The software may be implemented to increment the "Hours
Running" counter if the RMS vibration levels are within 10% of the
current alarm levels. Alternatively, the software may be
implemented to increment "Hours Running" if some other |.sub.[NL2]
parameter that may also be deemed relevant.
[0150] The software may be implemented to increment the
"Hours-In-Vibration-Alarm" if the current vibration measurements
exceed the alarm levels.
[0151] The software may be implemented to increment the
"Hours-In-Temperature-Alarm" if the current temperature measurement
exceeds the alarm level. The software may be implemented to reset
the "Hours Running" counter upon receipt of a system command
message. By way of example, the command message may be received
from the mobile app.
[0152] The software may be implemented to increment, once per hour,
a counter for electrical "Runtime" of the collector node, sensor or
device. This counter will typically be incremented since it
indicates how many hours the collector node, sensor or device has
been active (i.e. with power applied). This counter will typically
not be reset. For instance, one purpose of this counter is to allow
the mobile app to measure and possibly predict battery life.
[0153] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
data storage counter functionality may be pre-set and redefined as
part of the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0154] 2.3.2 Data Storage--Alarm
[0155] By way of example, data storage alarm functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0156] When an alarm is detected, the software may be implemented
to store a Time Waveform (TWF) of the raw signal, a measure of
overall energy such as Root-Mean-Square (RMS) vibration, the Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT), other analysis methods. The software may
be implemented to keep in memory the most recent or most
significant alarm readings. By way of example, the software may be
keep the three most recent FFT's and the highest energy FFT in the
past year.
[0157] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to data
storage alarm functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of
the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
2.3.3 Data Storage--Data Aggregation
[0158] By way of example, data storage of routine data may be
condensed to the following:
[0159] Once per hour, the software may be implemented to store the
RMS x, y, and z vibration of a triaxial vibration sensor synched
with temperature values across all times when the vibrating machine
or structure was running.
[0160] The software may be implemented to aggregate hourly data to
weekly data that contains the maximum, minimum, average, or other
statistical measure (e.g.
[0161] percentile or standard deviation) and store the aggregated
data with more effectiveness over extended periods of time, e.g., 5
years of daily average data would appear more effectively.
[0162] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
data storage daily average functionality may be pre-set and
redefined as part of the adaptive relevant data scheme, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
2.4 Radio Advertising Packet Updates
[0163] By way of example, Bluetooth.RTM., a radio protocol that has
the ability to advertise information in a packet may update
functionality based upon the following:
[0164] The software may be implemented to store the current x, y, z
vibration and temperature data in the radio memory as opposed to
onboard storage, with the advertising packet changing upon receipt
of a System Command message. For example, this will allow the data
collector, sensor or device to be used as a vibration measurement
device when commanded by the mobile app.
[0165] The software may be implemented to update the data in the
advertising packet at a given frequency, e.g. every hour. Radio
compatible nodes would be able to read this data without initiating
a radio connection.
[0166] For example, a 16-byte status word may be incorporated into
the advertising packet. The status word may be defined to contain
summary information about the status of the equipment being
monitored. For example, a status word can provide vibration RMS
levels, alarm condition and/or equipment name.
[0167] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
radio advertising packet update functionality may be pre-set and
redefined as part of the adaptive relevant data scheme, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
2.5 Multiple Measurements
[0168] By way of example, measurement functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0169] The software may be implemented to compare current x, y, and
z vibration and synched sensors levels to alarm criteria. A
lower-resolution measurement can coarsely be performed e.g. to
conserve power, which allows high-resolution measurements for alarm
situations.
[0170] By way of example, the software may be implemented to put
the data collector into low resolution measurements to conserve
power, but move to high resolution measurements when Alarm criteria
have been detected. In Alarm mode, the software may be implemented
to adjust its processing to help the user realize that the specific
needs of the machinery or structure.
[0171] Whenever the vibrating machine or structure is not in an
Alarm Mode, it is understood to be in a Normal Mode.
[0172] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
measurement functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of
the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
2.5.1 Entering Alarm Mode
[0173] By way of example, entering alarm mode functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0174] If the low resolution vibration level measured, e.g., every
five minutes, exceeds the alarm threshold measurements, the
software may be implemented to put the data collector into a high
resolution mode to confirm the Alarm. If the alarm is confirmed
with high resolution measurements, the device may enter an alarm
state. If the alarm is rejected, the low resolution measurement may
be ignored or recalibrated to prevent further false alarms.
[0175] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
entering alarm mode functionality may be pre-set and redefined as
part of the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
2.5.2 Return to Normal Mode
[0176] By way of example, return to normal mode functionality may
be implemented based upon the following:
[0177] If the x-vibration level, y-vibration level, z-vibration
level measured every five minutes with a low resolution measurement
is less than or equal to the alarm thresholds and the unit is
currently in an alarm state, the software may be implemented to put
the data collector, sensor or device in the Normal Mode or confirm
the return to Normal Mode with a high-resolution measurement using
different software or hardware within the measurement device.
[0178] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
return to normal mode functionality may be pre-set and redefined as
part of the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
2.6 Alarm Light Control
[0179] By way of example, Light control functionality may be
implemented based upon the following:
[0180] The software may be implemented to blink a red light, e.g.,
every 5 seconds, if the data collector, sensor or device is in the
Vibration Alarm Mode.
[0181] The software may be implemented to blink the green LED,
e.g., every 5 seconds, when the most recent measurements do not
exceed alarm levels for vibration or synched sensors and less than
two consecutive measurements that exceed alarm levels have been
recorded.
[0182] The software may be implemented to blink the blue LED, e.g.,
every 5 seconds, when the wireless pairing is being performed
between the data collector and a node.
[0183] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
Light control functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of
the adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
2.7 FFT Definition
[0184] By way of example, FFT functionality may be implemented
based upon the following:
[0185] The software may be implemented to calculate an FFT, a
possible high resolution measurement of vibration, on the
high-resolution data collected on the x, y, and z axes of the
accelerometer, as defined in section 2.3.2 herein. By way of
example, this section defines requirements for the FFT signal
processing.
[0186] By way of example, the software may be implemented to
calculate FFT using the known standard IEST-RD-DTE012.2.
[0187] The software may be implemented to take, e.g., 10 s (or
more) of data which may be synchronously or asynchronously averaged
together to create the final FFT output.
[0188] The software may be implemented to use a Hanning window on
each of the overlapped FFTs.
[0189] The software may be implemented to output calibrated or
uncalibrated FFT's whereas uncalibrated measurements would be
postponed to a node or the central or cloud server.
[0190] The software may be implemented to output different units of
the FFT, whereas to persons familiar with the art and without any
undo computations, to any units of motion such as acceleration
(g's, g.sup.2/Hz), velocity (in/s mm/s, (in/s).sup.2/Hz)) or
displacement (in, mm, in.sup.2/Hz, mm.sup.2/Hz).
[0191] By way of example, some combination of these parameters and
associated computational signal processing thereof related to the
FFT functionality may be pre-set and redefined as part of the
adaptive relevant data scheme, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
3 Mobile Interface Design
[0192] As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the data
collector, sensor or device may be configured with "System
Parameters" interfaces between the firmware of the data collector,
sensor or device and the mobile application, without undue
experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be
limited to any particular type or kind of implementation for
achieving any such "System Parameters" interfaces.
4 Some Additional Scenarios
[0193] By way of example, some additional scenarios may be
implemented consistent with that set forth herein, and based upon
the following:
4.1 Scenario 1: 5-second Advertising Interval
[0194] One scenario may include, or be implemented with, the radio
transmitting its advertising packet at 5 second intervals, whereas
vibration information is presented to users without then need to
pair radios.
4.2 Scenario 3: Low-Resolution Measurements, High-Resolution
Measurements
[0195] Similarly, in second scenario the software may be
implemented to use a lower resolution measurement with higher
frequency (e.g. settable parameter typically 5 minutes, which can
be increased or decreased based upon relevance) in order to collect
more data with less resources of the data acquisition device, and
compare measurements to high-resolution low-frequency measurements
(e.g. settable parameter typically greater than one day, which can
be increased or decreased based upon relevance). Comparison of the
two measurements of the same phenomena permit higher greater
utility of measurements without consumption of data acquisition
resources.
4.3 Scenario 4: Data in Memory if Alarm is Triggered
[0196] In a fourth scenario, the software may be implemented to
enable a storage of data when Alarm Criteria are triggered, active,
or returning to normal. In this scenario, the software may be
implemented to allow the processor to repeatedly store time domain
data or any other vibration measurement in memory every time the
vibration stimuli indicate alarm.
FIG. 6
[0197] FIG. 6 shows an implementation of a monitoring device 300
based upon Hall-effect sensing that allows for user interaction
using a magnet. The monitoring device 300 includes a Bluetooth
on/off 302 and an on/off reset 304 that may be toggled by the user
using the magnet. The monitoring device 300 also includes a bezel
306 for providing a visual LED indication of functionality
associated with the monitoring device 300.
Possible Applications
[0198] Possible applications include at least the following: Nodal
and web configurations.
THE SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
[0199] It should be understood that, unless stated otherwise
herein, any of the features, characteristics, alternatives or
modifications described regarding a particular embodiment herein
may also be applied, used, or incorporated with any other
embodiment described herein. Also, the drawing herein is not drawn
to scale.
[0200] Although the invention has been described and illustrated
with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, the foregoing and
various other additions and omissions may be made therein and
thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *