An optimizing system for troubleshooting

An expert system is described that was developed to use rules and facts as well as its own experience to reduce the troubleshooting costs in producing avionic systems. An expert system is defined as a system that is programmed to perform new tasks by specifying the elements of the problem rather than the steps of the solution. The expert system described, called the adaptive diagnostic system, uses failure models, symptom patterns, and relevant costs as its problem statement. The solution it produces is the minimum-cost sequence of tests and replacements required to repair the unit. The system and the reasoning it uses are described, along with some practical considerations involved in developing its knowledge base and using it in a factory environment