Sharon M Deland

US Patent:

6668203, Dec 23, 2003

Filed:

Apr 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/844028

Inventors:

William R. Cook - Albuquerque NM
John M. Brabson - Albuquerque NM
Sharon M. Deland - Albuquerque NM

Assignee:

Sandia Corporation - Albuquerque NM

International Classification:

G05B 1918

US Classification:

700 65, 700 27, 702182, 702188, 703 17, 703 22, 705 7, 705 11, 717104

Abstract:

A state machine model analyzes sensor data from dynamic processes at a facility to identify the actual processes that were performed at the facility during a period of interest for the purpose of remote facility inspection. An inspector can further input the expected operations into the state machine model and compare the expected, or declared, processes to the actual processes to identify undeclared processes at the facility. The state machine analysis enables the generation of knowledge about the state of the facility at all levels, from location of physical objects to complex operational concepts. Therefore, the state machine method and apparatus may benefit any agency or business with sensored facilities that stores or manipulates expensive, dangerous, or controlled materials or information.