Performance data processing system.

摘要

For processing data relating to the performance of an apparatus, analysis of measurement data is performed using the Kalman Filter. The results of a first pass of the data through the filter are refined by discarding at least one less significant component change and/or sensor bias and the Kalman Filter is re-run using the thus modified data. Further runs of the Kalman Filter are performed, as required, in each the input being refined by discarding from the preceding run at least one further value. For each run an objective function is evaluated for the amount of unexplained measurement change and/or the amount of component change and sensor bias and the run whose results show an acceptable value for the objective function is selected as the best solution. In this way, the tendency of the Kalman Filter to distribute the cause of any sensed performance change over all the possible sources of that change is avoided. The invention also includes a method of analysing a number of sets of measurement data to determine levels and/or trends in component performance and sensor bias.