WO2017039667A1

WO2017039667A1 - Method and apparatus for providing case histories and case progressions

Info

Publication number: WO2017039667A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/048246
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Sean FARRELL
Original assignee: General Electric Company
Priority date: 2015-09-03
Filing date: 2015-09-03
Publication date: 2017-03-09

Abstract

Approaches are provided for storing in a memory device a current case history and a plurality of prior case histories associated with an industrial machine or system. The current case history and prior case histories include priority values corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values. Approaches are also provided for presenting on a graphical display a first graphical representation of a plurality of current case priority values (310) across the discrete time values. Approaches are also provided for presenting on the graphical display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the discrete time values. In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with industrial machines or systems over the plurality of discrete time values.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CASE HISTORIES AND CASE

PROGRESSIONS

Background of the Invention Field of the Invention

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to providing case histories.

More specifically, the subject matter relates to collecting and providing prior cases having characteristics similar to a given case. More specifically, the subject matter relates to collecting and providing prior cases having similar problem type characteristics and similar machine type characteristics as compared to a given case. Past similar cases are useful for the insight they can provide in how to best address a current case.

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 remotely assessing problems at operating sites, M&D personnel in some instances are unable to view and consider prior cases involving the same or similar machine, or the same or similar problem. Even in instances where M&D personnel are able to view and consider prior cases, the personnel are unable to efficiently glean insight (e.g., escalations or de- escalations of case urgencies) from the prior cases over a time period, as they might be useful to assess the current case. This makes comparing a current case to similar prior cases difficult. [0005] The above-mentioned problems have 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

[0006] The approaches described herein provide for collecting and presenting information from prior cases having similar problem type characteristics and similar machine type characteristics as compared to a given case. These approaches utilize visual indications (such as density maps) to display typical tendencies in progression of case urgency or impact levels over a period of time.

[0007] In many of these embodiments, an apparatus includes a memory device that includes a current case history. The current case history is representative of characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system. The current case history includes a plurality of current case priority values corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values. The plurality of discrete time values may be, for example, time values in increments of one hour or one week.

[0008] The memory device also includes a plurality of prior case histories in the memory device. The prior case histories are representative of characteristics of a plurality of prior cases. The prior case histories include a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values.

[0009] In some aspects, the current case priority values and the prior case priority values correspond to abnormalities associated with the industrial machine or system.

[0010] The apparatus also includes a graphical display and a processor coupled to the memory device and the graphical display. The processor is configured to effect on the graphical display a first graphical representation of the plurality of current case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the first graphical representation includes a line graph. [0011] The processor is also configured to effect on the graphical display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the second graphical representation includes a density map. In still other approaches, the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

[0012] In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values.

[0013] In some aspects, the processor is further configured to select from the plurality of prior case histories a subset of prior case histories. In some examples, at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history.

[0014] In another aspect, a method includes storing a current case history in a memory device. The current case history is representative of characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system. The current case history includes a plurality of current case priority values corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values. The plurality of discrete time values may be, for example, time values in increments of one hour or one week.

[0015] The method further includes storing a plurality of prior case histories in the memory device. The prior case histories are representative of characteristics of a plurality of prior cases. The prior case histories include a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values.

[0016] In some aspects, the current case priority values and the prior case priority values correspond to abnormalities associated with the industrial machine or system.

[0017] The method further includes presenting on a display a first graphical

representation of the plurality of discrete time values and the plurality of current case priority values. In some approaches, the first graphical representation includes a line graph. [0018] The method further includes presenting on the display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the second graphical representation includes a density map. In still other approaches, the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

[0019] In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values.

[0020] In some aspects, the method further includes selecting from the plurality of prior case histories a subset of prior case histories. In some examples, at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

[0022] 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;

[0023] 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;

[0024] FIG. 3 comprises a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary approach for providing past case progression insights according to various embodiments of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 4 comprises an operational flow chart illustrating an approach for case management according to various embodiments of the present invention. [0026] 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

[0027] 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 110 includes one or more industrial machines, equipment, or systems of industrial machines or equipment 112. 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.

[0028] Industrial machine 112 is operably connected to a local computing device 114 such that the computing device 114 receives or obtains information from the industrial machine 112. The computing device 114 may be continuously connected to the industrial machine 112, or may be removably connected to the industrial machine 112. In one approach, the computing device 114 is located at the operating site 110. In other approaches, the computing device 114 is instead located remotely from the industrial machine 112.

[0029] Information received at the computing device 114 from the industrial machine

112 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. [0030] The computing device 114 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 114 is able to observe information at the computing device 114 (such as operational characteristics of the industrial machine 112), input information into the computing device 114, 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 114 may be configured to run specific software applications, such as a historian.

[0031] The computing device 114 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 114. Examples of information received and stored at the data storage module 116 include historical information relating to the industrial machine 112, or information received at the computing device from a remote device (such as at the data center 120 or the central monitoring center 130).

[0032] The optional data center 120 is in communication with the operating site 110

(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 112 located at the operating site 110. The data center 120 maybe located at the operating site 110, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 112 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 112 located at the operating site 110.

[0035] In one example of the operation of the system of 100 of FIG. 1, a current case history is stored in a memory device that may be, for example, at the data center 120 or at the central monitoring center 130. As used herein, a "case" is associated with an anomaly, an abnormality, or an incident detected in an industrial machine or system. The current case history is representative of characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in industrial machine or system 112. The current case history includes a plurality of current case priority values (which may be comprised of fields such as for impact, severity, etc.)

corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values.

[0036] A plurality of prior case histories are also stored in the memory device. The prior case histories are representative of characteristics of a plurality of prior cases. The prior case histories include a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values.

[0037] A first graphical representation of the plurality of discrete time values and the plurality of current case priority values are presented as a first graphical representation on a display, for example, at the data center 120 or at the central monitoring center 130.

[0038] Also presented on the graphical display is a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values. [0039] 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 includes a current case history 204 that is representative of characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system (e.g., machine 112).

[0040] The current case history 204 includes a plurality of current case "priority values" corresponding to a plurality of discrete "time values." Priority values, as used herein, provide an indication of the severity of an issue with an industrial machine or system. Priority values may indicate, for example, a potential scope of impact should an issue with an industrial machine proceed to failure. Priority values are typically numerical indications, but may be any form capable of indicating a priority value. In one approach, the priority values are selected from the numerical range "1" through "5." A priority value of "1" may indicate the highest priority, while a priority value of "5" indicates the lowest priority, and a priority value of "3" indicates an intermediary priority.

[0041] In some aspects, priority values are assigned by a user, such as M&D personnel at central monitoring center 130. In other aspects, priority values are automatically assigned, for example, by a computer device located at central monitoring center 130.

[0042] An initial current case priority value is stored in the memory device 202 when the case is first initiated. Subsequent current case priority values, including revised current case priority values, are also stored in the memory.

[0043] The discrete time values included in the current case history 204 may be, for example, increments of hours, days, weeks, months, or years. A current case priority value is assigned for each increment of the discrete time values.

[0044] The memory device 202 also includes a plurality of prior case histories 206. The prior case histories 206 are representative of characteristics of a plurality of prior cases, and may include information such as machine type, machine location, and problem type. Similar to the current case histories 204, the prior case histories 206 also include a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values. Prior case histories 206 are aggregated over time and can be retrieved at apparatus 200 for subsequent consideration or analysis.

[0045] In some aspects, one or more of the prior cases are cases associated with abnormalities detected at the same industrial machine or system 112 associated with the current case history. In other aspects, one or more of the prior cases are cases associated with

abnormalities detected at a discrete industrial machine or system. The discrete industrial machine or system may be related to the industrial machine or system 112 associated with the current case history (e.g., similar machine type, similar location, similar problem type, etc.).

[0046] The memory device 202 may also store one or more work data plans 208. A work data plan 208 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.

[0047] The apparatus 200 also includes a graphical display 216, and a processor 218 coupled to the memory device 202 and the graphical display 216. The processor 218 is configured to effect on the graphical display 216 a first graphical representation of the plurality of current case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the first graphical representation includes a line graph. For example, the first graphical representation may be a line graph on a Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the discrete time values, and a Y axis indicative of case priority values.

[0048] The processor 218 is further configured to effect on the graphical display 216 a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories 206 having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values, normalized such that all cases are shown relative to their beginning at the same visual point, irrespective of how long they then ultimately took to resolution. In some approaches, the second graphical representation includes a density map. As used herein, a density map (also referred to as a "heat map") is a graphical

representation of data where the individual values contained in a matrix are represented, for example, as colors or other visual indicators. In one example, a relatively brighter color may be used to indicate greater number of prior cases histories 206 having prior case priority values at a discrete time value. Conversely, a relatively darker color may be used to indicate a lesser number of prior cases histories 206 having prior case priority values at a discrete time value. The second graphical representation may be a density map on the Cartesian graph with an X axis indicative of the discrete time values, and a Y axis indicative of case priority values

[0049] In some approaches, the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

[0050] In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values. This provides the user with an indication of priority progression (i.e., progression of priority levels over time) that the user can use to learn from and leverage in resolving the current case. For example, priority values of the current case at future discrete time values may become more predictable when observed in conjunction with similar prior cases. These approaches simplify consideration of past tendencies, resulting in more efficient case resolution.

[0051 ] In some aspects, the processor 218 is further configured to select from the plurality of prior case histories 206 a subset of prior case histories. In some examples, at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history 204. The processor 218 may be configured to revise the second graphical representation to reflect the subset of prior case histories.

[0052] In some approaches, the apparatus 200 further includes an interface 210 including an input 212 (which preferably includes a user input) for receiving an input at the apparatus 200. Information received at the input 212 may include one or more current case histories 204 or prior case histories 206. Prior case histories 206 stored separately from the memory 202 of the apparatus 200 may also be received at the input 212. In some approaches, the apparatus 200 further includes an output 214 for providing an output from the apparatus 200. Information provided by the output 214 may include one or more of the first and second graphical representations for presentation at a separate display device, such as graphical display 216 or a remote display device.

[0053] 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 the discrete time values, and a Y axis 306 indicative of priority values. Lower discrete time values are plotted on the X axis 304 closer to the origin 308 than higher discrete time values. Higher priority values are plotted on the Y axis 306 closer to the origin 308 than lower priority values.

[0054] The graphical display 300 may also include a past occurrences field 312 displaying the number of prior cases represented on the graph 302. The graphical display 300 may also include a graphical representation 314 of the timing in which the prior cases that resulted in failures actually failed (e.g., a "Time to Failure" boxplot distribution).

[0055] In the graphical display 300, the current case has a current case priority value progression as shown by the line 310 beginning at origin 308 and ending at the circle (at approximately the "10 days" discrete time value). In this example, when the case was initiated (discrete time value "0 days"), the current case priority value was assigned a value of "5." Within days, the current case priority value was escalated to "4," but de-escalated to "5" shortly thereafter. The current case priority value was then escalated to "4" and currently (as indicated by the end of the line 310) is assigned a value of "3."

[0056] As indicated in the past occurrences field 312, 34 past occurrences of similar prior cases have been identified. The prior cases may be identified, for example, using prior case histories 206 stored in the memory 202 of the apparatus 200.

[0057] The progression of the 34 prior cases is indicated using density maps, as discussed above. In this example, at discrete time value "0" (i.e., the normalized beginning date for each of the prior cases), the majority of the prior cases were initially assigned a "5" priority value, while the remaining prior cases were assigned a "4" priority value, as indicated by the varying color and intensities at those priority values. None of the 34 prior cases were initially assigned a priority value of "1," "2," or "3," as indicated by the black background (i.e., the absence of a second graphical representation.)

[0058] With just a glance, user observing graphical display 300 can see not just the priority value progression of the current issue, but can also understand and compare that progression against the tendencies of similar problems to progress towards failure. In this example, a user may note that the progression of priority values from "5" to "4" to "3," representing escalations of the priority value over time, is fairly typical for the current issue type. A user may also note that previous failures did not occur until later into the lifecycle of the cases. A user may thus infer that urgent action to address the issue likely isn't required at the current time (i.e., discrete time value "10 days"), even though the issue has just experienced an escalation.

[0059] Turning now to FIG. 4, a method 400 includes storing 402 a current case history in a memory device. The current case history is representative of characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system. The current case history includes a plurality of current case priority values corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values. The plurality of discrete time values may be, for example, time values in increments of one hour or one week.

[0060] The method further includes storing 404 a plurality of prior case histories in the memory device. The prior case histories are representative of characteristics of a case associated with abnormalities detected at the industrial machine or system. The prior case histories include a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values.

[0061] In some aspects, the current case priority values and the prior case priority values correspond to abnormalities associated with the industrial machine or system.

[0062] The method further includes presenting 406 on a graphical display a first graphical representation of the plurality of current case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the first graphical representation includes a line graph.

[0063] The method further includes presenting 408 on the graphical display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values. In some approaches, the second graphical

representation includes a density map. In still other approaches, the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

[0064] In this way, a user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values. [0065] In some aspects, the method further includes selecting from the plurality of prior case histories a subset of prior case histories. In some examples, at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history.

[0066] 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 current case history in a memory device, the current case history representing characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system, the current case history comprising a plurality of current case priority values corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values;

storing a plurality of prior case histories in the memory device, the prior case histories representing characteristics of a plurality of prior cases, the prior case histories comprising a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values;

presenting on a graphical display a first graphical representation of the plurality of current case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values, and

presenting on the graphical display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values, such that the user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of discrete time values comprises time values in increments of one hour.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first graphical representation comprises a line graph.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second graphical representation comprises a density map.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the current case priority values and the prior case priority values correspond to abnormalities associated with the industrial machine or system.

7. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising:

selecting from the plurality of prior case histories a subset of prior case histories.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history.

9. An apparatus comprising:

a memory device, the memory device including:

a current case history, the current case history representing characteristics of a current case associated with an abnormality detected in an industrial machine or system, the current case history comprising a plurality of current case priority values

corresponding to a plurality of discrete time values; and

a plurality of prior case histories in the memory device, the prior case histories representing characteristics of a plurality of prior cases, the prior case histories comprising a plurality of prior case priority values corresponding to the plurality of discrete time values

a graphical display; and

a processor coupled to the memory device and the graphical display, the processor configured to effect on the graphical display a first graphical representation of the plurality of current case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values, the processor further configured to effect on the graphical display a second graphical representation of a number of prior case histories having prior case priority values across the plurality of discrete time values, such that the user can observe tendencies of prior case priority values associated with the industrial machine or system over the plurality of discrete time values.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of discrete time values comprises time values in increments of one hour.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first graphical representation comprises a line graph.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second graphical representation comprises a density map.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first graphical representation is overlaid on the second graphical representation.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the current case priority values and the prior case priority values correspond to abnormalities associated with the industrial machine or system.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to select from the plurality of prior case histories a subset of prior case histories.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one abnormality associated with the subset of prior case histories corresponds to at least one abnormality associated with the current case history.