Knowledge-Based System Analysis and Control

The Machine Intelligent Tech Controller MITEC is a software system that operates upon a hardware test bed. The latter is a set of communications, switching and test equipment representing the state of the art as typically seen in modern commercial communications centers. As such these equipment items are typical of new equipment that would be bought and installed to modernize Tech Control Facilities TCFs throughout the Air Force if funds were budgeted for this purpose. In particular, they are remotely controllable from a computer or terminal. In the MITEC test bed all the equipment control lines are connected to the MITEC computer, and the MITEC software performs circuit fault isolation and service restoral by directly controlling the equipment, without human intervention. Two MITEC systems are in place and undergoing further development at Lincoln Laboratory. In operation the two expert systems collaborate with each other much as skilled human Tech Controllers do the first one to become aware of a circuit fault initiates the diagnosis, while the other provides test signals and measurements upon request. Should the first MITEC determine that the fault is actually on the other MITECs premises, control will be handed over and the second system will proceed with the diagnosis. The design and operation of the MITEC software and hardware is described in the body of the report. Plans are developing to deploy two additional MITEC systems in the Washington area for demonstration purposes in the coming year. Another recent extension is commencement of preparations for TRAMCON Transmission Monitoring and Control system alarm interpretation and correlation. Work in both of these areas is described.