Patent ID: 7324924

Claim:
A method of a computer implemented process for automatically curve fitting data series to generate data signal characterization, the computer including a processor and a memory, the method comprising: receiving from a data base to store in the memory input data including a plurality of data series and a set of input parameters to be utilized in subsequent preprocessing and curve fitting processes, the plurality of data series including performance indicators including at least one of machine fault codes, machine downtimes and machine maintenance data and the set of input parameters configurable by a user; preprocessing by the processor the data series to generate preprocessed data according to a subset of the set of input parameters, the preprocessing configured to prepare the data series for a subsequent curve fitting process, the preprocessing comprising: sorting by the processor the plurality of data series according to an input parameter to generate an ordered series; and prioritizing by the processor the ordered data series according to an input parameter to generate an ordered and prioritized series; performing curve fitting by the processor, the curve fitting by a plurality of curve fitting algorithms on the preprocessed data including the ordered and prioritized series according to a subset of the set of input parameters to generate text and graphic output to represent data signal characterizations including at least one of goodness of fit and prediction values, the text and graphic output configurable by the user; and storing in memory the text and graphic output for subsequent display of representations of at least one of goodness of fit to at least one curve of the plurality of curve fitting algorithms and prediction values for future performance indicators including at least one of machine fault codes, machine downtimes and machine maintenance data; wherein the data series comprise fault code data signals generated by machines in a production facility and wherein the data signal characterizations including at least one of goodness of fit and prediction values are utilized to generate work orders.