Extensions to ATMS-based diagnosis.

In particular in technical domains, knowledge based diagnosis systems require an explicit representation of the structure and behaviour of the device or system under consideration. A system was developed which allows both a hierarchical and a view oriented structuring of component models. Thus, it provides a basis for a selective execution of these models in order to express a focus of attention and reduce complexity. Diagnosis is regarded as an inference process in which contradictions between assumptions about the correct or intended behaviour of a system and the observed behaviour are detected and exploited in order to identify the wrong assumptions. Hence, the diagnosis system uses an Assumption Based Truth Maintenance System (ATMS) which additionally allows the handling of multiple test situations and assumptions about the correctness of observations and measurements.