Patent Description:
In a gas turbine engine, continuous inlet air is compressed, mixed with fuel in an inflammable proportion, and exposed to an ignition source to ignite the mixture which then continues to burn to produce combustion products. The combustion of the air-fuel mixture can be used to power various mechanical components, which in turn can be used to produce thrust. Under normal operating conditions, gas turbine engines are known to produce noise, and certain levels of noise are expected. However, excessive noise can be undesirable for passenger or operator comfort, and in some cases certain types of noise can be indicative of a maintenance need for the gas turbine engine.

Approaches for visualizing noise levels produced by gas turbine engines exist, and are suitable for their purposes. However, improvements are always desirable.

A prior art diagnostic tool having the features of the preamble of claim <NUM> is disclosed in <CIT>. Prior art diagnostic tools are also disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aircraft engine graphical diagnostic tool, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

In embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool comprises a selection element for selecting the first data dimension from a plurality of data dimensions.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool comprises a toggle element for alternating between first and second configurations of the first and at least second and third data dimensions.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool comprises at least one increment element collocated with the input element, the at least one increment element for incrementing the data value for the first data dimension by a predetermined increment.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool comprises at least one reference marker for setting the data value of the input element to a reference value.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool comprises at least one marker defined within the visualization element, the at least one marker indicative of a reference value for one of the at least second and third data dimensions.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the scrollable element comprises a scroll bar.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the first data dimension is a time dimension, wherein the second data dimension is a frequency dimension, and wherein the third data dimension is an amplitude dimension.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an aircraft engine graphical diagnostic tool, as claimed in claim <NUM>. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device for diagnosis of an aircraft engine, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

In embodiments, the method comprises obtaining, via a selection element of the graphical diagnostic tool, a selection input indicative of a selection of the first data dimension from a plurality of data dimensions.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the method comprises obtaining, via a toggle element of the graphical diagnostic tool, a toggle input indicative of a request to alternate between first and second configurations of the first and the at least second and third data dimensions.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the method comprises obtaining, via an increment element of the graphical diagnostic tool collocated with the input element, an increment input for incrementing the data value for the first data dimension via a predetermined increment.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the method comprises obtaining, via a reference marker of the graphical diagnostic tool, a reference value input for setting the data value of the input element to a reference value.

In at least some embodiment in accordance with one or more previous embodiments, the method comprises presenting, as part of the visualization element, at least one marker indicative of a reference value for one of the at least second and third data dimensions.

Features of the systems, devices, and methods described herein may be used in various combinations, in accordance with the embodiments described herein. In particular, any of the above features may be used alone, together in any suitable combination, and/or in a variety of arrangements, as appropriate.

With reference to <FIG>, there is illustrated a gas turbine engine <NUM>. Note that while engine <NUM> is a turbofan engine, the methods and systems described herein may be applicable to turboprop, turboshaft, and other types of gas turbine engines, or combustion engines generally. In addition, the engine <NUM> may be an auxiliary power unit (APU), an auxiliary power supply (APS), a hybrid engine, or any other suitable type of engine. In addition, although the foregoing discussion relates to a singular engine <NUM>, it should be understood that the techniques described herein can be applied substantially concurrently to multiple engines.

The engine <NUM> generally comprises in serial flow communication: a fan <NUM> through which ambient air is propelled, a compressor section <NUM> for pressurizing the air, a combustor <NUM> in which the compressed air is mixed with fuel and ignited for generating a stream of hot combustion gases, and a turbine section <NUM> for extracting energy from the combustion gases. Axis <NUM> defines an axial direction of the engine <NUM>. In some embodiments, a low pressure spool is composed of a low pressure shaft and a low pressure turbine. The low pressure shaft drives the propeller <NUM>. A high pressure spool is composed of a high pressure turbine attached to a high pressure shaft, which is connected to the compressor section <NUM>. It should be noted that other configurations for the engine <NUM> are also considered.

Control of the operation of the engine <NUM> can be effected by one or more control systems, for example an engine controller <NUM>. The engine controller <NUM> can modulate a fuel flow rate provided to the engine <NUM>, the position and/or orientation of variable geometry mechanisms within the engine <NUM>, a bleed level of the engine <NUM>, and the like. Alternatively, or in addition, the engine <NUM> can be effected by any other suitable control approach, including hydro-mechanical control schemes, or the like.

In the course of normal operation, the engine <NUM> will produce noise <NUM>. The noise <NUM> can include sounds from the flow of air through the engine <NUM>, sounds from combustion taking place in the combustor <NUM>, sounds produced by rotating of compressors in the compressor section <NUM> and/or of turbines in the turbine section <NUM>, and sounds produced by any other elements of the engine <NUM>. The noise <NUM> is composed of multiple noise components at varying frequencies and amplitudes. In addition, the level of noise <NUM> produced by the engine <NUM> will vary over time, and depending on the operating state of the engine <NUM>. Noise <NUM> can be produced by a variety of components within the engine <NUM>, and is directed substantially omnidirectionally from the engine <NUM>; alternatively, or in addition, certain noise components composing the noise <NUM> can be directed in a particular direction.

Analysis of the noise <NUM> can be performed both to identify maintenance needs for the engine <NUM>, and to attempt to identify sources of noise levels or noise components which negatively affect the comfort of an operator of the engine <NUM>, or of a passenger within a vehicle or other craft of which the engine <NUM> is a component. For example, the engine <NUM> can form part of an aircraft, and the noise <NUM> can be analyzed to reduce the discomfort caused by the noise <NUM> to passengers of the aircraft. In some embodiments, the engine <NUM> can be subjected to a testing protocol which simulates a variety of different operating conditions for the engine <NUM> in a predetermined sequence. The testing protocol can be of any suitable duration, and can cycle through the different operating conditions for the engine <NUM> in any suitable sequence. The noise <NUM> produced by the engine <NUM> during the testing protocol can be analyzed to determine whether particular operating conditions for the engine <NUM> are producing noise which is a source of discomfort for operators or passengers, or indicative of a maintenance need for the engine <NUM>.

To this end, an electronic device <NUM> is used to monitor and analyze, or assist in the analysis of, noise <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, or any other suitable type of portable electronic device. Alternatively, the electronic device <NUM> can be a desktop-type computer or other type of computing device. Alternatively still, the electronic device <NUM> a dedicated handheld device for monitoring and analyzing noise <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> is provided with at least a microphone <NUM> and a display <NUM>.

The microphone <NUM> can be any suitable type of microphone or other sound capture device via which the noise <NUM> can be obtained by the electronic device <NUM>. The microphone <NUM> can be integrated or embedded in the electronic device <NUM>, or can be a peripheral device coupled to the electronic device <NUM> in any suitable fashion. The microphone <NUM> is configured for capturing sounds within any suitable frequency range, and of any suitable amplitude. The display <NUM> is any suitable type of display screen for rendering graphical elements. The display <NUM> can be of any suitable shape, size, and resolution, and can employ any suitable technology for rendering graphical elements. The display <NUM> is a two-dimensional display, which can be used to display two-, three-, or other multi-dimensional graphical elements. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> can include a plurality of displays <NUM>, which can be disposed on the electronic device <NUM> in any suitable fashion.

The electronic device <NUM> is provided with suitable computing and communication functionality for interfacing with the microphone <NUM> to obtain therefrom noise data relating to the noise <NUM>. The noise data relates to a plurality of data dimensions: for instance, the data can relate the amplitude of the noise <NUM> across a plurality of frequencies over time. In this example, the noise data relates to three data dimensions: amplitude, which can be expressed in decibel (dB); frequency, which can be expressed in Hertz (Hz), and time, which can be expressed in seconds. Other units of measure are also considered. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> is configured for performing calculations or other transformations to the noise data. For example, the frequency data dimension can be obtained by performing a Fourier transform, a fast-Fourier transform, or other similar transformation, on the noise data. Other approaches are also considered.

The electronic device <NUM> is also provided with suitable computing and communication functionality for interfacing with the display <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> issues instructions to the display <NUM> for displaying information, for instance relating to the noise data obtained by the microphone <NUM>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> can instruct the display <NUM> to generate and display a graphical diagnostic tool which performs, or aids an operator in performing, diagnosis of aircraft engines, for instance analysis of the noise data.

It should be noted that although the foregoing discussion focuses on noise data which is recorded by the microphone <NUM> during, for example, a testing protocol, in some embodiments the electronic device <NUM> can acquire noise data from a database and/or other data repository, for instance using network functionality present in the electronic device <NUM>. In some such embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may not be provided with the microphone <NUM> and/or other elements, as appropriate.

With reference to <FIG>, one embodiment of the graphical diagnostic tool, illustrated at <NUM>, is used to display three-dimensional data on the display <NUM>. The graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> is composed of a visualization element <NUM> displaying two dimensions (2D) of data, and a one-dimensional (1D) input element <NUM>, and is used to display noise data relating to the noise <NUM> obtained by the microphone <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and/or otherwise obtained by the electronic device <NUM>, for instance from a database or the like. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the visualization element <NUM> is positioned in an upper part of the display <NUM>, and the input element <NUM> is positioned in a lower part of the display <NUM>, below the visualization element <NUM>. It should be noted, however, that other arrangements of the visualization element <NUM> and the input element <NUM> on the display <NUM> are considered.

The visualization element <NUM> is a two-dimensional graphical element which is serves to display two data dimensions of the noise data. The visualization element <NUM> is a two-dimensional graph, plot, or other graphical element. In another example, not within the wording of the claims, the visualization element <NUM> is a three-dimensional graph, curve, or the like; an additional dimension of data, for instance engine temperature data, can also be displayed via the visualization element <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the visualization element <NUM> is used to plot the amplitude of the noise data, on axis <NUM>, against the frequency of the noise data, on axis <NUM>. The frequency and amplitude noise data form a dataset, and are displayed as curve <NUM> within the visualization element <NUM>. The axis <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with any suitable scale, as appropriate, which may be adjusted by the electronic device <NUM> depending on the dataset for the frequency and amplitude noise data. Although shown in <FIG> as a line or curve plot, it should be understood that the visualization element <NUM> can employ other types of plots, including straight line plots, scatter plots, three-dimensional curves, or any other suitable type of plot.

The input element <NUM> is a one-dimensional graphical element which serves to display one data dimension of the noise data. The input element <NUM> is a scrollable element, such as a scroll bar. Other types of scrollable elements are also considered. In some embodiments, the input element <NUM> can include a text field in which a value can be input. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the input element <NUM> is used to illustrate the time dimension for the noise data, shown as axis <NUM>. The input element <NUM> includes a location marker <NUM> which displays the current location in time for the noise data. The location marker <NUM> is interactive, allowing a user of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> to adjust a time value for the time dimension by moving the location marker <NUM> to a different location along the time axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input element <NUM> also includes interactive increment elements <NUM>, which can be located at opposite ends of the axis <NUM> of the input element <NUM>, or can be collocated at one of the ends of the input element <NUM>. The increment elements <NUM> offer an alternative method for interacting with the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> to move the location of the location marker <NUM>, thereby adjusting the time value for the time dimension.

In some still further embodiments, additional or alternative elements can be provided, for instance a "play" button, which can initiate a playback of the data by incrementing the data value for the time axis <NUM> successively over time at any suitable rate. In some cases, the electronic device <NUM> can be provided with a speaker or other sound-producing device, and can replay the noise data as sound concurrently with playback of the data through the visualization element <NUM> and the input element <NUM>. Other approaches, including "fast-forward", "rewind", skip ahead, skip back, or other functionality, can also be provided, as appropriate.

It should also be noted that although the foregoing discussion focuses primarily on the use of the electronic device <NUM> as having a touchscreen or other touch-based interaction functionality, the approaches described herein can also be implemented using other types of electronic devices, which can obtain input via one or more keyboards, mice, buttons, switches, dials, or any other suitable type of input. The inputs can be integrated or embedded in the electronic device <NUM>, or can be peripheral thereto. For example, the input element <NUM> can be associated with a dial or other physical input device, and the value for the input element <NUM> can be changed by rotating the dial, or by interacting with the physical input device in a suitable fashion. Other approaches are also considered.

As described hereinabove, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> serves to present the noise data obtained via the microphone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> is launched by interacting with an application present on the electronic device <NUM>. The application obtains the noise data, and prepares it for presentation via the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. For example, the location marker <NUM> begins at a leftmost position on the axis <NUM> of the input element <NUM>-in this case, where the time value is <NUM>:<NUM> (zero)-and the visualization element <NUM> displays a curve <NUM> for a dataset of the amplitude-versus-frequency data associated with the time value at the leftmost position. In other words, the curve <NUM> displayed when the position marker <NUM> is at time value <NUM>:<NUM> is a dataset for the amplitude-versus-frequency data acquired by the electronic device <NUM> at time <NUM>:<NUM>, i.e., at the start of the acquisition of noise data. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the first presented position for the time dimension can be any other suitable position.

A user of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> can interact with the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> to display the noise data obtained by the electronic device <NUM> at other times. The user can change the location of the location marker <NUM>, whether by interacting with the location marker <NUM> directly, or by interacting with the increment elements <NUM>. When the location of the location marker <NUM> is changed, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> associated a different time value with the input element <NUM>, for instance the time shown in <FIG>, which is <NUM>:<NUM> (one minute and nine seconds). When a new time value is selected by the user, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> updates the visualization element <NUM> to display the dataset for the amplitude-versus-frequency data associated with the relevant time value (in this case, at time <NUM>:<NUM>).

In this fashion, the user can cycle through the noise data acquired by the electronic device <NUM>, by adjusting the location of the location marker <NUM>. Because the noise data captured by the electronic device <NUM> involves three data dimensions (time, frequency, and amplitude), visualization of the noise data on the display <NUM> may be difficult, due to the size of the display, and the method of interacting with it. By displaying two data dimensions via the visualization element <NUM>, and the third data dimension via the input element <NUM>, the three data dimensions can nevertheless be visualized, without the need for displaying a three-dimensional plot or waveform on the display <NUM>. In addition, the input element <NUM> can be used to select particular data values for the associated data dimension, which can allow the user to examine particular datasets for the data dimensions displayed in the visualization element <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> also includes a toggle element <NUM>. The toggle element <NUM> can be used to obtain inputs requesting changes in the configuration of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>, for instance from the user of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the toggle element <NUM> provides two options, with the upper option being selected, and the lower option being selectable. In some embodiments, the toggle element <NUM> is used to change between different configurations of the data dimensions which are displayed in the visualization element <NUM>. For example, selecting the lower option of the toggle element <NUM> can serve to swap the position of the amplitude axis <NUM> with the frequency axis <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the toggle element <NUM> is used to change between different configurations of the data dimensions for the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> as a whole. For example, selecting the lower option of the toggle element <NUM> can serve to move the frequency data dimension to the input element <NUM>, and the time data dimension is presented via the visualization element <NUM>, for instance taking the place of the frequency axis <NUM>. Other approaches are also considered.

In some further embodiments, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> also includes a selection element <NUM>. The selection element <NUM> can take the form of a dropdown menu or other graphical element for making a selection, including a selection wheel or the like. The selection element <NUM> can be used to obtain inputs requesting changes in the configuration of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>, for instance from the user of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the selection element <NUM> provides three options for the assignment of the data dimensions (time, frequency, and amplitude) to the visualization element <NUM> and the input element <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the first option (named "<NUM>) Ampl v Freq (Time)") is greyed, because the first option is currently presented via the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. Selection of the second or third options can be performed to alter the configuration of the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. For example, selecting the second option (named "<NUM>) Ampl v Time (Freq)") would alter the visualization element <NUM> to display the amplitude data dimension against the time data dimension, and associate the frequency data dimension to the input element <NUM>. It should be noted that the dropdown menu illustrated as part of the selection element <NUM> is shown here as extending beyond the display <NUM> solely for ease of understanding and illustration. In practice, the dropdown menu may overlap with the visualization element <NUM>. Alternatively, or in addition, interacting with the selection element <NUM> may cause the visualization element <NUM> to be resized. Other approaches are also considered.

The selection element <NUM> can also be used for other purposes. For example, the selection element <NUM> can list the data dimensions present in the noise data (time, frequency, and amplitude) and selection of any one of the data dimensions causes the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> to associate the selected data dimension to the input element <NUM>. The toggle element <NUM> can then be used to vary the configuration of the remaining data dimensions within the visualization element <NUM>. In another example, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> can include multiple selection elements <NUM>, which can be used to select from different sets and subsets of configurations of the data dimensions.

In some embodiments the visualization element <NUM> additionally includes one or more markers <NUM>. The markers <NUM> are associated with one of the data dimensions of the noise data, in this case the frequency axis <NUM>, and serve to identify reference values for the associated data dimension. For example, in the case of the engine <NUM>, the markers <NUM> can be marked at the frequencies of rotation of certain predetermined elements of the engine <NUM>. For instance, a first marker <NUM> is associated with a speed of rotation of a first spool of the engine <NUM>; a second marker <NUM> is associated with a speed of rotation of a second spool of the engine <NUM>; and a third marker <NUM> is associated with speed of rotation of a fan of the engine <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the input element <NUM> also includes reference markers <NUM>, which can be located on or proximate to the input element <NUM>. The reference markers <NUM> are interactive, and when interacted with, cause the position marker <NUM> to be moved to a reference location, for instance substantially aligned with the reference markers <NUM>. The input element <NUM> can include any number of reference markers <NUM>, which can be associated with points of interest within the data dimension associated with the input element <NUM>. For example, when the input element <NUM> is associated with the time dimension, the reference markers <NUM> can be associated with different times of interest. The times of interest can be defined based on the testing protocol performed for the engine <NUM>, for instance times at which different operating conditions for the engine <NUM> are achieved within the testing protocol.

Although the foregoing discussion focuses on scenarios in which the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> is used to present three-dimensional data relating to noise <NUM> produced by the engine <NUM>, it should be understood that the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> can be used in other contexts, to display other types of data. Use cases for other types of three-dimensional data are also considered. For instance, the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM> could be used to display vibration data, or other types of data relating to the operational parameters of the engine <NUM>. In some other instances, other relationships which vary over time, for instance during a testing protocol, or during normal operation, can also be displayed via the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, there is illustrated a method <NUM> for operating a graphical diagnostic tool, for instance the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>. In some embodiments, the method <NUM> can be implemented by the electronic device <NUM>. Optionally, at step <NUM>, a selection input is obtained, which is indicative of a selection of first, second, and third data dimensions. For example, the selection input can include a selection of time, frequency, and amplitude as the three data dimensions. In some examples, the selection input can also include an indication of which of the first, second, and third data dimensions are to be displayed as part of a two-dimensional visualization element, for instance the visualization element <NUM>, and which of the first, second, and third data dimensions are to be displayed via a one-dimensional input element, for instance the input element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the selection of the data dimensions and, optionally, their association with the visualization element <NUM> and the input element <NUM> are predetermined, and step <NUM> can be omitted.

At step <NUM>, a data input indicative of a data value for the first data dimension is obtained. The data value can be associated with a position along the input element, for instance the time dimension of axis <NUM>, or with any other suitable representation.

At step <NUM>, a dataset for second and third data dimensions, for instance the frequency and amplitude dimensions of axes <NUM> and <NUM>, is selected based on the data value for the time dimension. In some embodiments, the data for presentation via the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>, for instance the noise data obtained by the microphone <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, is stored in an array or other data structure which aligns the data for each of the first, second, and third data dimensions (in the example of <FIG>: time, frequency, and amplitude). As a result, once the data value for the time dimension is obtained at step <NUM>, the dataset for the second and third data dimensions can be selected by querying the array or data structure used to store the noise data.

At step <NUM>, the dataset for the amplitude and frequency dimensions is presented via a two-dimensional visualization element, for instance the visualization element <NUM>. The dataset can be presented in any suitable graphical fashion, including via a two-dimensional graph, plot, or curve, for example the curve <NUM>. In some embodiments, the visualization element <NUM> can also present one or more markers, for instance the markers <NUM>, which are indicative of reference values for the amplitude or the frequency dimensions.

Subsequent input can be obtained to further adjust the position of the input element <NUM>, by repeating step <NUM>, which in turn can result in a different dataset being selected and presented via the visualization element <NUM>, by repeating steps <NUM> and <NUM>. The subsequent input adjusting the position of the input element <NUM> can be provided in a variety of fashions, including by moving the position marker <NUM>, and/or by interacting with the increment elements <NUM> or the reference markers <NUM>. Input from additional elements within the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>, including the toggle element <NUM> and the selection element <NUM>, to effect other changes to the graphical diagnostic tool <NUM>, as described hereinabove.

With reference to <FIG>, the method of <FIG> may be implemented by a computing device <NUM>, as an embodiment of the electronic device <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> may comprise any suitable devices configured to implement the functionality of the electronic device <NUM> such that instructions <NUM>, when executed by the computing device <NUM> or other programmable apparatus, may cause the functions/acts/steps performed by the electronic device <NUM> as part of the method <NUM> and as described herein to be executed. The processing unit <NUM> may comprise, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, custom-designed analog and/or digital circuits, or any combination thereof.

Claim 1:
An aircraft engine graphical diagnostic tool (<NUM>) for displaying three-dimensional data relating to an operational parameter of an aircraft engine, comprising:
a two-dimensional display screen (<NUM>) configured to render:
an input element (<NUM>) configured for allowing a user to select a first data value in a first data dimension of said three-dimensional data; and
a visualization element (<NUM>) configured for graphically presenting a two-dimensional dataset from the three-dimensional data, the two-dimensional dataset having a second data dimension and a third data dimension of said three-dimensional data, the two-dimensional dataset presented by the visualization element associated with the first data value in the first data dimension,
characterised in that:
the input element (<NUM>) comprises an interactive scrollable element adjustable along an axis (<NUM>), a position of the scrollable element along the axis (<NUM>) defining the first data value; and
the visualization element (<NUM>) is configured to, when a second data value in the first data dimension is selected by the user via the input element (<NUM>), update to display the two-dimensional dataset associated with the second data value.