1. WinPlot The Data Analyst’s Tool of Choice
Roger Moody
Computer Sciences Corporation
Marshall Space Flight Center

2. Agenda Objectives Significance Developmental Status Assessment of Use
Innovation and Creativity
Awards
Closing Remarks

3. WinPlot Objectives
A desktop data analysis tool was needed to allow a user to conduct detailed analysis of unrestrictive amounts of propulsion test or flight data
Needed powerful tool to evaluate the large quantities of data in a very efficient and thorough manner
High sample-rate test/flight data analysis software did not exist which could handle the amount of data involved in analysis of space vehicle propulsion systems.  
Commercially available tools did not … (get info here from J. Herndon)
The intent was to develop a tool that the engineer could easily use to perform post-test/flight data analysis
Ease in portability to data analyst’s desktops was key

4. WinPlot Background
WinPlot and the read/write access libraries were developed solely by Roger Moody, CSC, for NASA/MSFC
WinPlot’s architecture is object oriented providing efficient code development and maintainability for Windows-based software
Access to various test data is achieved through the use of a generic data access interface DLL (Dynamic Link Library)
New data formats can be easily incorporated by simply adding the format specific access functions to the generic data interface DLL
Data from different acquisition and recording systems easily aligned regardless of the sample rate

5. WinPlot Code Structure
Input
Calculations
Data Filtering
View Selection
Function Selection
Data Sources
Data
Manipulation
Data Interfaces
Application
generated
real-time files
SunAcc
(standard format)
Imported
Tabular Data
xxxAcc
(foreign format)
WinPlot
DataAcc
Data Access
Manager
yyyAcc
(foreign format)
Data Files
Server/Local
PCGAcc
(real-time)
Real-time
Network
Stream
Output
EMF files
Tabular
Plots
Other
Applications
(exported)
Analysis
Hardcopy
Presentations
Office Applications
Electronic transfers
View of data values
Direct export to external programs, spreadsheets etc.
Control
User
Mouse/Keyboard
Control
Commands
WinPlot
Scripting
Files
Commands
External
Program
Control
Commands

6. WinPlot Highlights of Capabilities
Runs on Windows 98, NT, XP, and 2000 Operating Systems
C++ Object-oriented Software
WinPlot data files are easily created by using supplied write libraries and documentation
Executable and associated files size is 15.5 Mb (including large help file) and performs best on processors running > 200MHz and with RAM > 256Mb

7. WinPlot Background
WinPlot uses highly compressed data files (>10:1), decompresses them as required, enabling quick access of very large files
WinPlot’s native file format is structured such that complete decompression is not required to access specific data
Decompression is done within WinPlot, which greatly reduces network bandwidth required for data servers
This file structure and compression algorithm allows WinPlot to quickly access and display large amounts of data
WinPlot can open up to 1000 files and display up to 1000 curves
Display still maintains individual data points for each curve to ensure proper evaluation of data
Amount of data is limited only by the memory and storage of desktop computer

8. WinPlot File Structure
Basic Sun File Structure
Typical Parameter Retrieval
1) User opens file
File map retrieved and maintained by WinPlot
2) User defines time slice of interest
Not required (defaults may be used)
3) User selects parameter of interest
Parameter is located in file map
Begin and End locations of data determined based on map pointers and time offsets
File data is uncompressed and discarded until begin position reached
Following data placed into data buffer until end location reached
Only selected parameter data must be uncompressed for retrieval
4) Parameter data displayed
Data is now plotted or tabulated and/or further manipulated
Header
- File ID
- Content Information
File Map
Directory of Parameters
Parameter Information
Links to data positions
Comment Block
Optional Text block to contain various notations on file content, history etc.
Parameter Data
Parm1 compressed
Parm2 compressed ….
Parmn compressed
Compressed blocks of parameter data. Each parameter individually compressed using LZH compression.

9. WinPlot Data Compression
Typical comparisons over non-compressed data formats.
Flight data example
Chill file: ~8 hours of data at 1 sample/second
Full file size: Meg
Compressed file size: 2.6 Meg
Compression ratio: >30:1
Ground test example
Engine file: < 4 hours at 50 samples/second
Full file size: Meg
Compressed file size: 2.3 Meg
Compression ratio: > 13:1
Test facility example
Facility file: < samples/second
Full file size: Meg
Compressed file size: 66.5 Meg
Compression ratio: >7:1

10. WinPlot Developmental Status
WinPlot is fully operational and has been implemented in flight and test data facilities across the country
During the development phase, WinPlot went through extensive testing by both the government and industry to ensure it’s credibility
Each new release of WinPlot goes through an extensive beta test period, with a 35 person beta test group, and verification process prior to formal release.
Boeing Rocketdyne conducts a formal Software Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) prior to formal software release and use.
Updated versions of WinPlot are never released with any known issues of system stability or reliability.

11. WinPlot Highlights of Capabilities
WinPlot has standard Windows format and is controlled by pull-down menus or icons on the tool bar
Certain functions can also be controlled by keypad strokes or right mouse click
Key Features:
Point and click zooming
Selectable user default settings
Scripts for pre-established analysis
One-step export to office products
Calculations/mathematical expressions
Data query tool
Markers and Text added to graphs
Trending

12. WinPlot Significant Features
Scripting
All interactive functionality is supported in WinPlot script language.
The comprehensive functional support of scripting allows a user to do everything from basic default setup to complete data analysis packages.
Expressions
Capability to perform a wide range of mathematical expressions, including standard math functions.
Allows users to make complex calculations by combining parameter data from various sources/files, constants and math functions all within the same expression with data automatically calculated for each point within a specified time period.
Real-time
Capability to display real-time data without limiting any functionality
All interactive and scripting capability is available for real-time data analysis
Real-time data can be intermixed with posttest data/flight data for comparative analysis without performing any special setups
Zoom and Pan –
Data views can be easily manipulated via mouse or keyboard to achieve desired plot
Scaling may be zoomed in/out or panned up/down/left/right to reach desired level of detail
Axes may be set specifically to a desired precision

13. WinPlot Developmental Status
WinPlot has an extensive on-line help with examples for each of its menu items
Icons have pop-up descriptions
Printed users guide is available
WinPlot is very user-friendly and it’s basic features are frequently self-taught
Detailed classroom training is available
Training package developed by Boeing, Rocketdyne
Classes have been conducted by at several NASA centers and throughout the Boeing Company

14. WinPlot Publications and Awards
NASA On-line Software Catalog
Soon-to-be-released NASA Tech Brief Article
Computer Sciences Corporation’s prestigious Civil Group President’s Excellence Award- September 2002
NASA Space Act Award- Certificate of Recognition in October 2002
NASA Space Transportation Director Ingenuity Award- April 2002
NASA Software Award-NASA Inventions and Contributions Board- January 02

15. WinPlot Major Programs/Projects Supported
NASA Programs
Human Exploration of Space (Code M) and Aerospace Technologies (Code R)
WinPlot is currently used on NASA’s Next Generation Launch Technologies (NGLT) and Space Shuttle programs.
Future use of WinPlot will include the Operational Space Plane (OSP) and Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV) Programs
Examples of Specific Projects:
Space Shuttle Main Engine ground test and flights
Space Shuttle Main Propulsion Systems tests and flights
X-33 Engine Component, Engine Systems, and Propulsion System Tests
X-34 Engine Component, Engine Systems, and Propulsion System Tests
X-37 Propulsion Systems Test
ASTP/NGLT RBCC engine tests
RS-27 Engine Tests and flights
RS-68 Engine Development and 1st flight
Delta IV propulsion system static test and flights
Atlas V RD-180 Engine Tests
Integrated Powerhead Demo- Joint Air Force/NASA project
Space Launch Initiative/NGLT- RS-83, RS84, TR-107, and Cobra Engine Component Tests

16. WinPlot Current Government and Non-Government Users
Current Government Use
NASA, MSFC ( 400+ Users)
NASA, SSC ( Users)
Current Government Use (10-50 Users)
NASA, GRC
NASA, LaRC
NASA, White Sands
U.S. Army AMCOM
U.S. Army Thaad Project
Current Non-Government Use
Boeing, Rocketdyne, Canoga Park ( 400+ Users)
Boeing, Rocketdyne, KSC ( Users)
Current Non-Government Use (10-50 Users)
Alliant Tech (Thiokol)
GASL
Boeing, Huntington Beach
Florida Turbine Technologies
Boeing Aircraft
Det8, SMC/MVC (CCTF)
Boeing, WSTF
Boeing, Wichita Kansas
Penn State Applied Research Lab
Health Tactics
Johnson Controls, Inc
Sverdrup Naval Systems Group
Plumbrook Operations Support Group
Stone Engineering Company
Aerojet +

17. WinPlot Significance/Tangible Value
Data analyses more thorough, easier, faster, and ultimately cheaper than the methods previously used by NASA and the aerospace industry.
Reduced the average time of a propulsion test/flight data analysis process from ~24 hours to 4 hours
Allows more accurate and faster problem resolution.
Reduced I.T. and support personnel cost by MSFC by allowing the test/flight data to be made available directly at the engineer’s desktop.
Similar impacts at other government and non-government facilities.

18. WinPlot Benefits
Allows researchers and engineers to examine data with precision not previously or currently competitively available.
Additional Benefits
Efficient performance reduces the time spent in research/test facilities.
Reduced man-hours, facility power consumption, and streamlined testing schedules
Helps eliminates redundant testing, fuel and manpower costs are lowered, and the risks of hazardous testing can be minimized.
 NASA/MSFC COST SAVINGS (to date)
Conservatively estimated at greater than $5M (since 1998)
Based on increased analysis efficiency and decreased data processing/infrastructure

19. WinPlot Projected Future Use
NASA’s/Air Force ELV/EELV Program
Lockheed Martin- Atlas
Boeing- Delta
OSC- Pegasus
NASA’s OSP Program
DOD Military Aircraft Industry
DOD Air Force Research Lab- Edwards AFB
Expanded use at DOD- Army
Expanded use at DOD- NAVY
Expanded use at other NASA Centers- Ames, GRC, LaRC, JSC, JPL
Expanded use at University Research Laboratories
Letters of Endorsement- Please See Attached

20. WinPlot Features to be Demonstrated
Pull down menus
Help file
Parameter filtering
Zoom
Min / max / avg
Delta values
Script recording
Favorites
Symbolic names
Query Tool
Script file
Tiling plots
Filter helper
Export
Script execution
Power Point presentation
Integration with WinDisplay tool

21. WinPlot Testimonials
Special investigations … can be run in a few hours. The compressed file format takes only minutes to transfer and standardized processing programs run in a tenth of the time of the old programs.
Winplot has become such a standard tool for us that we often take for granted how truly amazing this code really is. It is our primary tool to plot and analyze the wide array of data that forms the backbone of our work. Winplot is as much a part of our daily activities as a word processor or a spreadsheet.
I know of many instances where the speed, the versatility, and the ability to handle huge amounts of data have made Winplot the fastest, if not the only, tool available to rapidly assess historical data during flight anomaly investigations.
Winplot is used not only to examine collected test data, but also in coordination with our own analytical modeling tools. We use it to simultaneously plot test data and analytical model results.
I have been extolling the virtues of Winplot to people within our organization as well as to the customers that come to our facilities to conduct test programs. Every test engineer at GASL now uses Winplot as do most of the customers that have been introduced to it. I have yet to hear a truly negative comment about the software package in all of the years of use at our facility.
Through all of this, Roger has continued with his unfailing customer focus, his inventive genius, and his willingness to listen to new ideas and try new things. His attention to detail, meticulous documentation, and thorough testing reveals itself in nearly bug-free software releases.