Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate machine monitoring technique based on vibration analysis. An AR parametric model is generated to characterize a normal machine condition. Subsequently, data is collected from a machine during operation. This data is fit to the AR parametric model, and an Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) statistic is derived therefrom. The EWMA statistic is able to identify whether the machine is in a normal state ("in control") or in an abnormal state ("out of control"). Additionally, an EWMA control chart is generated that distinguishes between normal and abnormal conditions, and between different abnormal conditions. As a result, once the EWMA statistic is generated, it is compared to the EWMA chart for determination of the specific fault that is ailing the machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a machine fault diagnostic system to help ensure effective equipment maintenance. The major technique used for fault diagnostics is a fault diagnostic network (FDN) which is based on a modified ARTMAP neural network architecture. A hypothesis and test procedure based on fuzzy logic and physical bearing models is disclosed to operate with the FDN for detecting faults that cannot be recognized by the FDN and for analyzing complex machine conditions. The procedure described herein is able to provide accurate fault diagnosis for both one and multiple-fault conditions. Furthermore, a transputer-based parallel processing technique is used in which the FDN is implemented on a network of four T800-25 transputers.