Fault Diagnosis in Discrete-Event Systems: Framework and Model Reduction

Abstract

A state-based approach for on-line passive fault diagnosis in systems modelled as finite-state automata is presented. In this framework, the system and the diagnoser (the fault detection system) do not have to be initialized at the same time. Furthermore, no information about the state or even the condition (failure status) of the system before the initiation of diagnosis is required. The design of the fault detection system, in the worst case, has exponential time complexity. A model reduction scheme with polynomial time complexity is introduced to reduce the computational complexity of the design. 1 Introduction Fault detection systems are of paramount importance in aerospace, manufacturing and process industries. This is due to the crucial role they play in protecting life and property, and in increasing operational time and productivity. Solving diagnostic problems for complex systems is a complicated task requiring a reliable, systematic approach. As a result, fault diagnosis has..