Abstract: A method for importing data from a first system into a second system includes receiving configuration information about data storage structures in the first and second systems and information about communicating with the first and second systems. Information to be used in creating an import configuration file is entered via a user interface. The import configuration file is for use in preparing the second system to receive data from the first system. Based on the information about data storage structures, the information about communicating with the first and second systems, and the information entered via the user interface, the import configuration file is created to prepare the second system to receive data from the first system. Based on the import configuration file, data is transferred from the first system into the second system.

Abstract: A “periodic signal parameter” (PSP) indicates periodic patterns in an autocorrelated vibration waveform and potential faults in a monitored machine. The PSP is calculated based on statistical measures derived from an autocorrelation waveform and characteristics of an associated vibration waveform. The PSP provides an indication of periodicity and a generalization of potential fault, whereas characteristics of the associated waveform indicate severity. A “periodic information plot” (PIP) is derived from a vibration signal processed using two analysis techniques to produce two X-Y graphs of the signal data that share a common X-axis. The PIP is created by correlating the Y-values on the two graphs based on the corresponding X-value. The amplitudes of Y-values in the PIP is derived from the two source graphs by multiplication, taking a ratio, averaging, or keeping the maximum value.

Abstract: A vibration data collection system performs an integration or differentiation process on incoming digitized vibration data in real time. The system uses a digital Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter running at the input data rate to provide the integration or differentiation function. With this approach, the system reduces hardware complexity and data storage requirements. Also, the system provides the ability to directly integrate or differentiate stored time waveforms without resorting to FFT processing methods.

Abstract: Methods for displaying machine data are described including a method for displaying machine data as a virtual three-dimensional image showing a three-dimensional graph having three axes such that the data in the graph may be rotated about one or more of the axes to give a data analyst a better perspective of the behavior of an item being monitored. In a related embodiment, a method for displaying machine data in a virtual three-dimensional image such that the data may be rotated one or more of the axes is described which further includes one or more cursor images representing substantially planar cursors on the display for analyzing data.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more computer processors imports data from a machinery monitoring system into a control system. The machinery monitoring system is a system that measures machine measurement parameters of a machine, and the control system is a system that controls processes in which the machine performs a function. The method includes accessing a first knowledge base containing information about communicating with the machinery monitoring system, and accessing a second knowledge base containing information about communicating with the control system. The method also includes extracting configuration information from the machinery monitoring system via a communication bus. Information is entered by a user for use in creating an import configuration file, which file is used in preparing the control system to receive data from the machinery monitoring system. The entering of information is performed via a user interface operatively connected to the one or more computer processors.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for enhancing inspections using cameras through in-field displays and performance calculations. A field transportable apparatus typically includes a camera and programmable device having memory and logic. Generally the apparatus includes an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmable device may uses an understood aspect of the object in the intended function to determine a performance characteristic of the object. An output display may be used to report the performance characteristic to the operator in the field.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using a programmable hand-held inspection system to direct an inspection process. Methods typically involve loading a survey template application software routine into the programmable hand-held inspection system where the survey template application software routine describes at least one aspect of the inspection process. Some embodiments involve wirelessly uploading at least a portion of the survey template application software routine. Generally an image representation of an area is provided on a display. The system may be used to guide an operator through at least one aspect of the inspection process or to perform steps in a survey. A location within the vicinity of the area may be identified using a global positioning system. A record may of the survey may be created.

Abstract: A machine condition monitor resides in close proximity to a machine train, such as an AC inductive electric motor coupled to a driven unit such as a centrifugal pump or fan. A plurality of sensing devices are connected to the machine and the machine condition monitor. Machine state and condition parameters sensed by these devices are utilized by the machine condition monitor to derive machine condition values for each component and for the machine train as a whole. These derived condition values are transmitted via an industrial communications network to a control center where they can be trended and monitored. With no particular knowledge of machine analysis techniques or severity of specific machine faults, and no special training, Operators and Production Planners can use the condition values to plan production schedules, adjust process parameters, and request appropriate maintenance action.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing inspections using infrared cameras through in-field displays and operator-assisted performance calculations. A handheld infrared imaging system typically includes an infrared camera having a programmed computer and an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the infrared camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmed computer may uses a performance algorithm to estimate performance associated with the thing of interest. The programmed computer may extract information or parameters from previously measured data. The programmed computer may vary the way in which it displays new measurements based on the information extracted from the stored data. One or more of the parameters extracted from the IR image may be adapted to provide an automated alert to the user.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing inspections using infrared cameras through in-field displays and operator-assisted performance calculations. A handheld infrared imaging system typically includes an infrared camera having a programmed computer and an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the infrared camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmed computer may uses a performance algorithm to estimate performance associated with the thing of interest. The programmed computer may extract information or parameters from previously measured data. The programmed computer may vary the way in which it displays new measurements based on the information extracted from the stored data. One or more of the parameters extracted from the IR image may be adapted to provide an automated alert to the user.

Abstract: A process for using a hand-held infrared inspection system incorporating on-board training, on-board validation, on-board operator certification, on-board reporting information, or on-board survey instructions. Improved methods for automating area surveys are provided through exception-driven surveillance practices. Imbedded information enables less experienced operators to use more sophisticated devices more effectively. Validation or certification assures operator knowledge or ability. Multilevel classification of anomalies aids in automated analysis and report generation.

Abstract: A method for detecting an event and/or behavior of interest based on monitoring data and selectively storing portions of the monitoring data associated with the event and/or behavior of interest. Preferably, the method includes defining a hierarchy of event and/or behavior types so that the storing of a first behavior/event type is preferred over a second behavior/event type, especially when storing capacity is scarce. A data management apparatus including a logic device and a long-term storage memory apparatus, the logic device for detecting an event and/or behavior of interest based on monitoring data and selectively storing portions of the monitoring data associated with the event and/or behavior of interest on the long-term memory storage apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing inspections using infrared cameras through in-field displays and operator-assisted performance calculations. A handheld infrared imaging system typically includes an infrared camera having a programmed computer and an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the infrared camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmed computer may uses a performance algorithm to estimate performance associated with the thing of interest. The programmed computer may extract information or parameters from previously measured data—. The programmed computer may vary the way in which it displays new measurements based on the information extracted from the stored data. One or more of the parameters extracted from the IR image may be adapted to provide an automated alert to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus identifies a region of interest of transient vibration data needing analysis and provides context and construction for analytical plots. The method provides transient data, determines a region of interest of the transient data, specifies a construction mode corresponding to a derived graphical display of the transient data, and specifies one or more construction parameters corresponding to the specified construction mode. The method also processes the transient data to produce at least one derived plot based on the transient data, the region of interest, the specified construction mode, and the specified construction parameters. This method may be performed by a graphical tool having a hardware module and a software module. The hardware module including a processor, a memory, a display, and a communicator, and the software module including a plotting module and a plot control module.

Abstract: A process for using a hand-held infrared inspection system incorporating on-board training, on-board validation, on-board operator certification, on-board reporting information, or on-board survey instructions. Improved methods for automating area surveys are provided through exception-driven surveillance practices. Imbedded information enables less experienced operators to use more sophisticated devices more effectively. Validation or certification assures operator knowledge or ability. Multilevel classification of anomalies aids in automated analysis and report generation.

Abstract: A process control system uses an asset optimization reporter to collect status information of dissimilar types pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various data sources of the plant including, for example, data tools, data collectors, and data generators. This status information is used to generate reports that may be displayed to various users, including maintenance persons, process control persons and business persons. The status information may be used as the basis for further types of status information and/or be categorized in based on an assessment of relative consequence, where each category has a spectrum of status quality values between a good status quality and a relatively worse status quality.

Abstract: A process control system uses an asset optimization reporter to collect status information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various data sources of the plant including, for example, data tools, data collectors, and data generators. This status information is used to generate reports that may be displayed to various users, including maintenance persons, process control persons and business persons. The status information may be used as the basis for further types of status information and/or be categorized in ways that are useful to the user. The reports are generally displayed via a user interface routine that enables users to view the status information and manipulate the display of the report to correspond to the user's preferences, as contained in a user profile. The user interface routine further enables the user to view reports of various types of status information for various devices, loops, units, areas, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting equipment using focal plane array imaging sensor data and dynamic sensor data. Methods involve capturing focal plane array imaging sensor data using a focal plane array imaging sensor such as an infrared camera or a visible camera, or acquiring imaging sensor data from an electronic data storage source, and involve capturing dynamic sensor data, such as vibration or ultrasonic data using a dynamic sensor such as an accelerometer or ultrasound system. Methods also provide for analyzing imaging and dynamic sensor data using such techniques as thermography and fast fourier transformation. Apparatuses include a portable instrument with sensor interfaces for collecting imaging sensor data and dynamic sensor data. A sensor suite is provided that includes vibration sensor, sonic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, oil sensors, flux sensors and current sensors. A base station is included to collect and analyze data from one or more portable instruments.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing inspections using infrared cameras through in-field displays and operator-assisted performance calculations. A handheld infrared imaging system typically includes an infrared camera having a programmed computer and an interactive user interface suitable for displaying images and prompting response and accepting input from the infrared camera operator in the field during an inspection. An operator may designate at least one thing of interest on a displayed infrared image; and the programmed computer may use a performance algorithm to estimate performance associated with the thing of interest. The programmed computer may extract information or parameters from previously measured data. The programmed computer may vary the way in which it displays new measurements based on the information extracted from the stored data. One or more of the parameters extracted from the IR image may be adapted to provide an automated alert to the user.