Optimization of testability parameters

The main objective of this study was to investigate performance models of automatic diagnostic systems taking into consideration its imperfections such as incorrect isolation and false alarms. This was accomplished by developing an optimization model to assist the decision maker in determining the optimal values of testability parameters which maximize his/her utility function. This will provide the decision maker with a tool to evaluate the parameters set forth by the designer and to assess the real capability of the diagnostic system. This tool also will help the decision maker to check if the correct detection and isolation capability of the system, as well as the imperfections of the system, e.g., incorrect isolation and false alarms are acceptable and satisfactory.

An interactive program was developed and help to implement the optimization modedl. This program provides the decision maker with enough flexibility to avaluate different different strategies and to repeat the decision process after changing one or more of the model's parameter. An example will be presented to show the application of this optimization model.