Intelligent knowledge-based system for electrical fault diagnosis in a vehicle

An intelligent knowledge-based system (IKBS) for fault diagnosis and supply restoration in a vehicle is introduced. The system is based on techniques used successfully in the electrical power supply industry. The IKBS communicates with a simulator-store that remembers past faults. Scenarios are described to illustrate fault diagnosis and supply restoration. Manufacturers are replacing mechanical links between the driver and the road wheels in vehicles with electrical wires. This may apply to the primary systems such as brakes, steering and throttle. These networks (generically termed X-by-Wire) will tend to be routed through an on-board computer, allowing control systems to manipulate driver inputs. This has implications for safety and this paper describes a system for electrical fault diagnosis and automatic correction in a vehicle.