A knowledge-based configurer for embedded computer systems software: real life experience

The authors present a knowledge-based system that automatically configures complex embedded computer software and hardware in high-volume industrial production. This knowledge-based configurer was implemented to meet two primary goals in large-scale industrial embedded system production: to conform with just-in-time production requirements, and to ensure the efficiency of producing software. The system has been in real-life production use at several sites for more than two years, and the experiences justify both the underlying concepts and the implementation. The authors discuss the application and the implementation aspects, and summarize the experience gained from over two years´ maintenance and enhancement. Particular attention is given to application-modelling and knowledge-representation issues.<>