Model-based reliability and diagnostics: A common framework for reliability and diagnostics

Abstract

Generally, technical systems are not guaranteed to work correctly. They are more or less reliable. One main problem for technical systems is the computation of the reliability of a system as studied in reliability theory. A second main problem for technical systems is the problem of diagnostic, i.e., explanations why something does not work. In fact, these problems are, in some sense, dual to each other. In this article, we will use the concept of probabilistic argumentation systems (PASs) for modeling the system description as well as observation and specifications of behavior in one common framework. We show that PASs provide a framework that allows us to formulate and solve reliability and diagnostic problems, and all concepts for these two problems can be defined clearly therein. Using PASs, reliability and diagnostics can be considered as dual problems. PASs offer one common strategy for computing answers to the questions in these different situations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.