Application of expert system techniques to fault tree diagnostic data

Abstract

This paper describes a diagnostic system that traverses a fault tree to find the shortest path to a result. This differs from many systems using If /Then/ Else statements placed in the test software to direct troubleshooting, and has several unique advantages. Expert system test selection and result evaluation strategies allow diagnostics to be started at any time, even if the previous tests have been executed out of sequence. A simple text tree format captures the fault isolation data. This simplicity eases the entry of troubleshooting information, and increases the effectiveness of the entire system.