Knoxville, Tennessee Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Online Development Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for predictive radar-based machine diagnostics. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11881059, titled ‘Machine function analysis with radar plot’, converts live vibration signals into compact radar charts that expose hidden faults.
Industrial downtime drains profits worldwide. This newly granted technology promises faster fault detection by turning raw sensor data into a visual “radar” signature that operators can read at a glance.
The system tracks several vibration spectra at once, transforms each into a fast Fourier transform plot, calculates its area, and watches for even slight changes. When the plotted area shifts beyond a baseline, the software flags an emerging problem while the machine stays online.
Maintenance teams receive early alerts, schedule targeted repairs, and avoid costly shutdowns. Operators gain confidence, extend equipment life, and boost plant safety.
The patent lists Keith A. Walton and Kai T. Bouse as inventors, underscoring Knoxville’s growing influence in industrial analytics. Analysts see the breakthrough as a key step toward autonomous, predictive maintenance across manufacturing, energy, and logistics sectors.
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