An operating context-sensitive approach to fault detection of mechatronic systems

A fault detection approach designed specifically for mechatronic systems is presented. In the approach the fault detection features are integrated with the control software. The authors have defined an object-oriented structure which matches the event-driven hierarchy of the control software. The event-driven control software, the object hierarchy, and fault detection tasks are linked together to form an executable system. The fault detection tasks check both analog and switch sensors in a context-dependent manner. Duration times of the specified states and the frequency of exceptional situations are compared to normal operation. The strengths of this approach are: quick and easy implementation and configuration, easy integration and embedding, no need to develop any extra model (qualitative, causal, etc.), and suitability to few sensor applications because of the efficient utilization of the operating context.