Data acquisition system and method for monitoring gas turbine engine testing

A testing system for the automatic acquisition, scaling, conditioning, calculating, recording and displaying of various channels of engine/dynamometer generated electrical signals for a gas powered turbine engine in the form of an animated user display graphic, which simultaneously presents a series of condition graphics for display on a monitor to provide an operator with a visual inspection of engine operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic systems for the 
maintenance of gas turbine engines. 
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
Gas turbine engines are widely used in aircraft, including airplanes and 
helicopters, including turbo shaft and turbo prop craft, and are even 
employed to power missiles. Because of the safety requirements demanded by 
the operation of such craft, and the reliability necessitated, testing 
must be done routinely to ensure that the engine operation is sufficient. 
Generally, gas turbine engines operate by igniting a mixture of injected 
fuel and compressed air within a combustion chamber or assembly and then 
channeling the output of exiting combustion gases to drive a turbine 
stage. The engine can be mounted within an outer housing. The outer 
housing can include a duct formed in part by an inner housing, through 
which a flow of air is directed. The airflow can be directed with a fan to 
exhaust with a portion of the airflow being directed to a high-speed 
compressor. Air from the compressor is directed to a combustor for 
combustion with injected fuel. Additionally, some engines will route air 
not taken up by the compressor to exhaust in order to increase thrust. 
Gas turbine engines generally operate by using a continuous combustion 
process. The inlet air temperature and pressure is raised by a compressor, 
after which the air is moved into a burner or combustion chamber. Fuel is 
injected into the chamber and then combusted to raise the air temperature. 
The heated fuel air mixture, now under a high pressure and at a high 
temperature, is expanded and cooled through a turbine. The turbine speed 
can be controlled by the amount of fuel that is injected into the 
combustion chamber, and the amount of high pressure air which passes 
therethrough. Gas turbine engines may have a single moving rotor or can 
contain multiple rotors, such as, for example, wherein the engine includes 
a gas generator rotor and a power turbine rotor. Although these rotors may 
be the only moving parts, gas turbine engines must rely on a variety of 
parameters to function and meet the load and operating demands. 
A variety of engine tests are performed in order to maintain the engine in 
an operative condition. Usually, the testing engineer will attach 
instruments to various locations on the engine to obtain readings of 
engine operation parameters. The engineer will operate the engine and read 
numerical data from the instruments. The values obtained from the readings 
must then be compared to determine whether the engine will meet the 
specified parameters which enable it to be placed in operation. 
Testing often requires a plurality of instruments. The operator or engineer 
uses the instruments to obtain readings of the engine parameters when the 
engine is operated under controlled conditions which the operator also 
records. The operator utilizes the readings taken from the instruments to 
provide further information concerning a test parameter. The testing 
usually requires the operator to ascertain a given parameter, and then 
take a reading of a subsequent parameter. The parameters generally are 
read from instruments successively, and cover a time span of operation for 
the engine. The operator may therefore recheck parameters which appear to 
be excessive or out of the expected range. However, this will require a 
recheck of additional values as well, necessitating a repeat of the entire 
test procedure. 
While there exist instruments which will display digital information or can 
provide a reading on a dial, these also require that the user view the 
data at a particular point in time. Where multiple instrumentation is used 
to measure various parameters, the operator usually will record the data, 
and when each parameter has been ascertained compare the results to 
determine engine performance. 
A change in the engine operation can affect the parameters being analyzed, 
as can a change in the engine testing environment. The environment, 
particularly the surrounding temperature and atmospheric pressure, can 
affect the operation of the gas turbine engine. The test results obtained 
with instruments must be considered with respect to the atmospheric and 
temperature conditions at the time taken. For example, if the surrounding 
air temperature increases or decreases by even a couple of degrees, the 
engine operating requirements may also be altered. In such a circumstance, 
if the operator did not note a temperature change in the environment 
throughout a testing cycle, the engine might be passed or failed, 
incorrectly. 
A need exists for a real time analysis system which provides visual 
information representative of a grouping of results for an engine which is 
being tested. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a novel data collection and analysis system 
for testing gas turbine engines with an animated display of visual 
parameters representative of the forms of individualized and integrated 
data pertaining to an engine. 
The system of the present invention provides an operator prompted and 
controllable data collection and analysis system which conditions, 
calculates records and displays various channels of engine/dynamometer 
generated electrical signals which are representative of an operating 
parameter or condition and displays the outcome in an animated graphic 
presentation to a display for view by an operator. In addition to engine 
and dynamometer signals, the system can also integrate ambient condition 
signals which are generated by temperature sensors and pressure 
transducers. The ambient condition signals can be utilized in conjunction 
with the engine/dynamometer signals to contribute to the graphics display. 
A single graphics display can take into account the ambient condition 
signals without further operator conduct. The system further can integrate 
channel signals to provide further information to an operator, which 
information can be displayed on the single graphic display. 
The animated graphics display means of the present invention provides an 
operator with a plurality of result graphics. 
The system of the present invention includes collection means to collect 
information from the engine to be tested and to collect information from 
the environment in which the engine is tested, processor means to process 
the information collected, storage means to store the data being collected 
and for storage of specifications for an engine to be tested. Sensor means 
are connected to the engine and through a controller are sent to the 
processor means. Visual display means is provided to present a graphic 
representation of a plurality of the gas turbine engine parameters. The 
visual display means further includes zone identification means for 
visually presenting the relative engine operation parameter. Remote means 
is also provided to facilitate a review of engine testing where the system 
operator is in a location other than that of the engine and engine 
operator. 
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an automated system 
for analyzing gas turbine engine operation in a range of operating 
environments. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a diagnostic 
capability of ascertaining real time parameters of a gas turbine engine 
and displaying integrated results. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide assisted zeroing of 
the sensors through the presentation of graphics displays. 
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an animated 
graphic for display which represents a plurality of engine parameter 
conditions. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an intelligent 
analyzing system which continually monitors the engine being tested to 
provide an indication of engine operation status. 
It is another object of the present invention to accomplish the above 
objects with an indicator presented to the operator on the display as to 
whether an engine has passed required testing parameters. 
Another object of the present invention is to store data collected by the 
system and further to provide a regeneration of display graphics which 
represent the parameters and conditions in effect at the time of the test. 
In the present invention, it will be understood that portions of the 
disclosure of this patent document contain material which is subject to 
copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the 
facsimile production by anyone of the patent document or patent 
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file 
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
The present system for automatic data acquisition and diagnostics is 
described in relation to a gas turbine engine used for an aircraft. The 
engine is tested in an operating environment which can have temperature 
ranges of those throughout the world. In addition, the gas turbine engine 
also requires that the atmospheric pressure of the testing environment be 
known since it can have an effect on the engine parameters which are to be 
measured. A dynamometer is employed to measure certain engine operating 
characteristics. Generally the dynamometer will include a stationary or 
non-rotating housing in which is carried a rotatable input shaft adapted 
to be connected to a rotating output element of the engine undergoing 
testing to be rotatably driven thereby. The present invention measures 
parameters from the engine and dynamometer and incorporates the data 
obtained into an animated user graphic. 
The present system utilizes hardware which can be commercially purchased, 
including a CPU (computer comprising a motherboard with a processor), a 
storage device, such as for example, removable magnetic media or a hard 
disk drive, display means for displaying a graphics image in the form to 
be presented to the user, interactive means for permitting user input and 
selection from options presented to the user, sensor means for sensing 
information from a given part of an engine to be tested, and controller 
means for providing information to the processing means from the sensor 
means. 
The processor means further has calibration means for storing user-input 
values. The calibration means permits the user with the interactive means 
to calibrate each channel displayed on the display means. The channels are 
displayed as a graphics means, which is in real time with the associated 
sensor, such that the graphics means displays on the display means the 
actual activity of the engine to be tested in the form of a user graphic. 
The user is permitted to zero certain of the channels by superimposing 
over the graphics means display a user graphic with the interactive means. 
The interactive means enables the user's superimposed graphic 
representation to be perceived by the processing means and taken as the 
value which the processor means should use for the signal which the user 
caused to be generated. The signal causation is accomplished by the user 
injecting a known signal into the sensor or other path which directs the 
known signal to the sensor, and ultimately to the processor means which 
causes the signal to be displayed on the display means. The user has the 
option of replacing the signal value with a user assigned value. 
A plurality of signal conditioners are also provided which can be 
calibrated with a known value, such as for example, a voltage signal, 
which is injected into the signal conditioner. The conditioner can then be 
adjusted on the basis of the known signal to correspond to the injected 
voltage. With the conditioners adjusted the signal processing can be 
calibrated with the interactive means on the display means with a 
plurality of calibration graphics. The calibration graphics are associated 
with user graphics which appear on the display means as the user selects. 
When a parameter is known by the user, the user, with the interactive 
means, can select a calibration graphic to represent the known parameter. 
For example, if the dyno shroud position is being calibrated, the user can 
set the dyno shroud to a known position using standard recommended 
procedures which are generally specified by the manufacturer, such as for 
example, where it is closed, or 0% open. The user can then proceed to 
calibrate the dyno shroud position indicator with the interactive means. A 
calibration graphic associated with the dyno shroud position is called for 
by the user with the interactive means. The calibration graphic is 
displayed with a user scalable element which is positioned by the user 
with the interactive means to the known dyno shroud position, for example, 
here 0%. The calibration graphic preferably has multiple components, 
including a zero or base adjust graphic and a span adjust graphic. For 
example, the dyno shroud position is then set to its 100% open position, 
in accordance with the engine dynamometer manufacturer's known recommended 
procedure. The span adjust graphic includes a user positionable element 
which is preferably adjusted by the user with interactive means to the 
present dyno shroud position. The calibration graphic, as described for 
the dyno shroud position, causes the user selected parameters to become 
associated with the component being observed. The associated values are 
then stored as a calibration storage set. When the calibrations have been 
performed for the elements from which the required parameters are to be 
measured, the stored calibration values are then associated with the 
processing of testing signal data obtained from the running test engine. 
The software causes the processor means to process the data obtained from 
the sensors and integrate that data with the calibration data. The 
processed data represents a real time operating parameter for one or more 
parameters of engine, dynamometer or other elements being analyzed. The 
real time data is processed and is associated with condition data. The 
condition data calls an associated condition graphic from storage (in 
random access memory, a hard storage device or an embedded logic device) 
and causes the graphic to be displayed on the display means. 
The user graphic displayed on the display means can provide an animated 
representation of a parameter or condition which the engine is undergoing 
at that time. The user is presented with a graphic identifying the 
parameter or condition which the user has selected to be observed, or 
which the system presents to the user for observation. 
The automatic data system of the present invention further provides 
diagnostic means for furnishing the user with output relating to a 
condition of engine operation. The diagnostic means preferably comprises 
condition means. A condition of the engine is assigned to a set of data 
stored in the data storing means. The data is stored as engine 
specifications. The condition means is activated by the processing means. 
The condition means, in turn, upon being activated, provides a user 
display graphic which is displayed on the display means along with the 
information causing the condition. The user therefore is alerted to the 
condition of the engine which has been diagnosed with the data collected 
by the sensors and fed through the processor means. 
Condition means can be provided to have levels which are predetermined in 
accordance with engine specifications. In addition, the display graphics 
of the condition means can further include level means for displaying a 
level approximating a condition. For example, proximity to reaching a 
desired condition can be forewarned with level means. The level means is 
related to a cautionary display means which causes the display to present 
to the user a cautionary graphic, to signal to the user the approaching of 
a failure condition. The level means can also be associated with a stop 
means which causes the display to present to the user a stop graphic, to 
signal that a threshold level has been associated with the engine 
operating conditions. 
A system according to an embodiment of the present invention was prepared 
as follows. Hardware was provided in the form of an intelligent data 
acquisition subsystem incorporating a 32 bit 68020 microprocessor with a 
16-bit external bus, a Pentium processor system board and Pentium CPU 
operating at 2.1-3.5 volts VCC at a speed of 200 Mhz, with 32 megabyte 
(MB) random access memory (RAM), a mouse, a keyboard, a video card with 2 
MB SGRAM, a 3.2 GB hard drive, a CD-ROM, and a video monitor. Other 
hardware, such as, for example, a modem, power supply regulators, 
additional storage devices such as tape drives, as well as printers, can 
also be utilized. The 68020 microprocessor speed was 16.67 Mhz and is 
associated with a high speed serial port (RS-485) which provides a 
communications interface between the 68020 Microprocessor and the sensors 
or modules carrying components to handle sensor signals. 
The intelligent data acquisition subsystem further comprises an interface 
provided to route the signals from associated data acquisition modules, 
which for example, can comprise an analog brick module, to the 32-bit 
68020 microprocessor. A first brick module is provided which houses two 
thermocouple/Millivolt high resolution, high-density Analog I/O interface 
cards. A second brick module is provided which houses two DC voltage input 
high resolution, high density analog I/O interface cards. Also provided on 
the computer unit are four DC input signal conditioners, three frequency 
input signal conditioners, one RTD input signal conditioner, an AC input 
signal conditioner, a strain-gauge input signal conditioner, and a 
thermocouple input signal conditioner. The components are wired for 
connection to an interface board. 
Certain engine performance parameters which the system must account for 
include a barometric measurement component. A pressure transducer is 
provided and is connected to one of the DC voltage input high resolution, 
high-density analog interface cards in the second brick module. The 
pressure transducer can sample the test environment barometric pressure 
through a conduit. In the present example, the pressure transducer signal 
is sent to the second brick module. Preferably, the transducer 
continuously monitors the atmospheric pressure of the testing room or 
environment, and a continuous collection of data is processed to obtain a 
value used by the present system to perform calculations and cause to be 
displayed on the graphics display means, an animated graphic. 
In the present example of a preferred embodiment, 210 terminal blocks are 
provided to interface the various components of the unit with the engine 
which is to undergo a test. Three groups of 70 terminal blocks each are 
provided. A thermocouple terminal board assembly is provided, which for 
example, comprises terminal strips for the thermocouple signals. The 
thermocouple can be associated with or connected to the temperature 
sensing system of the test environment for ascertaining the engine 
environment temperature. A signal is then delivered to the unit which is 
then processed and stored for immediate use, or further processed to 
provide an animated graphics display. 
Data acquisition software is provided to reside in the 32-bit 68020 
microprocessor. This software is utilized for monitoring, processing, 
calculating and recording of associated channels of engine, dynamometer, 
and engine run room environment generated electrical signals that are used 
to represent engine/dynamometer parameters and engine test environment 
parameters. The signals are also associated to provide a user graphic 
which is displayed on the graphics display means. 
The software also includes a graphics display module which permits the data 
collection and integration to be accomplished and presented to the user in 
an animated format. In addition, the graphics display preferably is viewed 
to represent real time engine operation when the user graphics is 
displayed on the display means. 
An array of channels is provided through which the monitoring of 
information from the engine to the unit is accomplished. The software used 
can monitor, process, calculate and associate the signals from the 
selected channels. Preferably, the software receives the electrical data 
generated by the engine, dynamometer and engine run room environment 
sensors (i.e. thermocouples, strain gauges, potentiometers, pressure 
transducers and other associated sensing means) through a communication 
link, which for example, can comprise a high speed serial port, such as an 
RS485, from the first and second brick module assemblies. The engine 
generated electrical signals represent temperatures, RPM, pressures, 
vibrations, spindle, stator vane and shroud positions and torque, fuel 
flow, and other associated parameters. Dynamometer generated electrical 
signals represent temperatures, pressures, shroud position and torque. 
Engine run room environment generated signals are associated with and 
represent ambient temperature and barometric pressure of the engine test 
environment. The software program continually monitors the aforementioned 
parameters. The parameter values can be stored, or further calculated to 
provide a result. The result is then used to cause a related user graphics 
to be displayed on the display means. For example, the performance 
parameters which determine the suitability of an engine in relation to its 
operating condition, such as for example, minimum Shpa@IRP, Shp, Shpk, 
Shpa, maximum Ng@IRP and other parameters, are calculated from the 
parameter values obtained and generated from the sensor signals. This 
provides the user with engine/dynamometer performance parameters which are 
then associated with a user graphic and displayed on the display means. 
The animated user graphic preferably displays to the user the change 
observed in the performance parameter which the user is viewing. 
Additional associated graphics means include condition means which 
provides a condition level. The levels can be defined to be associated 
with a given parameter value or can be associated with one or more 
parameter values, including calculated parameter values derived from 
monitored parameter values. The condition levels graphics are displayed 
when one or more parameter requirements has or have been met, exceeded, or 
breached. Condition means further provides pinpoint graphics means which 
identifies a graphic of the condition which is breached. 
The pinpoint graphic can comprise a parameter value and can also depict a 
representation of an associated part, such as, for example, an engine or 
dynamometer, and provide an associated pinpoint user graphic identifying 
the parameter value or value or values which caused the condition graphic 
to be displayed. 
Gas turbine engines have associated performance graphs which are supplied 
by the manufacturer for governing the performance values at which the 
engine can operate. These values are predetermined, although the 
manufacturer can amend them from time to time, and can be preloaded onto 
the 32-bit motherboard to provide a resource of values from which to 
determine engine conditions. 
While the parameters for engine operating values, and associated relative 
parameters can be furnished on the motherboard, the present system permits 
known user values to be adopted for calibration of the unit. For example, 
a known injection of a pressure or fuel flow can be performed by the user. 
The parameter which identifies the user's action can then be selected for 
display with the interactive means to cause the parameter to display on 
the display means its associated user graphic. The user graphic for the 
parameter, for example, can be provided to display the parameter value 
which the system identifies as being associated with the user action. The 
user, with the interactive means can interact with the user graphic to 
reassociate the user graphic with the value which the user action 
introduced into the system or engine being tested. This associated value 
can be used for subsequent parameter measurements, as well as for 
calculations. 
The user therefore can select a value which the stored parameters can yield 
to, permitting the user's input or calibrated value to be the standard. 
In an alternate embodiment, condition simulating means is provided to 
enable interruption of a signal with a user replaced parameter value. 
While the system is a real time oriented analyzer, the user action can be 
applied to the collected data to provide a hypothetical analysis and 
calculation of the parameter values or engine/dynamometer, or engine run 
room environment, as well as the conditions associated with the values. 
The conditions can be displayed on display means with a supplemental user 
graphic which is associated with the hypothetical condition. A comparative 
graphics means provides a comparative user graphic which is displayed on 
the display means and identifies the condition prior to the user action 
and the condition after the user action. This embodiment preferably 
includes means for blocking the input of user override parameters, such 
that when the hypothetical test is finished, the system is returned to and 
remains in the real time analyzing mode. 
The temperature monitoring means of the present invention enables the 
monitoring, storing and displaying of the temperatures of associated 
temperature values for the engine being measured. The power turbine inlet 
is associated with a signal conditioner and voltage input channel of the 
I/O interface second brick module assembly. Other channels are associated 
with engine lube outlet, inlet air temperature (which is preferably 
associated with a plurality of channels which are averaged), dyno lube 
tank temperature, dyno lube outlet temperature (forward), and dyno lube 
outlet temperature (aft). The associated graphics means provide a user 
graphic which is displayed with the display means to animate the 
temperature values which are converted to temperature values from the 
thermocouple signals. 
Associated condition graphics are also called up when the temperature 
values breach the range which has been preloaded in the 32-bit motherboard 
(or those values which the user has selected to override) and which causes 
the condition graphics to be displayed on the display means. Preferably, 
the condition graphic is displayed as part of the monitoring graphic which 
is associated with and displays the real time information for the 
parameter being measured. Preferably, the display means can contain a user 
graphic which contains a zone of predetermined parameters which are 
constantly displayed to the user when the system is in use. Particularly 
preferable is a constant display of real time operation parameters on the 
display means with a user input zone also present on the display means to 
identify and record selections and user input. Therefore, the user can at 
all times be presented with animated user graphics which show level means 
graphics and condition graphics on the display means. The display means 
can display animated real time information in the form of one or more user 
graphics. The user graphics can provide the user with an animated visual 
presentation which is representative of the items and parameters which the 
user desires to be concerned with, in a form visually perceptible on a 
single screen. The user graphic condition means and level means are 
preferably included with, and in addition to, real time data to appear 
concurrently along therewith. The real time data is presented in a digital 
form with pinpoint graphics. The pinpoint graphics display the real time 
value for the parameters being monitored. 
In a preferred embodiment, for example, one or more engine fuel indicators 
can be associated to provide a group indicator. Fuel pressure and fuel 
flow can be ascertained with sensor means. A condition graphic means 
preferably can be associated with fuel parameters to provide a fuel 
condition indicator graphic. The fuel condition indicator graphic can have 
a fuel pressure component and a fuel flow component. The fuel condition 
graphic can be associated with one or more of the fuel parameters. A 
parameter or certain group of parameters can be assigned to the fuel 
condition graphic. The condition indicator can further be associated with 
level graphics to signal to provide a level graphic which is displayed on 
the display means. Preferably, each graphic component of the fuel group, 
such as, for example, the fuel pressure and fuel flow parameters, will 
have its own condition graphic and level graphic, in addition to the 
collectively associated fuel group condition graphic. Level graphics are 
also associated with each component condition graphic. 
The fuel parameters condition graphics can be associated with other 
condition graphics to provide an array of graphics. The array of graphics 
can be provided in an animated form on the display means to permit a 
coordinated visual inspection of the engine operation. For example, the 
display means can display an array of graphics including a user work zone 
and a parameter graphics display zone. The user work zone can comprise a 
zone on the display means which includes a user interactive area, such as, 
for example, a user calibration zone. The user can interact with the 
system through the interactive zone. The parameter graphics display zone 
can be displayed simultaneously with the user work zone. Preferably, the 
parameter graphics display zone includes the display of the user graphics, 
including condition and level graphics, pinpoint graphics, and other 
graphics associated with parameters, or calculated associated data. 
The monitoring signals are processed by the system continuously, and the 
system associates a condition level graphic with a parameter. When a 
parameter being monitored is challenged by the processor based on 
comparison with one or more known input values, a level graphic is 
selected for display, thereby replacing a previous level graphic which was 
displaying on the display means. This process continues until the unit is 
turned off. If the representative condition level is addressed by the user 
at the engine, dynamometer or other site, the condition level graphic will 
be restored to its state before the challenged value. 
The dynamometer can be associated with dynamometer condition graphics. The 
dynamometer condition graphics can include an animated dyno status graphic 
with dyno condition graphics associated with dyno monitoring channels. For 
example, dyno monitoring channels can include one or more channels which 
are associated with dyno lube pressure, dyno lube temperature, and dyno 
lube temperature differentials including dyno lube temperature (fwd) and 
dyno lube temperature (aft). The dynamometer condition graphics can be 
associated with one or more of the dyno monitoring channels to provide an 
animated visual graphic which is displayed on the display means. The 
information from the dyno monitoring channels is processed by the 
processor means and the real time values for the dyno parameters displayed 
on the display means with an associated condition means. 
The system of the present invention further includes a vibration monitoring 
means. The vibration monitoring means includes a plurality of channels 
which are monitored by the system. The channels are associated with one or 
more vibration monitoring graphics which are displayed on the display 
means. The data from the monitoring channels is processed and associated 
with graphics means. Preferably, the graphics means includes a pinpoint 
graphic which is displayed on the display means to show a digital 
representation of the vibration signal along with an analog graphic 
displayed on the display means to show a representation of the parameter 
being monitored by a channel. The analog graphic display means can 
include, for example, level means associated with a condition which is 
being monitored with the system. The level means can provide an animated 
user graphic which is presented on the display means in association with 
the digital graphic. Examples of channels which are associated with the 
vibration monitoring means include engine exhaust frame vibration 
(vertical), accessory gearbox vibration, engine exhaust frame vibration 
(horizontal), dynamometer vibration (aft--vertical) and dynamometer 
vibration (fwd--horizontal). In addition, the analog graphic can comprise 
a gauge display graphic incorporating the real time parameter values for 
presentation with the gauge display graphic. The gauge display graphic 
preferably is animated to associate the real time parameters, including a 
calculated parameter based on one or more other parameters, with a 
representation of the real time parameter relative to a scale graphic. 
Other monitoring means provided with the present system include engine oil 
monitoring means, load demand spindle position monitoring means, and 
position monitoring means including stator vane position monitoring means 
and dyno shroud position monitoring means, each of which are associated 
with a channel through which the condition parameters for the associated 
monitoring means are obtained. Associated graphics means is provided for 
each of the respective monitoring means. The graphics means can include 
level graphics and pinpoint graphics which are displayed on the display 
means in relation to each other to display the real time condition 
associated with the parameters being monitored at that time. 
In addition, a condition graphic can also be associated with the parameters 
to provide an animated graphic which is displayed on the display means. 
The power turbine inlet temperature (TGT), the gas generator speed (% Ng) 
and the power turbine speed (Np) are additional parameters which can be 
monitored with the present system. Associated channels representing these 
parameters monitor the input from the sensors which are deployed on the 
engine. The processor utilizing software converts the signals to the 
equivalent format, temperature (for TGT) RPMs for % Ng and Np. Graphics 
means are associated with each of these parameters being monitored. The 
graphics means further includes an associated condition graphic for each 
parameter being monitored. The condition graphic includes level graphic 
means which provides an animated graphic for display on the display means 
to signify one or more of a stop graphic, a warning graphic and a normal 
graphic. The condition graphic preferably is provided proximate to the 
pinpoint graphic and analog graphic which are displayed on the display 
means. 
Engine power and dyno power indicators are also included as components 
which the system monitors. For example, the engine power indicator 
preferably comprises the integration of data from one or more channels to 
comprise a real time indicator which is the collective result engine power 
derived from the signal data which is calculated by formulas contained 
within software. The software enables the calculations to be carried out 
and the result associated with a user graphic for display on the display 
means. For example, the user graphic can display the pinpoint graphic 
comprising the real time parameter value associated with the calculated 
data result. Examples of engine power and dyno power data include Shp, 
Shpa and Shpk. The display means displays a graphic which is the real time 
value for the engine power and dyno power parameters. Condition graphics 
can also be included with level graphics. The condition graphics can 
include an animated analog bar which moves corresponding to the parameter 
being monitored. The condition level graphics can include zones along the 
analog bar which correspond to a condition presented by the data being 
monitored. In addition, the level graphic can be associated with the 
pinpoint graphic of digital parameter values to correspond the digital 
parameter values being displayed with the condition level graphic being 
displayed on the analog bar. 
The user graphics can further include analog display graphics which can 
comprise bars, lines, needles, segments, and the like which are animated 
to correspond to one or more parameters being monitored, or calculated by 
the present system. The analog display graphics can further comprise 
condition graphics which include level graphics. The condition graphics 
and level graphics can include forecast means graphics which are present 
in conjunction with the analog display graphics. The forecast means 
graphics can provide a display of a condition not yet recorded but if 
encountered one that would cause the condition level graphic to change. 
This display of the forecast means graphic can be provided in the form of 
zones appearing in conjunction with the analog display graphic which 
represent potential failure or fault levels of the engine being tested. 
The user graphics preferably are stored in graphics display software loaded 
onto or embedded in the motherboard of the computer or CPU. The software 
operates in association with the data monitoring, recording, calculating 
and processing software which resides in the 68020 microprocessor. The 
processed signals are used by the graphics display software to associate a 
plurality of user graphics which are then presented to the display means 
for presentation to the user. Animated graphics are displayed to represent 
the real time condition and operation of the turbine engine undergoing 
testing. 
Identification means graphics can be included to identify to the operator 
on the display means the area of the engine or dynamometer which is being 
monitored, and the associated parameter. The identification means graphics 
can preferably comprise an engine representation graphic or dynamometer 
representation graphic displayed on the display means. Associated user 
graphics corresponding to or derived from the signals being monitored from 
the sensors are displayed on the display means in association with the 
identification means graphics, and further can have an identifying graphic 
corresponding the identification means graphic to the associated user 
graphic. For example, the associated user graphic may comprise dynamometer 
information such as bearing temperatures (fwd. and aft.), vibration levels 
(fwd. and aft.), lube temperature and pressure, torque and shroud position 
parameters provided as a pinpoint graphic, along with associated condition 
graphics, level graphics, and other graphics. The dynamometer condition 
graphic, for example, may appear simultaneously with the other graphics, 
such as for example the pinpoint graphic. The pinpoint graphic can 
therefore include a condition identifying graphic which can change as one 
or more of the continually monitored condition changes. For example, a 
condition graphic can appear simultaneously with a pinpoint graphic on the 
display means at the same location. Preferably, the identification means 
graphics and associated graphics are displayed in the user work zone, 
wherein the parameters being monitored by the system are concurrently 
continuously displayed on the display means in the parameter graphics 
display zone. The parameter graphics display zone may therefore comprise 
information regarding the dynamometer which is also displayed in the user 
work zone in conjunction with the identification means graphics. 
Remote communication means can also be provided for system operation from a 
location other than that of the engine being tested. Remote communications 
means can include a communications link connecting the system monitoring 
the engine to a remote operating device, such as, for example, remote 
interactive means. The remote communications means further includes 
supplementary display means. Information and condition graphics are 
communicated by the remote communications means for presentation on the 
display means and on said supplementary display means. The remote 
communications means permits a remote user to operate the system with 
remote interactive means. Preferably, the display means and supplementary 
display means display the same graphics to the site operator and the 
remote user. The remote communication means can further include means for 
disabling the site interactive means, so that only the remote user 
interactive means can operate the system. Means for disabling the remote 
interactive means, wherein said means for disabling prevents the remote 
user from operating said system but permits display of the same graphics 
on the supplemental display means as those being displayed on the display 
means at the engine test site, including real time graphics. 
The present invention further comprises engine performance evaluation means 
for testing the performance of the engine being monitored by the system. 
The performance evaluation means includes a performance graphic which, for 
example, can be displayed on the display means. The performance graphic 
provides an indication of engine operation status. Engines being tested by 
the system are evaluated to determine whether the engine when operated 
meets required operating parameters. For example, the engine must produce 
a minimum power output, i.e. measured as engine shaft horsepower. In 
addition, other parameters are monitored and compared to accepted 
parameter values processed through the intelligent data acquisition 
subsystem. Calculations on data being monitored by the system are made. 
The calculations can incorporate one or more signals being monitored with 
the sensors. A performance graphic, for example, can include an indicator 
graphic to display on the display means a pass or fail condition for the 
engine being tested. The pass or fail condition is ascertained based on a 
number of parameters monitored by the system. The result of the system 
monitoring can provide a real time performance evaluation of the engine 
operating condition. Printer means can also be provided with the present 
system. The printer means can print real time or recorded information 
which the system monitors, or which the system calculates based on 
information monitored and recorded by the system. The performance 
evaluation graphic is displayed on the display means. The operator can 
select to display on the display means the user graphics, including 
condition graphics, pinpoint graphics, level graphics, analog display 
graphics, and other graphics which are presented to the user when viewing 
the display means, which are associated with the engine performance 
parameters representative of the parameters used for determining the 
engine performance test. The display means, preferably, can display the 
engine performance graphics in the user work zone of the display means and 
display in the parameter graphics display zone. The parameter graphics 
display zone can be printed on the printer means to provide a record of 
the monitored parameters of engine operations which are recorded by the 
sensors as are represented by associated user graphics on the display 
means. The performance parameters can also be stored on the storage means 
for reference at a later time. 
The performance evaluation means further can comprise alerting means for 
alerting the operator of a malfunction. Preferably the alerting means 
includes an alerting graphic which is called from memory by the processor 
and displayed on the display means when a parameter or calculated value 
based on a parameter is not in compliance with the acceptable values 
stored in the intelligent data acquisition subsystem, such as, for 
example, those performance values which contain engine operating 
specifications which are preloaded and stored in the 32-bit motherboard. A 
malfunction graphic can be associated with the parameter which the 
processor challenges as not being in an acceptable range. The malfunction 
graphic can include a pinpoint graphic of one or more of the challenged 
parameters and can include an alerting graphic, which can comprise a 
graphic superimposed with or appearing with the challenged parameter 
value. The malfunction can further be explored by the system operator by 
selecting for display on the display means the malfunction real time 
parameters. The operator can select to display on the display means the 
user graphics, including condition graphics, pinpoint graphics, level 
graphics, analog display graphics, and other graphics which are presented 
to the user when viewing the display means, which are associated with the 
engine malfunction parameters representative of the parameters used for 
determining the engine performance test which led to the malfunction 
graphic being displayed on the display means. The display means, 
preferably, can display the engine performance graphics in the user work 
zone of the display means and display in the parameter graphics display 
zone the engine performance graphic. The parameter graphics display zone 
can be printed on the printer means to provide a record of the monitored 
parameters at the time the malfunction of engine operation was detected 
which are recorded by the sensors as are represented by associated user 
graphics on the display means. The performance parameters, inclusive of 
the malfunction or challenged parameters, can also be stored on the 
storage means for reference at a later time. 
Further, the operator can select a specific performance evaluation test for 
the system to carry out. For example, if the alerting means identifies a 
malfunction to the operator, the operator can select a performance test 
for the system to complete which includes the parameter type associated 
with the malfunction. The system can be instructed by the user through the 
interactive means, by selecting a user graphic associated with the 
malfunction or specific engine performance item to provide the specific 
performance evaluation test and provide a user graphic showing the values 
of the selected evaluation test along with associated user graphics, 
including condition, level and other graphics, in the user work zone of 
the display means. The parameter graphics display zone can therefore 
display the graphics associated with the engine operation parameters so 
the operator can see their associated graphics as the user views the 
malfunctioning parameter graphics in the user work zone of the display 
means. 
These and other advantages of the present invention can be made consistent 
with the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and recited 
in the appended claims.