Artificial Intelligence Technology for the Maintainer's Associate.
Abstract
Shortcomings in the ability of the armed services to maintain sophisticated equipment are recognized. Trends in technological sophistication, personnel resources, and warfare scenarios are expected to aggravate the situation. In view of policies regarding integrated diagnostics and a reduced reliance on paper based documentation, the concept of an interactive, portable, computer based maintainer's associate is proposed. This effort developed the technology for the Maintainer's Associate based on artificial intelligence techniques and demonstrate a prototype system in the field. The prototype Maintainer's Associate was developed for troubleshooting the F-111 6883 intermediate level avionics test station. The project included conceptual design, development and delivery software programming, delivery hardware prototyping, knowledge base development, field demonstration, and analysis of lessons learned. Several important issues were examined: hybrid diagnostics, knowledge engineering costs, user interfaces, and the integration of training and job aiding. The term 'hybrid diagnostics' refers to the utilization of multiple sources of knowledge in the development of maintenance expert systems, in particular dependency modeling and heuristic expertise of field technicians. In the area of dependency modeling, one source of knowledge identified for the prototype was the test program set of the automatic test station. This information provided the specific measurement values and locations necessary for making measurements during troubleshooting. Knowledge engineering costs were controlled through use of these test programs sets and the development of 'glass box' enter which permitted knowledge base modifications during program operation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA175211
Entities
People
- Bonita L. Moul
- Cindy J. Anselme
- J. J. Richardson
- Kenneth R. Harmon
- Robert A. Keller
Organizations
- Denver Research Institute