WO2017044118A1

WO2017044118A1 - Method and appartus for providing case assessments of threats versus work plans

Info

Publication number: WO2017044118A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/049644
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Sean Farrell
Original assignee: General Electric Company
Priority date: 2015-09-11
Filing date: 2015-09-11
Publication date: 2017-03-16

Abstract

Approaches are provided for storing in a memory device a work plan and a case data structure associated with an industrial machine or system. The case data structure includes an impact field with impact value, and an urgency field with an urgency value. A processor determines an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value. The processor provides via an output the intersection of the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value for display on a graphical display so that a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CASE ASSESSMENTS OF THREATS

VERSUS WORK PLANS

Background of the Invention

Field of the Invention

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to comparing case threat assessments and work plans. More specifically, the subject matter relates to conveying to a user assessed case impact, case urgency, and assessing them in context of the prevailing work plans for industrial machines or systems, to ensure resources are being applied where they are most needed.

Brief Description of the Related Art

[0002] In industrial operations, industrial machines and systems are monitored to ensure proper operation and/or detect anomalies which may arise. Remote Monitoring & Diagnostic (M&D) approaches often include personnel at one location communicating with personnel at an operating site located at a separate, geographically remote location. The M&D personnel view information related to industrial machines or systems located at the operating site.

[0003] During operation, problems oftentimes occur which may warrant an operator or maintenance engineer's involvement. Using known information related to the industrial machine or system, M&D personnel provide recommendations to personnel at the operating site.

[0004] When assessing problems at operating sites, personnel in many instances are unable to quickly and comprehensively consider the alignment of planned maintenance resources within an operating site with the assessed problems and threats relating to the machines at the operating site. This has resulted in some user dissatisfaction with previous approaches, inefficient case resolution, and sub-optimal application of remote monitoring and diagnostic approaches.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0005] The approaches described herein provide for presentation of assessed impacts and urgencies of a case associated with an industrial machine or system in context of the prevailing work plan also associated with the industrial machine or system. These approaches provide synergy in applying analytic technologies, case assessments, and work plans associated with industrial machines or systems. The approaches also provide more appropriate allocation of resources in managing maintenance of industrial machines or systems. [0006] In many of these embodiments, an apparatus includes an interface with an output. The apparatus also includes a memory configured to store a work plan. The work plan includes a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system. It may also include expected durations of the work to be performed, a description of the tasks, resources required, and other content.

[0007] The memory is also configured to store a case data structure. The case data structure represents characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. The case data structure includes an impact field with impact value. The impact value includes an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. The case data structure also includes an urgency field with an urgency value. The urgency value includes an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system, irrespective of the level of harm as assessed in the impact field.

[0008] The apparatus also includes a processor coupled to the interface and memory. The processor is configured to determine an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value. The processor is also configured to determine a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the intersection, on the time/urgency dimension.

[0009] The processor is configured to provide via the output the scheduled maintenance time, the intersection, and the time relationship for display on a graphical display. This allows a user to concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

[0010] In some approaches, the graphical display is a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value.

[001 1] In some instances, the processor determines the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value indicates is optimum based on the expert threat assessment. In response to such a determination, the processor may be configured to provide a first graphical representation on the graphical display. The first graphical representation may be a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection.

[0012] In other instances, the processor determines the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value. In response to such a determination, the processor may be configured to provide a second graphical representation on the graphical display. The second graphical representation may be a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection. In some approaches, the second color coding different than the first color coding.

[0013] In another approach, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the processor is configured to automatically generate a user warning.

[0014] In another aspect, a method includes storing a work plan in a memory device. The work plan includes a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system.

[0015] The method further includes storing a case data structure in a memory device. The case data structure represents characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system.

[0016] The case data structure includes an impact field with impact value. The impact value is an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system.

[0017] The case data structure also includes an urgency field with an urgency value. The urgency value is an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system, independent of the absolute threat level indicated in the impact field.

[0018] The method includes determining an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and further includes determining a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value.

[0019] The method further includes displaying the scheduled maintenance time, the intersection, and the time relationship on a graphical display so that the user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time, possibly across many case threats so that the engineers can determine where resource plans are misaligned with the threat levels. In some aspects, the graphical display includes a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value.

[0020] In some approaches, in response to determining that the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value, the method includes displaying a first graphical representation on the graphical display. The first graphical representation may be a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection. [0021] In other approaches, in response to determining that the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the method includes displaying a second graphical representation on the graphical display. The second graphical representation may be a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection, and may be different than the first color coding.

[0022] In other approaches, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later than the urgency value, the method includes automatically generating a user warning.

[0023] In still other approaches, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the method includes displaying the second graphical representation on the graphical display.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0025] FIG. 1 comprises a comprises an illustration of an informational flow chart for providing information relating to industrial machines or systems according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 comprises a block diagram illustrating an exemplary apparatus for managing information relating to industrial machines or systems according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 comprises a diagram illustrating an exemplary approach for graphical display of case information according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 comprises a diagram illustrating an exemplary approach for graphical display of case information according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 comprises a diagram illustrating an exemplary approach for graphical display of case information according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 6 comprises a block diagram illustrating an exemplary case data structure for managing information relating to industrial machines or systems according to various embodiments of the present invention; and [0031] FIG. 7 comprises an operational flow chart illustrating an approach for case management according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 100 for monitoring industrial machines includes an operating site 110, optionally, a data center 120, and a central monitoring center 130. The operating site 1 10 includes one or more industrial machines, equipment, or systems of industrial machines or equipment 1 12. Examples of industrial machines 112 monitored in system 100 include aircraft machinery (e.g., turbine engines), marine machinery, mining machinery, oil machinery, gas machinery, health care machinery, telecom machinery, to mention a few examples. Other examples are possible.

[0034] Industrial machine 1 12 is operably connected to a local computing device 1 14 such that the computing device 114 receives or obtains information from the industrial machine 112. The computing device 1 14 may be continuously connected to the industrial machine 1 12, or may be removably connected to the industrial machine 1 12. In one approach, the computing device 114 is located at the operating site 110. In other approaches, the computing device 1 14 is instead located remotely from the industrial machine 112.

[0035] Information received at the computing device 114 from the industrial machine 1 12 includes operational characteristics of the industrial machine 112. Operational characteristics may include a measured temperature, a measured vibration, a measured pressured, a calculated efficiency, a structural defect, a lifespan of machine, a machine history, and/or a detected position shift. Other examples are possible.

[0036] The computing device 1 14 may be any type of hardware device such as a personal computer, a tablet, a cellular telephone, and/or a personal digital assistant. Other examples are possible. The computing device 114 may include a processor, an interface (e.g., a computer based program and/or hardware) having an input (which may also include a user input) and an output, a memory, and a display device (e.g., a screen or a graphical user interface which allows for a visualization to be made). In this way, a user of the computing device 1 14 is able to observe information at the computing device 1 14 (such as operational characteristics of the industrial machine 112), input information into the computing device 1 14, send information from the computing device 114 to a remote device (such as at the data center 120 or the central monitoring center 130), and receive information from a remote device. The computer device 1 14 may be configured to run specific software applications, such as a historian.

[0037] The computing device 1 14 is operably connected to a data storage module 116. The data storage module 1 16 includes a memory for short- and/or long-term storage of information received from the computing device 1 14. Examples of information received and stored at the data storage module 1 16 include historical information relating to the industrial machine 1 12, or information received at the computing device from a remote device (such as at the data center 120 or the central monitoring center 130).

[0038] The optional data center 120 is in communication with the operating site 1 10

(preferably, with the computing device 114 at the operating site) such that the data center 120 can send and/or receive information pertaining to one or more industrial machines 1 12 located at the operating site 1 10. The data center 120 maybe located at the operating site 1 10, at the central monitoring center 130, or in a location geographically remote from the operating site 110 and the central monitoring center 130. In one approach, the data center 120 is disposed on a cloud based network.

[0039] The data center 120 includes one or more data storage modules 122 having corresponding memories. The data center 120 may also include one or more computing devices 124 that include a processor, an interface having an input (which may include a user input) and an output, a memory, and a display device (e.g., a screen or a graphical user interface which allows for a visualization to be made). Various applications may be performed at the data center 120, including analytic modeling, anomaly detection, and/or calculations of key performance indicators.

[0040] The central monitoring center 130 includes a computing device 132 that is in communication with the data center 120 such that the central monitoring center 130 can send and/or receive information pertaining to one or more industrial machines 1 12 located at the operating site 110. Alternatively, the central monitoring center 130 is in communication with the operating site 110 (preferably, with the computing device 114 at the operating site) such that the central monitoring center 130 can send and/or receive information pertaining to one or more industrial machines 1 12 located at the operating site 110.

[0041] In one example of the operation of the system of 100 of FIG. 1, a work plan is stored in a memory device of an apparatus that may be, for example, at the data center 120 or at the central monitoring center 130. The work plan includes a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system 112.

[0042] A case data structure is also stored in the memory device. The case data structure, discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, represents characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system 1 12. The case data structure includes an impact field with an impact value. The impact value provides an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system 112. The case data structure also includes an urgency field with an urgency value. The urgency value provides an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system.

[0043] At, for example, the data center 120 or the central monitoring center 130, an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value is determined. A time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value is also determined.

[0044] Based on such determinations, the intersection of the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value are displayed on a graphical display so that a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

[0045] With reference now to FIG. 2, an apparatus 200 (such as computing device 132 of FIG. 1) includes a memory device 202. The memory device 202 stores a case data structure 204, discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, and one or more work plans 206. A work plan 206 includes prior maintenance performed on an industrial machine or system (such as industrial machine 112), as well as scheduled maintenance to be performed on an industrial machine or system in the future. A work plan 206 may inform a user, for example, that routine maintenance is scheduled for a machine on a given date in the future, or that a machine is scheduled to be shut down for one week beginning on a given date for a given reason.

[0046] The memory device 202 may also store one or more prior case histories 208. A prior case history 208 includes previous case data structures 204 associated with an industrial machine or system, or with one or more classifications of industrial machines or systems. [0047] The apparatus 200 further includes an interface 210 including an input 212 (which preferably includes a user input) and an output 214. The apparatus 200 may also include a display device 216. The apparatus 200 includes processor 218 coupled to the memory device 202, and the interface 210, and optionally, the display device 216.

[0048] When an anomaly, abnormality, or incident is detected in an industrial machine or system (such as machine 1 12 of FIG. 1), a case data structure 204 (or combination of case data structures 204) associated with the case is created and stored in the memory device 202. As used herein, a "case" is associated with an anomaly, an abnormality, or an incident detected in an industrial machine or system, and a "case data structure" 204 includes a data structure that represents a compilation of characteristics of the case.

[0049] In one approach, the case data structure 204 is generated by personnel at the central monitoring center 130. In another approach, the case data structure 204 is generated at a local computing device (e.g., local computing device 114 at the operating site 110 shown in FIG. 1). In either approach, a user may link evidence, expert interpretation associated with the evidence, metadata describing the particular nature of the industrial machine at issue, and/or other relevant information such that a visual aid is created.

[0050] Knowledge of a work plan 206 for a problematic industrial machine (e.g., machine 112) often provides valuable insight into the appropriate resolution of a case involving the machine. The apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 may be used to convey to a user the relationship between the work plan 206 for the machine and the case impact and the case urgency stored in the case data structure 204 associated with the machine.

[0051] In this regard, as discussed, the apparatus 200 includes a memory 202 configured to store a case data structure 204. The case data structure 204 represents characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. The case data structure 204 includes an impact field with impact value. The impact value is an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. For example, an assessed impact associated with a problematic machine on an oil platform may be a given number of barrels of lost production. If the number of barrels of lost production is relatively minor, the impact field is assigned a low impact value. Conversely, if the number of barrels of lost production is relatively major, the impact field is assigned a high impact value.

[0052] The case data structure 204 also includes an urgency field with an urgency value. The urgency value is an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. In some approaches, the urgency value is an indication of how soon an analyst determines the abnormality should be addressed. In other approaches, the urgency value is an indication of how soon the harm posed by an abnormality is expected to occur. For example, if the expected lost production for an oil platform is anticipated to occur in the relatively near future, the urgency field is assigned a first urgency value indicative of this timing. If the expected lost production is anticipated to occur in the relatively distant future, the urgency field is assigned a second urgency value indicative of this timing.

[0053] The processor 218, coupled to the interface 210 and memory 202, is configured to determine an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value. In some approaches, the intersection is a location on a Cartesian graph, in which an X axis is indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value, as discussed in greater detail herein.

[0054] As discussed, the memory 202 is also configured to store a work plan 206. The work plan 206 includes a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system. For example, a problematic machine on an oil platform may be scheduled to have routine maintenance performed on the machine in the near future. The date of the scheduled maintenance is stored in the work plan 206 of the memory 202.

[0055] The processor 218 is configured to determine a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value. The processor 218 is further configured to provide, via the output 214 of the interface 210, intersection of the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value for display on a graphical display. The graphical display may be presented, for example, at display device 216 of the apparatus 200. In other approaches, the graphical display is presented at a remote display device.

[0056] In some approaches, the graphical display is a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value. Example graphical displays are discussed in greater detail herein with respect to FIGS. 3-6. In this way, a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

[0057] In some instances, the processor 218 determines the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value. In response to such a determination, the processor 218 may be configured to provide a first graphical representation on the graphical display. The first graphical representation may be a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection.

[0058] In other instances, the processor 218 determines the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value. In response to such a determination, the processor 218 may be configured to provide a second graphical representation on the graphical display. The second graphical representation may be a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection. In some approaches, the second color coding different than the first color coding.

[0059] In another approach, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the processor 218 is configured to automatically generate a user warning.

[0060] An example graphical display 300 is shown in FIG. 3. Graphical display 300 includes a Cartesian graph 302 with an X axis 304 indicative of an urgency value, and a Y axis 306 indicative of an impact value. Higher urgency values (indicative of sooner realization of the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system) are plotted on the X axis 304 closer to the origin 308 than lower urgency values. Higher impact values (indicative of greater potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system) are plotted on the Y axis 306 further from the origin 308 than lower impact values. Thus progressing time moves inward toward the origin 308 of the plot rather than outward away from it.

[0061] The example graphical display 300 of FIG. 3 portrays a first case 310, a second case 312, and a third case 314. The three cases may be associated with the same industrial machine, a plurality of industrial machines used in the same industrial system (e.g., three distinct machines used with respect to an oil platform), three distinct and unrelated machines, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In each case, a processor (e.g., processor 218) determines on graph 302 an intersection location between the respective impact values and urgency values. The intersections 316, 318, 320 of the impact values and urgency values of the first case 310, second case 312, and third case 314, respectively, are represented by visual indicators; in this example, circles.

[0063] As readily apparent in the graphical display 300 of FIG. 3, the first case 310 includes both a higher impact value and a higher urgency value than the other cases. The third case 314 includes both a lower impact value and a lower urgency value than the other cases. The impact value and urgency value of the second case 312 are between those of the first case 310 and the third case 314.

[0064] For each case, a processor (e.g., processor 218) determines a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time (that is stored, for example, in work plan 206) and the case's assessed urgency value. In this example, scheduled maintenance times are plotted on the X axis 304 as a function of time. The scheduled maintenance times 322, 324, 326 of the first case 310, second case 312, and third case 314, respectively, are also represented by visual indicators; in this example, squares.

[0065] With the scheduled maintenance time, the impact value, and the urgency value shown concurrently on graph 302, the graphical display 300 allows a user to quickly observe the values and their relationships. For example, because the assessed urgency value of the first case 310 (indicated by intersection 316) is closer in proximity along the X axis 304 to the origin 308 than the scheduled maintenance time 322, a user is quickly informed that any corrective actions should be performed prior to the scheduled maintenance time 322. Furthermore, because of the location of the intersection 316 on the Y axis 306, a user is quickly informed of the relatively greater potential impact of the first case 310 as compared to the other cases.

[0066] With regard to the second case 312, because the scheduled maintenance time 324 is closer in proximity along the X axis 304 to the origin 308 than the assessed urgency value (indicated by intersection 318), a user is quickly informed that any corrective actions may be successfully performed at the time of the scheduled maintenance time 324, or alternatively may be deferred for a time from the prevailing schedule so that the resources may be most effectively applied elsewhere.

[0067] To better assist a user in quickly appreciating the relationships of the scheduled maintenance time, the impact value, and the urgency value shown on graph 302, additional visual representations such as color coding may be used. For example, when it is determined (for example, at processor 218) that the scheduled maintenance time 322 of the first case 310 is later than the assessed urgency value (indicated by intersection 316), one or both of the scheduled maintenance time 322 and the intersection 316 may be displayed as red. When it is determined that the scheduled maintenance time 324 of the second case 312 is earlier than the assessed urgency value (indicated by intersection 318), one or both of the scheduled maintenance time 324 and the intersection 318 may be displayed as green. [0068] Another example graphical display 400 is shown in FIG. 4. Similar to graphical display 300, graphical display 400 includes a Cartesian graph 402 with an X axis 404 indicative of an urgency value, and a Y axis 406 indicative of an impact value. Graphical display 400 includes a first case 410, a second case 412, and a third case 414. In each case, a processor (e.g., processor 218) determines on graph 402 an intersection location between the respective impact values and urgency values. The intersections 416, 418, 420 of the impact values and urgency values of the first case 410, second case 412, and third case 414, respectively, are represented by visual indicators; in this example, circles.

[0069] For each case, a processor (e.g., processor 218) determines a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time (that is stored, for example, in work plan 206) and the urgency value. The relationships between the scheduled maintenance times and the urgency values are represented by visual indicators. The visual indicators in this example include a numerical value representing the time gap (e.g., number of hours, days, weeks, months, or years) between the assessed urgency value and the scheduled maintenance time. The visual indicators also include a first indication (e.g., positive symbol) that the scheduled maintenance time is scheduled to occur prior to the assessed urgency value, or a second indication (e.g., negative symbol) that the assessed urgency value is earlier in time as compared to the scheduled maintenance time.

[0070] For example, regarding the first case 410 displayed in graphical display 400, it has been determined (e.g., by an analyst at central monitoring center 130) that the potential harm caused by an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system (i.e., the assessed urgency value) is expected to occur four days prior to the next scheduled maintenance time for the machine. Thus, the intersection 416 is provided with visual indicator 422 displaying "-4." A similar determination has been made regarding the third case 414. Thus, the intersection 420 is provided with visual indicator 426 displaying "-9." In these cases, a user is quickly informed that any corrective actions should be performed prior to the scheduled maintenance time.

[0071] Regarding the second case 410 displayed in graphical display 400, it has been determined (e.g., by an analyst at central monitoring center 130) that the next scheduled maintenance time for an industrial machine or system is expected to occur eleven days prior to the expected occurrence of potential harm caused by an abnormality detected in the machine (i.e., the assessed urgency value). Thus, the intersection 414 is provided with visual indicator 424 displaying "+11." In this case, a user is quickly informed that any corrective actions may be performed at the time of the scheduled maintenance time, or alternatively the maintenance schedule can be modified to delay the action until a more appropriate time, and thus use those scheduled resources more effectively.

[0072] Another graphical display 500 for use in the approaches described herein is shown in FIG. 5. In this graphical display 500, impact values for a first case 502, a second case 504, and a third case 506 are displayed. The impact values are indicative of the magnitude of potential harm posed by an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. The vertical dimension displays a ranking of the threats, with highest threat on top, but without scaled distance between them having meaning (such as via scaling with the actual assessed impact value). Urgency values, shown as circles in graphical display 500, are also displayed. The placement of the urgency values on graphical display 500 is indicative of how soon the potential harm is expected to occur. Scheduled maintenance times, shown as vertical lines, are also displayed in graphical display 500. In viewing the graphical display 500 of FIG. 5, a user can readily decide to allocate maintenance resources to the second case 504, which has been assessed to be the most urgent case, and for which no maintenance is scheduled.

[0073] With reference now to FIG. 6, a case data structure 600 (such as case data structure 204 stored in memory device 202) may store information associated with an industrial machine or system. For example, an assessed impact value may be stored in an impact field 606 of an interpretation field 604. An assessed urgency value may be stored in an urgency field 608 of the interpretation field 604. Graphical displays (e.g., graphical display 300, graphical display 400, or graphical display 500) may be stored in an evidence field 602 or in a case history field 620,

[0074] The case data structure 600 may also include a recommendation field 610, a rating field 612 (which may further include a rating explanation field 614 and/or a rating provider field 616), a permission field 618, a case history field 620, and/or one or more widgets 622.

[0075] Turning now to FIG. 7, a method 700 includes storing 702 a work plan in a memory device. The work plan includes a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system.

[0076] The method 700 further includes storing 704 a case data structure in a memory device. The case data structure represents characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. The case data structure includes an impact field with impact value. The impact value is an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system. [0077] The case data structure includes an urgency field with an urgency value. The urgency value is an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system, irrespective of the actual harm level as indicated by the assessed impact value.

[0078] The method 700 further includes determining 706 an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and determining 708 a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value.

[0079] The method 700 further includes displaying the intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value on a graphical display so that a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time. The graphical display may include, for example, a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value.

[0080] In some approaches, the method 700 includes, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value, displaying a first graphical representation on the graphical display. The first graphical representation may be a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection.

[0081] In other approaches, the method 700 includes, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, displaying a second graphical representation on the graphical display. The second graphical representation may be a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection, which may be different than the first color coding.

[0082] In some approaches, the method 700 includes, in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, automatically generating a user warning.

[0083] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A method comprising:

storing a work plan in a memory device, the work plan including a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system;

storing a case data structure in a memory device, the case data structure representing characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system, the case data structure comprising:

- an impact field with impact value, the impact value being an indication of a potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system;

- an urgency field with an urgency value, the urgency value being an indication of timing associated with the potential harm posed by the abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system;

determining an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value; determining a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value; and

displaying the intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value on a graphical display so that a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value, displaying a first graphical representation on the graphical display.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first graphical representation is a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, displaying a second graphical representation on the graphical display.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second graphical representation is a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second color coding different than the first color coding.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, automatically generating a user warning.

8 The method of claim 1 , wherein the graphical display comprises a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value.

9. An apparatus comprising:

an interface with an output;

a memory configured to store:

- a work plan, the work plan including a scheduled maintenance time indicative of a start time for maintenance on an industrial machine or system;

- a case data structure, the case data structure representing characteristics of a case associated with an abnormality detected in the industrial machine or system, the case data structure comprising:

a processor coupled to the interface and memory, the processor configured to determine an intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, the processor further configured to determine a time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value, the processor further configured to provide via the output the intersection between the impact value and the urgency value, and the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value for display on a graphical display so that a user can concurrently view a relationship between the impact value, the urgency value, and the scheduled maintenance time.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein determining the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value comprises determining the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is earlier in time than the urgency value, the processor is configured to provide a first graphical representation on the graphical display.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the first graphical representation is a first color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or intersection.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein determining the time relationship between the scheduled maintenance time and the urgency value comprises determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the processor is configured to provide a second graphical representation on the graphical display.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second graphical representation is a second color coding of the scheduled maintenance time or the intersection.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second color coding different than the first color coding.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein in response to determining the scheduled maintenance time is later in time than the urgency value, the processor is configured to automatically generate a user warning.

20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the graphical display comprises a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the urgency value, and a Y axis indicative of the impact value.