Neural engineering utility with adaptive algorithms

• US 5,748,846 A
• Filed: 08/18/1995
• Issued: 05/05/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: United States Air Force
• Original Assignee: United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force
• Inventors: Wiederholt, Jere D., Kirkland, Larry V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafiz, Tariq R.
• Application Number:
  US08/517,002
• Time in Patent Office: 991 Days
• Field of Search: 395/650, 395/20, 395/183, 395/12, 395/154, 395/161, 395/1, 395/10, 395/21, 395/50, 364/580, 364/424
• US Class Current: 706/14
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/31903 tester configuration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2257 using expert systems

Abstract

Neural Engineering Utility With Adaptive Algorithms (NEUWAA) is an artificial intelligence system for Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) which integrates various technologies in an adaptive fault-detection environment. Various technologies, other than normal ATE stimulus/reaction, including Infrared, X-ray, RF detection, etc. perceive non-visible information of current flow and circuit activity which can significantly enhance the technician'"'"'s perception of defective components. The system includes ATE adaptive algorithms to streamline test sequences and diagnostics. NEUWAA provides active schematics and active Unit Under Test (UUT) layouts. NEUWAA consists of diagnostic algorithms for specific pre-test information, specific test selection information, and specific diagnostic information. NEUWAA is a WINDOWS based utility. NEUWAA interacts with other Windows & DOS applications to provide and interoperate in a client server software environment. NEUWAA is a stand alone product which has no dependence on other technologies like Infrared, X-ray, RF, etc. NEUWAA does provide a link and algorithmic software for information exchange between these technologies.

Claims

1. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system which serves as an interface between a set of units under test and automatic test equipment which sends test signals to the units under test, said artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system monitoring reaction signals from said units under test to provide users with adjustable test and diagnostic sequences, said artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system comprising:

a means for selecting test sequences to be performed by said automatic test equipment on said units under test, said selecting means directing said automatic test equipment to send preselected test signals to said units under test on command,

a means for diagnosing said reaction signals from said units under test;

a means for providing users with both verbal control and machine message control of test activities, and

a means for interpreting alternative test technologies as they interact with said units under test, said alternative test technologies comprising infrared systems, radio frequency detection system and x-ray measurement systems which scan said units under test and provide said interpreting means with indicators of operability that do not require a response to a stimulus by said unit under test.

2. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, as defined in claim 1, which further comprises a means for observing active schematics of said units under test.

3. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, as defined in claim 1, further comprising a means for interacting with any WINDOWS and DOS based computer systems.

4. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, as defined in claim 2, further comprising a means for interacting with any WINDOWS and DOS based computer systems.

5. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, which serves as an interface between a set of units under test and an automatic test equipment which sends test signals to the units under tests,

said artificial intelligence and diagnostic test system monitoring reaction signals from said units under tests to provide users with adjustable test and diagnostic sequences,

said artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system comprising:

a means for selecting test sequences to be performed by said automatic test equipment on said units under test,

said selecting means directing said automatic test equipment to send preselected test signals to said units under test on command;

a means for diagnosing said reaction signals from said units under test; and

a means for interpreting alternative test technologies as they interact with said units under test, said alternative test technologies comprising infrared systems, radio frequency detection system and X-ray measurement systems which scan said units under test and provide said interpreting means with indicators of operability that do not require a response to a stimulus by said unit under test.

6. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, as defined in claim 5, further comprising a means for interacting with any WINDOWS and DOS based computer systems.

7. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system, as defined in claim 5, further comprising a means for interacting with any WINDOWS and DOS based computer systems.

8. An artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system which serves as an interface between a set of units under test and automatic test equipment which sends test signals to the units under test, said artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system monitoring reaction signals from said units under test to provide users with adjustable test and diagnostic sequences, said artificial intelligence diagnostic and test system comprising:

a means for selecting test sequences to be performed by said automatic test equipment on said units under test, said selecting means directing said automatic test equipment to send preselected test signals to said units under test on command,

a means for diagnosing said reaction signals from said units under test;

a means for interacting with any WINDOWS and DOS based computer systems; and

a means for interpreting alternative test technologies as they interact with said units under test, said alternative test technologies comprising infrared systems, radio frequency detection system and x-ray measurement systems which scan said units under test and provide said interpreting means with indicators of operability that do not require a response to a stimulus by said unit under test.