Hypothesis are theories about what could be at the root cause of the problem with the vehicle. And because the confidence indicators have previously been selected, the hypothesis list has been refined to ensure the diagnostic accuraccy is dialled into the fault.

The next stage in the diagnostic process is to utilize the hypothesis list to select elements to test, to establish the root cause of the problem. 

Logic is require throughout the diagnosis, to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

The user can now review entries in the the refined hypothesis search list (8) and then add hypothesis which relate to the observation (9), to the case selected list (10).

The hypothesis search list has been assembled by a panel of diagnostic experts. The list has been defined in such a way to contain the likely root causes behind the starting observation.

The technician user can simply scan the list of hypothesis and then add to the list those hypothesis that they consider could be viable options based on there initial inspection. This will help to prove or to disprove the root cause of the vehicles problem.

In common with previous steps, the selected hypothesis list can be organised by the user in a way that suits the diagnostic job at hand. Users can click the up and down arrows to organize the hypothesis list into a working order, from most likely to least likely. 

The system utilises list to ‘keeping track’ of the technicians process. This is critical as deeper progress is made into the issue. This automated list keeping keeps the technician focused and prevents them from disappearing down a rabbit hole or going around in circles. The sequence of selections ensure human biases are greatly reduced too.

The major advantages of this structured technique is that Diagnostic Assistance has detached organisation from descision making.  This means the focus stays on process, and whilst thinking clearly and proceeding in a logical manner, the technician can make good progress on discovering the root cause.

If an hypothesis is not proven, by the subsequent steps, when we return to this page we can simply select the next Hypothesis in line and then prove or disprove this one. This process is repeated until the correct hypothesis has been qualified and identified as the root cause of our initial observation or the hypothesis list is either empty.

Next up, we will progress to step 4 where the system elements we need to evaluate are grouped and sorted.