1

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In present time most families own at least one car. With a car, movement from one location to

another has been made easy. At the same time, people who own cars especially women don’t

want to have a problem with their cars as the troubleshooting of a car can be a nightmare to

them. Most of those thatowns a car don’t know how to deal with their cars whenever it has a

problem. All they know is to start the engine, press the pedal and break when they need to. They

won’t know what to do when something happens to their cars. This web-based software is hoped

to help those who need guides to deal with their car’s problems. Although it might not give a

complete guide and help as a human expert, namely mechanics, at least the expert system can

give temporary assistance to those who need instant help. Expert system has been described as a

powerful tool with broad potential to mitigate problem.

An expert system is an advanced computer that is aimed at emulating human intelligence and

reasoning. Expert systems can be used in decision making especially in a computer-aided system

and can also provide consistent answers.Expert system is an intelligent software which works in

one field. An Expert System is also called a Knowledge Based System (KBS), it is a computer

program that is designed to mimic the problem-solving actions of an expert in a field or

discipline (Philip, 2016).

Expert system uses knowledge and inference problem-solving capability. Knowledge that resides

in the expert system knowledge base comprises of the field facts and associated heuristics. This

knowledge is gathered from human experts who are unfortunately not accessible every time.
 2

Furthermore, for some working areas, one or two experts are not sufficient, just like agriculture,

where so many fields are part of a single major field, that is why knowledge is collected from

several experts and accumulated into a software called expert system.

An expert system depends on two component parts: a knowledge base and an inference engine.

A knowledge base is an orderly collection of information about the system’s domain. The

information for a knowledge base must be collected from human experts all through interviews

and observations. This information is typically represented in the form of “if-then” rules. A

major expert system's knowledge base contains thousands of rules. The facts in the knowledge

base are interpreted and calculated by an inference engine to provide a response. Usually, Tasks

for expert systems involve diagnosis, monitoring, scheduling, planning, and design for

specialized endeavors (Vladimir, 2016).

In this era of internet, it would be nice if a web-based expert system can be developed to

diagnose mechanical and other related faults in our vehicles. If this research is completed and

implemented, it will help vehicle owners to find solutions to some common faults in their

vehicles without having to consult a motor vehicle specialist or Mechanics. Hence, save money

on maintenances since the system could render solution and some of the offer’s solution could be

carried out by non-conventional mechanics, and reduce the congestion in a mechanical workshop

as it will reduce the time spent in troubleshooting the cause of the problems in a motor vehicle.

This will be substantiating in design and implementation of this work.

 3

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Dealing with motor vehicle problems and fault are most times handled by mechanics. There are

times when urgent help is needed, and they might not be readily available or might cost time and

expense to get them around; this is where this expert system bridges the gap. This expert system

will serve as a first aid guide to enable users handle issues that may arise with their automobiles,

thereby saving time and cost that would have been procured and as well assist in the absence of

automobile repairer and situation where automobile repairer diagnosis wrongly.

1.3 AIM

This research work is aimed at diagnosing common faults in a car and give a possible solution

that can be applied if the fault has been verified to be correctly determined.

1.4 OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to:

i. Acquiring data on common faults in motor vehicles and provide recommendations in

cases of motor vehicles break down.

ii. Model the automated system

iii. Design a system to diagnose car fault and problem using inference system

iv. Design a system to provide maintenance advises to users and prevent future fault from

occurring

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research work covers the troubleshooting and recommendation of solution for millennium

cars like Toyota, Nissan, and Mercedes Benz vehicles.

 4

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This system can help inexperienced automobile repairers or drivers in diagnosing the fault of the

car.

The system has the following benefits:

i. Improvement of productivity: This system will enable mechanics to do more work in

less time.

ii. Reduces the need for skilled mechanics: The repairs of a car require a high level of

expertise. With this system, inexperienced mechanics can be guided to find the fault.

iii. Places expert knowledge into machine readable form, where it can be summoned at any

time.
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CHAPTER TWO

2.1 EXPERT SYSTEM

The first expert system was developed in 1965 by Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg of

Stamford University in California, US. Dendral, as their expert system was later known, was

designed to analyze chemical compounds. Expert systems now have commercial applications in

fields as diverse as medical diagnosis, petroleum engineering, and financial investing. In order to

accomplish feats of apparent intelligence, an expert system relies on two components: a

knowledge base and an inference engine. A knowledge base is an organized collection of facts

about the system’s domain. An inference engine interprets and evaluates the facts in the

knowledge base order to provide an answer. Typical tasks for expert systems involve

classification, diagnosing, monitoring, design scheduling, and planning for specialized

endeavors. Facts for a knowledge base must be acquired from human experts through interviews

and observations.

An Expert System is described as a computer program designed tomodel a human expert's

problem-solving ability. Itis computer system that emulates the decision making ability of a

human expert. ( Al-Taani, 2017). It is an important branch of Artificial Intelligent (AI). An

expert system is also known as knowledge-based system (KBS), it is a computerprogram

designed to mimic the problem-solving behavior of an expert in a discipline. An expert system is

just like capturing the knowledge of humans or experts into a computerfor referencing. An expert

system is a system for problem solving and decision-making based on knowledge of its task and

logical rules or procedures for the use of knowledge.

The Expert System is known as an appropriate technology since it solves the issue of transferring

knowledge and expertise from highly skilled professionals to less skilled workers. It must be
 6

recognized that knowledge expertise, is a scarce resources onetimes especially while on journey

or rural areas. The Expert System will help extend this valuable resource by offering vital

information that helps in time of urgent need to expert.(Philip, 2016).An Expert System is a

computer program that basically consistsof a knowledge base, an engine of control, and a user

interface. Expert systems remain aids to, rather than replacements for, human experts.

2.2 EXPERT SYSTEM IN VARIOUS FIELDS OF STUDY

Any successful decision-making is strongly dependent uponvarious capabilities that include the

effective acquisition, storage, distribution, and sophisticated use of the knowledge of the human

experts in the field. In the contextof computer-aided systems formonitoring and

informationprocessing, these capabilities would be achieved throughdeveloping an expert

system. (Al taani, 2017)

(Yang and Okete2010).also said that the most successful application of Artificial Intelligence

(AI) in decision making so far is the development of Decision Support System (DSS),

particularly expert system, which is a computerprogram that act as a consultantoradvisor to

decision makers.(Ricardo, 2015). Expert systems are cheaper compared to human experts in the

long-termscenario. However, expert systems are relatively costly to develop but easy, cheap

tooperate and holds quality information,(C Angeli,2010). Expert System has been applied in

many ways and various fields which are mean to make human‘s life simple and even easier. The

application of expert systems technology in the domain of environmental management is

particularly appropriate to preserve and disseminate efficiently valuable and scarce expertise at

reasonable costs. For example, Nigeria NigComSat-1R Satellite is a critical ICT backbone

infrastructure to drive the National ICT revolution in providing revenue diversification for the
 7

Nation and offering cost effective solution and affordable access to meet Nigeria

telecommunications, broadcast, aviation, maritime, defense and security needs. Once an expert

system is developed, it is necessary to make them easily updateable, as opposed to conventional

algorithms which are static in the sense that governing board ships, once determined, stay fixed

and some expert systems can a give reasons towards the given answer. (Listofcars, 2011).

2.4 CONVENTIONAL MOTOR MECHANICS

Motor mechanics are involved with the servicing, maintenance, and repair of cars and light

vehicles. The work is wide ranging and includes routine servicing in accordance with

manufacturers' recommended procedures and the testing and approval of the structural,

mechanical, and electrical systems of the vehicle.A vehicle may be due for a service after it has

travelled a certain number of kilometers or after a certain period of time according to instructions

set out by the vehicle's manufacturers. The following are the work done by the mechanics

i. Making routine checks according to a list.

ii. Finding faults or problems.

iii. overhauling or replacing worn or faulty parts, and

iv. Using special equipment and road tests to make sure the vehicle performs as it should

Sometimes customers take their vehicles to mechanics to investigate a particular

mechanical fault.

Solving these problems may involve stripping down the affected part of the car in a

workshop area, finding the faulty components and replacing them, and then putting all the

parts together again, (Jindal, 2010).Mechanics tend to replace parts rather than repair them

because this is quicker and therefore less costly. Mechanics also deal with electrical and
 8

electronic systems, which are becomingmore and more sophisticated on modern vehicles. For

example, mechanics may connect laptop computers to a vehicle's electronic control unit,

using an on-screen menu tochoose the part of the vehicle they want to investigate. The

computer can find and report back informationon the fault, for example, a break in circuit

wiring. With older vehicles, mechanics use electrical testing equipment like voltmeters and

ammeters to test electric circuits/components. Mechanics use specialized equipment to

measure things likeengine and brake performance, transmission, and the accuracy of

dashboard indicators.

2.5 REVIEW OF RELATED WORKS

The first diagnostic System for technical fault troubleshooting in motor vehicles was developed

at MIT in the early 1970’s. Kadarsah in1998 proposed and designed a decision model for car

fault troubleshooting in which a system was utilized to help inexperienced mechanics and

drivers. The model consisted of inference engine, Knowledge base, database, user interaction and

adaptive mechanism. The Inference engine used backward chaining because of a small number

of outputs with many possible inputs. In additions, the adaptive mechanism was utilized in the

user interactionsection to receive feedback about system troubleshooting result. The feedback

results were stored in a database. The adaptive system then processed the stored data and extract

addition rules with the goalof improving the knowledge base.

A car failure detection KBS was proposed by RicardoNurzal (2017). In this system, car faults

were divided into three states: Start-up state, Run-stable and Movement-state. Shell Rule based

expert system (CLIPS). With forward chaining inference engine were used in the

implementation. CLIPS stored the knowledge in rules form, which had logic-basedrepresentation

as well as the production rules. The system interacts with the user through an interface and gave
 9

the troubleshooting result with illustration. The rule-based expert system contained 150 rules for

car failure causes. However, improvement in the domainknowledge and applying adaptive

technique forknowledgecreation were required in such system.

Peter Nabende and Tom Wanyama, in 2018 proposed heavy Duty Diesel Engines (HDDEs)

troubleshooting. As a result, employing an expert system in such domain was highly useful.

The HDDIEs faults troubleshooting System was able to successfully detect malfunctions in the

engines and give recommendation of corrective actions. However, the proposed prototype was

not promoted to be used as a complete application due to time and resources limitations. Further

surveys were done for developing motor cultivator fault troubleshooting model. This model was

based on the Decision Support System (DSS) in which the outcome represents the input to the

DSS. The supplier selection for faulty component replacement was made by Decision Support

System(DSS) based on the outcome. It proved to be a very useful tool for equipment servicing

needs with low development cost. It increased the efficiency of labor and workers’ satisfaction.

Ahmad in 2015 built knowledge based expert system to detect car fault and diagnosis.
 10

2.6 LITERATURE REVIEW TABLE

S/ AUTHOR(S EXISTING SOLUTION METHODOL RESULT

N ) SYSTEM TO EXISTING OGY USED OBTAINED

NAME AND PROBLEM SYSTEM

TITLE PROBLEM

1. KADARSAH CAR KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPED

(2000), CAR FAULT BASED AN EXPERT

FAULT TROUBLE SYSTEM SYSTEM FOR

TROBLESH SHOOTIN CAR FAULT

OOT G SYSTEM TROUBLESH

SYSTEM OOTING

SYSTEM

2. RICARDO A CAR SHELL RULE BUILT A CAR

NURZAL FAILURE BASED FAILURE

(2019), A DETECTIO SYSTEM DETECTION

CAR N KBS KBS

FAILURE

DETECTIO

N KBS
 11

3. AHMAD, T CAR IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPED

(2016), CAR FAILURE SYSTEM BY BASED AN EXPERT

FAILURE DETECTIO ADDING SYSTEM SYSTEM FOR

DETTION N SUFFICIENT CAR FAILURE

DOMAIN DIAGNOSIS

KNOWLEDGE

THAT

REPRESENTS

DOMAIN

KNOWLEDGE

THOROUGHL

4. SALAMA, CAR ADOPTING KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPME

A., FAILURE ANOTHER AI BASED NT OF CAR

MOSTAFA, AND TECHNIQUE SYSTEM FAILURE AND

M., MALFUNC TO WORK IN MALFUNCTIO

AHMAD, TION SYSTEM N DIAGNOSIS

M., RULES ASSISTANCE

MOHAMME REVISION TO SYSTEM

D, &OMAR, ADD MORE (CFMDAS)

I. (2018), EFFECTIVEN

COMPUTER ESS TO THE

IZED CAR DIAGNOSIS

 12

FAILURE PROCESS .

AND

DETECTIO

N SYSTEM

5. ADEFEMI AUTOMOB RULED IMPLEMENT

A., PETER P. ILE BASED AN EXPERT

&OLAYINK REPAIRS SYSTEM FOR

A O. (2018), AND AUTOMOBILE

AUTOMIBI MAINTEN REPAIRS AND

LE REPAIRS ACE MAINTENAN

AND CE

MAINTENA

NCE.

6. RAJAT, G. ENGINE VALIDATE SIMULINK DEVELOPING

(2016), COOLING THE MODEL A SIMULINK

APLLCATIO SYSTEM DEVELOPED DIAGONISIS MODEL FOR

N OF AND ITS SIMULINK ALGORITHM AN ENGINE

ENERGY APPLICATI MODEL OF COOLING

COOLING ON FOR AN ENGINE SYSTEM AND

SYSTEM FAULT COOLING ITS

AND FAULT DETECTIO SYSTEM APPLICATION

DETECTIO N IN USING A FOR FAULT

N IN VEHICLES REAL DETECTION

 13

VEHICLES VEHICLE IN VEHICLES

DATA

7. KONTARGY DIAGNOSI KNOWLEDGE AN EXPERT

,R. ET AL., NG FAULT, BASED SYSTEM FOR

(2017), REPAIRIN EXPET DIAGNOSING

DIAGNOSIN G AND SYSTEM FAULT,

G, MAINTAIN REPAIRING

MAINTANI ING AND

NG AND ELECTRIC MAINTAININ

FTECTION AL G

OF MACHINE ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICA S MACHINES

MACHINES

8. AKINNULI, CAUSES PREINVESTIG L

A.&OLALE OF ATING DIAGNOSING

YE, O. OVERHEA APPROACH, OF THE

(2018), TING IN A KNOWLEDGE CAUSES OF

OVERHEAT BULLDOZ BASED OVERHEATIN

ING ER SYSTEM G IN A

DETECTIO ENGINE BULLDOZER

N SYSTEM ENGINE

IN
 14

BULLDOZE

R ENGINE

9. ANI, O. AUTOMOB INTEGRATED STRUCTURED DESIGN AND

(2018), ILE FAULT SYSTEM IN SYSTEM IMPLEMENTA

AUTOMOBI DIAGNOSI OTHER TO ANALYSIS TION OF A

LE FAULT S HELP DESIGN COMPUTER

SIAGNOSIS TECHNICIAN METHODOLO BASED

S, OR USERS GY (SSADM) AUTOMOBIL

TO DETECT A E FALUT

PROBLEM IN DIAGNOSIS

A CAR AND SYSTEM

PROVIDE

AVAILABLE

SOLUTION TO

THAT.

10. RAJAT, G. ENGINE VALIDATE SIMULINK DEVELOPING

(2016), COOLING THE MODEL A SIMULINK

APPLCATIO SYSTEM DEVELOPED DIAGONISIS MODEL FOR

N OF AND ITS SIMULINK ALGORITHM AN ENGINE

ENERGY APPLICATI MODEL OF COOLING

COOLING ON FOR AN ENGINE SYSTEM AND

SYSTEM FAULT COOLING ITS

 15

AND FAULT DETECTIO SYSTEM APPLICATION

DETECTIO N IN USING A FOR FAULT

N IN VEHICLES REAL DETECTION

VEHICLES VEHICLE IN VEHICLES

DATA

11. PATRICK, NEED FOR FUTURE A SURVEY REVIEW

E., SOILA, EXPERT WORK WILL VARIOUS

K. & PRIYA, SYSTEM FURTHER APPROACHES

N. (2019), IN EXPLORE IN

EXPERT DIAGNOSI THIS DIAGNOSING

SYSTEM ING FUNDAMENT AUTOMOBILE

NEEDS IN AUTOMOT AL TRADE- SYSTEMS

DIAGNOPSI IVE OFF

SING SYSTEM

AUTOMOTI

VE

SYSTEM.

12. YEKINI, N., PROBLEM THE ARTIFICIAL DEVELOPED

ASAFE, O., S DIRECTION INTELLIGENC AN

ADEBOLA, TROUBLE OF FUTURE E BASED ARTIFICIAL

A., N SHOOTIN RESEARCH SYSTEM INTELLIGENC

EDWIN, E., G AND E BASED

& VICHLCE IMPLEMENTA ONLINE

 16

AKINWOLE TION WILL VEHICLES

, K. (2016), FUCUS ON TROUBLESH

AUTOMATE RUBUST AND OOTING

D SYSTEM SELF SYSTEM

FOR MANAGED

TROUBLES DATABASE

HOOTING DESIGN

VEHICLES

PROBLEM
 17

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Overview of Methodology

This research applied theoretical methodology of case study of existing related works and review

of car faults and problem. An extensive reportof this research methods is given in Chapter two.

This chapter focuseson the car faults type approach to be adopted in the realization of the

remaining objectivesof the project work and these are discussing:

i. Type: Engine Induced Faults

Engine is a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical

force and motion. Engine induced faults are car problem cause by defect in the car

engine. Some of the common engine problems include oil leaks, overheating, stalling,

smoking, or trouble turning over.

ii. Type: Power Transmission Train Faults

A fault in electrical power system can be said to be abnormal condition of the system

that involves the electrical failure of the equipment.

iii. Type: Clutch Related Faults

In motor vehicle, the clutch acts as a mechanical linkage between the engine and

transmission and separate the engine from the transmission system. It a mechanical

device which transfers the rotational power from the engine to the wheels in any

manual vehicle. Clutch related faults are fault attributed to car clutch.
 18

iv. Type: Battery Faults

v. Type: Brake Induced Faults

Brake system is a braking device consisting of a combination of interacting parts that

work toslow a motor vehicle. A brake helps tostop vehicles within the smallest

possible distance.

3.2 Methodof Data Collection

Research methodology is referring to the means of data and information gathering for the

compilationof the project. I adopted interviewing method of fact finding in this project research

where Human Experts were interview through a form where data and information were supplied

by filling the form.

3.3 Descriptionof Existing System

Expert system has been in existing in various field like medicine, even in agriculture.

Majorlyautomobile based expert system that has been developed are mostly on tractors and

heavy-duty engines. This project will focus on expert system for car fault detection.

3.3 Descriptionof Proposed System

The system to be developed ‘Car FaultExpert System’ is built to enhance car fault detection and

solution. This expert system is mainly design for diagnosing car fault and problem. It was

designed to use the available information about the car’s current state like symptoms and

errorcodes, if available, to arrive at solutionsthrough a careful analysis of the supplied

information. The system, therefore, needed a way of keeping its knowledge that can be retrieved

when the system was running. This need was serviced by a database system toallowfor a flexible

storage and retrieval of data.The proposed system will be web based and can be access through
 19

any web browser. It takes it necessary inputs process it based on written instructions and makes

the output available through a suitable report-based interface.

3.4.1 Rule-base Expert System

Rules-based systems (also known as production systems or expert systems) are the simplest type

of artificial intelligence and uses prescribed knowledge-based rules to solve a problem. The rule-

based method uses rules as a representation of information for the knowledge coded into the

system. (Frank, 2019)

A rule-based system is a way of encoding a human expert's knowledge in a tight field into an

automated system. A rule-based system can be literally created by using a set of assertions and a

set of rules that specify how to act on the assertion set. Rules are expressed as a set of if-then

statements (called IF-THEN rules or production rules):

IF A THEN B

which is also equal to?

A⇒B.

The rule-based system consistsof a set of IF-THEN rules, a set of facts, given the facts, some

interpreters controlling the applicationof the rules. The idea of an expert system is to use the

knowledge from an expert system and the code it into a set of rules. When applied to the same

data, the expert system will perform (or is programmed to achieve) in a similar way to the expert.

Rule-based systems are simple models and can be developed and applied for a large kind of

problems.The prerequisite is that knowledge of the problem area can be represented in the

formof if-then rules. Norshould the area be too wide, since a high number of rules will make the

expert system inefficient.

 20

3.4.2 Structure of the Proposed Rule-Based Expert System

The rule-based expert system consists of the following key elements (the five most important

ones are marked in bold in the figure):

i. Knowledge Base: Contains the information of the domain expressed as rules (IF-THEN

rules) on the subject at hand.

ii. Database: Consists of predicate computational facts that are consistent with the

knowledge base of the IF sectionsof the rules.

iii. Inference Engine: Consists of all processes that manipulate the knowledge base to

discern the information needed by the user and the logic required by the expert

communityto find a solution.

iv. Explanation Subsystem: Analyzes the structure of the reasoning performed by a system

and explains it all to the user, giving the user the potential to ask the systems about the

way in which a conclusion has been reached or about the facts used.

v. User Interface: Refers to interaction between a user searching for a solution and an

expert system and consists of a natural language processing system or a graphical user

interface with a menu.

vi. Knowledge Engineer: Is usually a computer scientist with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

training that also works with an expert in the field of application to represent the relevant

knowledge of the expert in a form that must be entered into the knowledge base.

vii. KnowledgeAcquisition Subsystem: Tests and updates the increasing knowledge base

forpotential contradictions of missing details.

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The proposed system structure is shown in figure 3.1.

User
Human Expert

User Interface
Knᴏwledge Acquisitiᴏn

Explanatiᴏn Subsystem

Knᴏwledge Base

database
Inference Engine

Knᴏwledge Engineer

Figure 3.1: The proposed system

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3.5 Inference Engine

Inference engine is a part of expert system that applies logical rules to the knowledge base to

deduce new information. A typical expert system consists of knowledge based and inference

engine. Knowledge based consistedof the stored fact about the field, while inference engine

consisted of logical fact apply to the knowledge based to deduce new information.

The logic that the inference use is typically represented as IF-THEN rules. The general format of

such rules is

IF<logicalexpression>

THEN<logicalexpression>.

Inference engine works in one of the two modes: forward chain or backward chain. Forward

chaining starts with the known facts and asserts new facts. Backward chaining start with goals

and works backward to determine what facts must be asserted so that goals can be achieved.

3.5.1 Forward Chaining

Forward chaining (or forwardreasoning) is one of the main methodsof reasoning when using an

inference engine. Forward chaining starts with the known facts and asserts new facts. Forward

chaining start with the available data and uses inference rues to extract more data until a goal is

reached. An inference engine using forward chaining searches the inference rule until it finds ne

where the antecedent (if clause) is known to be true. When such a rule is found, the engine can

conclude, or infer, the consequent (then clause), resulting in the addition of new information to

its data.

SELECT * from Knowledge Base

Array [] = [symtpom1, symptom2, symptom3…]

If Array [] = = symptoms
 23

THEN print car fault/solution

3.6 Data Acquisition

The dataset will be used in formulate knowledge base for the system to be able to build a robust

inference system. Data set on car faulthas been used and since getting data set car fault is almost

difficult, I engaged in using some specific attributes that was been formulated using specific

factors on car faults and problem formulation which includes:

i. Symptomsof the Fault

ii. Fault

iii. Causes

iv. Gross lesions

v. Solution

3.7 Dataset Pre-Processing and Normalization

Getting rid errors that may be present in the data are parts of pre-processing task that should be

done to make the data suitable for modeling. The dataset collected from the Human Expert will

be submitted to Knowledge Engineer with be normalize made it in form of IF-THEN rule to

make the knowledge base. This part will focus to filter out every consistent set of data set there

by enhancing a smooth operation of the dataset for better result optimization

3.8 System Design

This aspect of the project explains the general design interface of the project. This covers the

output design, the input design, and the database design. The necessity of those is toknow the

expected output interface from the application by the user, the medium and interface for entering

data into the system’s knowledge base, the structure the database file and the
 24

proceduralexplanationof the system.

Every human expert will have a registration page and a contactform to be fill through the

information is gathering aboutcar faults and problem. And every user will have a page where

symptom can be input and will be diagnose.

3.8.1 Output Design

The output design is the illustration or graphical presentation of the output interface and

description of the output medium employed. The media presenting the outputof the system is

either producing the output in a report formaton the screen. The output can be printed and when

searching for a particular record in the knowledge base has been made easy with the use of the

search text field provided.

3.8.2 Input Design

Input design shows the interface for the system and describe how data are been entered into the

system to achieve smooth running and error free system.

3.8.3 Database Design

Database design gives the description of the database file in terms of table and fields

specifications for keeping the input data and processed information used in formulating the

knowledge based for safety and reference.

The database file “cfes.db” is develop using MySQL database application and contains three (3)

tables with the followingdescriptions.

 25

Table 3.1

Table Name: expert table primary key: expert_id

Field name Datatype

expert_id auto number

expert_fname text

exepert_lname text

expert_status text

expert_c_address text

expert_phone number

expert_email email

user_name text

password text

Table 3.2

Table name: problem table primary key: problem_id foreign key: symptoms_id

Field name Datatype

problem_id auto number

fault text

causes text

symptoms_id int

solution text
 26

Table 3.3

Table name: symptoms table

Field name datatype

Symptoms_id number

Symptoms text

3.9 Choiceof Programming Language

The developed CFES will be developedon sublime text with PHP, MYSQL, JAVASCRIPT,

Bootstrap CSS and HTML as the development, design used in model the knowledge based and

the inference engine.

3.9.1 PHP

The PHP hypertext preprocessor allows web developers to create dynamic content that interact

with database. It is a server-side scripting language. PHP is a general-purpose scripting language

that is especially suited for web development. PHP generally runs on web server, taking PHP

code as it input and creating web pages as output. It can also be used forcommand-line scripting

and client-side GUI applications. PHP can be deployed on most web servers, many operating

systems, and platforms, and be used with many relational database management systems. It is

available free of charge and PHP groupprovides the complete sourcecode for users to build,

customize and extend for their own use.

3.9.2 JavaScript

This is a scripting language used to enable programmatic access toobject within other

applications. It is primarily used in the form of client-server JavaScript for the development of
 27

dynamic website.

3.9.3 MySQL

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system. It is based on the structure

query language. it is consistent fast performance, high reliability, and ease of use.

MySQL is a database. The data in MySQL is stored in database objects called tables. A table is a

collection of related data entries, and it consists of columns and rows.

 28

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Presentationof Result

4.1.1 User Modules

i. Home/User Page

This page is system home page and serve for the system users. It is consisting of symptoms of

Car Fault and faults where user can select to diagnose the car fault/malfunction according to the

symptoms notice by the user.

ii. Explanatory Page

This is where result of the diagnosis is place, here all details of the diagnosed car fault is

presented including the causes and solution.

 29

4.1.2 The Knowledge Engineer Modules

i. Admin Login

This is the first page of the system; it presents the Knowledge (Knowledge engineer) with a

LOGIN page to log in into the system.

 30

ii. Admin Dashboard

After successfully login into the platform, it then redirects to the admin dashboard, with options

for the following modules, Create profilefor expert, view experts, view experts post, symptoms,

car fault and symptoms list and the logout module.

iii. Faults Entry Module

This provides a form where admin enter the faults/malfuction detail into the system including the

nature, gross lession, type and solution/advice.

 31

4.2 System Requirement

The system requirements consist of the various tools required from the point of design and

development to eventual development of the system. These requirements are software

requirement, the web client software requirement and hardware requirement are illustrated in this

section. See table forsoftware requirement, table for web client requirement and table for

hardware requirement.

Table 4.1: The Software Requirement

Requirements Software

operating System MicrosoftWindows 7 or Higher.

Database management System MySQL Database Management System

Programming Language Used CSS, HTML5, PHP, JavaScript

Design platforms Sublime Text, Adobe Dreamweaver

Web servers XAMPP 1.7.7, Apache HTTP server,

MySQL server
 32

Table 4.2: The Web Client Software Requirement

Requirements Software

operating System MicrosoftWindows XP, Vista, 7,8,8.1

Internet Browser Internet Explorer 8, GoogleChrome,

MozillaFirefox, etc.

4.3 The Hardware Requirement

The hardware requirement is also presented in tabular form in the table below.

The hardware requirement

Minimum Requirement

Minimum of 512mb, Random Access Memory (RAM

Minimum 32bit Video Graphics Adapter (VGA)

Modemor Ethernet Card

Keyboard and Mouse

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

 33

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 SUMMARY

The expert system was designed to detect various automobile problems instead of using human

mechanics. There is a need for maintenance and repair as well as time is deemed necessary.

Expert system is an interactive computer-based decision tool that uses both fact and heuristics to

solve difficult problem base on knowledge acquired from an expert. Expert system is used where

there is no available auto mechanic in a particular period. By giving the car owners necessary

solution, this expert system helps them to troubleshoot the faults detected through the manifested

symptoms. Also, this gives a temporary assistance to the car ownerswho need an instant help –

especially thosewho are in haste and have not enough time to wait for human expert tocome to

repair the damage. It may not have all the problems and solutions, but good news is that it is

subject toimprovement and enhancement-meaning that the web application administrators will

continue working round the clock to keep it up to date to satisfy the needs of users.

5.2 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the automobile fault detection system is providing a temporary assistance to those

car owners who need instant help. It will help vehicle owners to diagnose and find solutions to

some faults in their vehicles without having to consult a motor vehicle specialists or mechanics.

Hence, save money on maintenances since the system could render solutions and reduce the

congestion in a mechanic workshop.

 34

5.3 RECOMMENDATIONS

I recommend that the system should be integrated in other to help technicians, or users to detect a

problem in a car and provide available solution to that.

 35

REFERENCES

Adekunle, A. A., Ikubanni, P. P., &Agboola, o. o. (2018).An Expert System forAutomobile

Repairs and Maintenance. MindanaoJournalof Science and Technology, 16(1).

Akinnuli, B. o., &olaleye, J. o. (2013).An Expert System forDiagnosing and ProfferingSolutions

to Causes of overheating in a Bulldozer Engine (Case Study Model D60s-6

KomatsuProducts). Engineering Management Research, 2(2), 56.

Al-Taani, A. T. (2005). An Expert System for Car Failure Diagnosis. IEC (Prague), 5, 457-560.

Ani, J. o. (2018). Design and implementationof an Automobile fault detection

system (Doctoraldissertation, Godfreyokoye University).

Asafe, Y. N. Artificial Intelligence Based online Vehicles Troubleshooting System.

D. D. Milanović, M. M. (2010). The Design of Hybrid System for Servicing Processsupport in

small business. FME Transactions, 143-149.

Gupta, R. (2015). A Simulink Modelfor an Engine Cooling System and its Applicationfor Fault

Detection in Vehicles.

C. Angeli, ``Diagnostic expert systems: From expert's knowledge to real-time systems,'' in

Advanced Knowledge BasedSystems: Model, Applications & Research, vol. 1, P. Sajja and R.

Akerkar, Eds. TMRF e-Book, 2010, pp. 50_73. Available:

http://www.tmr_ndia.org/eseries/ebook.html#content

Lanigan, P. E., Kavulya, S., Narasimhan, P., Fuhrman, T. E., & Salman, M. A. (2011).

DiagnosisIn Automotive Systems: A survey. Last accessed Sept 10, 2011.

Listofcars.(2011). ModernEra of Automobile. Retrieved June 10, 2015, FromSellcarsnew.com:

http://sellcarsnew.blogspot.com/2011/07/modern-eraof-automobile.html

Mostafa, S. A., Ahmad, M. S., Mohammed, M. A., &obaid, o. I. (2012).Implementing an Expert

 36

Diagnostic Assistance System forCar Failure and Malfunction. InternationalJournalof

Computer Science Issues (IJCSI), 9(2), 1.

Olanloye, D. o. (2014). An Expert System forDiagnosing Faults in

Motorcycle. InternationalJournalof Engineering, 5(06), 8269.

Y. Jindal, S. J. (2010). ApproachTowards Car Failure Troubleshooting- An Expert System.

InternationalJournalofComputerApplications.

A. T. Al-Taani, “An expert system for car failure diagnosis”, World Academy of Science,

Engineering and Technology,Vol. 1, No. 12, pp. 4-7, 2017

Ricardo Nurzal, (2015) “A Decision Support System for Car Fault Diagnosis Using Expert

System”, InternationalJournal of Information Sciences for Decision Making

RAJAT, G. (2015) Developing a Simulink model for an engine cooling system and its

application for fault detection.

 37

<?phprequire_once('Connections/CFES3.php'); ?>
<?php

$e=$_GET['cat'];
$ee=$e;
$c=$_GET['catt'];
if (!function_exists("GetSQLValueString")) {
functionGetSQLValueString($theValue, $theType, $theDefinedValue = "",
$theNotDefinedValue = "")
{
if (PHP_VERSION < 6) {
$theValue = get_magic_quotes_gpc() ? stripslashes($theValue) : $theValue;
}

$theValue = function_exists("mysql_real_escape_string") ?
mysql_real_escape_string($theValue) : mysql_escape_string($theValue);

switch ($theType) {
case "text":
$theValue = ($theValue != "") ? "'" . $theValue . "'" : "NULL";
break;
case "long":
case "int":
$theValue = ($theValue != "") ? intval($theValue) : "NULL";
break;
case "double":
$theValue = ($theValue != "") ? doubleval($theValue) : "NULL";
break;
case "date":
$theValue = ($theValue != "") ? "'" . $theValue . "'" : "NULL";
break;
case "defined":
$theValue = ($theValue != "") ? $theDefinedValue : $theNotDefinedValue;
break;
}
return $theValue;
}
}

mysql_select_db($database_CFES3, $CFES3);
$query_Recordset1 = "SELECT * FROM symptoms_table";
$Recordset1 = mysql_query($query_Recordset1, $CFES3) or die(mysql_error());
$row_Recordset1 = mysql_fetch_assoc($Recordset1);
$totalRows_Recordset1 = mysql_num_rows($Recordset1);

mysql_select_db($database_CFES3, $CFES3);
 38

$query_Recordset2 = "SELECT * FROM gen_problem WHERE symptoms_id ='$ee' ";

$Recordset2 = mysql_query($query_Recordset2, $CFES3) or die(mysql_error());
$row_Recordset2 = mysql_fetch_assoc($Recordset2);
$totalRows_Recordset2 = mysql_num_rows($Recordset2);

mysql_select_db($database_CFES3, $CFES3);
$output = '';
//collect
if(isset($_POST['search'])){
$searchq= $_POST['search'];

$query= mysql_query("SELECT * FROM gen_problem WHERE problemid =

'$searchq'") or die("could not search!");
$count= mysql_num_rows($query);
if($count==0){
$output = 'there was no results!';
}
else {
while ($row= mysql_fetch_array($query)){
$result = 'YOUR SEARCH RESULT ';
$fault = $row['faults'];
$symptomss = $row['symptom'];
$type = $row['type'];
$causes = $row['causes'];
$solution = $row['solution'];
$output = '<div>'.$fault.' </div>';
$output1 = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.$result.'
</div>';
$output3 = '<div>'.$symptomss.' </div>';
$output4 = '<div>'.$causes.' </div>';
$output5 = '<div>'.$solution.' </div>';
$output2 = '<div>'.$type.' </div>';

$faulty = 'FAULTY VEHICLE PART(FAULT/PROBLEM)';

$typee = 'TYPE';
$symptom = 'POSSIBLE SYMPTOM';
$cause = 'CAUSES';
$solutions = 'ADVICE/SOLUTION';

$outputfaulty = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.

$faulty.' </div>';

$outputtypee = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.

$typee.' </div>';
$outputsymptom = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.
$symptom.' </div>';
 39

$outputcause = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.

$cause.' </div>';
$outputsolutions = '<div class="font-weight-bold text-black" >'.
$solutions.' </div>';

}
}
}

echo $searchq;
?>

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<title>CAR FAULT EXPERT SYSTEM</title>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, shrink-to-fit=no">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?

family=Nunito+Sans:200,300,400,700,900|Roboto+Mono:300,400,500">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="fonts/icomoon/style.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/bootstrap.min.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/magnific-popup.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/jquery-ui.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/owl.carousel.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/owl.theme.default.min.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/bootstrap-datepicker.css">
<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/animate.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="fonts/flaticon/font/flaticon.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/fl-bigmug-line.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/aos.css">

<link rel="stylesheet" href="css/style.css">

<link rel="shortcut icon" type="image/jpg" href="favicon.ico">

<scriptsrc="js/jquery.min.js"></script>

<script type="text/javascript">
function reload(){
var v1=document.getElementById('symptom1').value;
 40

// document.write(v1);
self.location='index.php?cat=' + v1;
}
</script>

</head>
<body>
<div class="site-wrap">

<div class="site-mobile-menu">
<div class="site-mobile-menu-header">
<div class="site-mobile-menu-close mt-3">
<span class="icon-close2 js-menu-toggle"></span>
</div>
</div>
<div class="site-mobile-menu-body"></div>
</div><!-- .site-mobile-menu -->

<header class="site-navbar py-1" role="banner">

<div class="container">
<div class="row align-items-center">

<div class="col-6 col-xl-2">

<a href="index.php" class="text-black h2 mb-0">car<strong>EXPERT</strong></a>
</div>
<div class="col-10 col-xl-10 d-none d-xl-block">
<nav class="site-navigation text-right" role="navigation">
<div class="container">
<div class="d-inline-block d-lg-none ml-md-0 mr-auto py-3"><a href="#" class="site-menu-
toggle js-menu-toggle text-black"><span class="icon-menu h3"></span></a></div>
<ul class="site-menu js-clone-nav d-none d-lg-block">
<li><a href="faults.php"><span class="rounded bg-
primary py-2 px-3 text-white">COMMON CAR FAULTS AND SOLUTONS</span></a></li>

<li><a href="admin/login.php"><span class="h5 mr-2"></span> ADMIN</span></a></li>

</ul>
</div>
</ul>
</nav>
</div>
<div class="col-6 col-xl-2 text-right d-block">
 41

<div class="d-inline-block d-xl-none ml-md-0 mr-auto py-3" style="position: relative; top:

3px;"><a href="#" class="site-menu-toggle js-menu-toggle text-black"><span class="icon-menu
h3"></span></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</header>

<div class="site-blocks-cover" style="background-image: url(images/bg2.jpg);" data-aos="fade"

data-stellar-background-ratio="0.5">
<div class="container">
<div class="row row-custom align-items-center">
<div class="col-md-10">
<h1 class="mb-2 w-75"><span class="font-weight-bold">CAR FAULT EXPERT
SYSTEM</span></h1>
<h1> Get the Right Solution </h1>
<div class="job-search">
<ul class="navnav-pills mb-3" id="pills-tab" role="tablist">
<li class="nav-item">
<a class="nav-link active py-3" id="pills-job-tab" data-toggle="pill" href="#pills-job" role="tab"
aria-controls="pills-job" aria-selected="true">Ask Expert</a>
</li>
<li class="nav-item">
<a class="nav-link py-3" id="pills-candidate-tab" data-toggle="pill" href="#" role="tab" aria-
controls="pills-candidate" aria-selected="true">Get the Right Solution</a>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="tab-content bg-white p-4 rounded" id="pills-tabContent">
<div class="tab-pane fade show active" id="pills-job" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="pills-
job-tab">
<div class="row">
<div class="col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-3 mb-lg-0">
<div class="select-wrap">
<span class="icon-keyboard_arrow_down arrow-down"></span>
<select name="" id="" class="form-control">
<option value="">Select Car Manufacturer</option>
<option value="fulltime">TOYOTA</option>
<option value="fulltime">NISSAN</option>
<option value="freelance">HONDA</option>
<option value="internship">PONTIAC</option>
</select>
</div>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-3 mb-lg-0">
<div class="select-wrap">
<span class="icon-keyboard_arrow_down arrow-down"></span>
 42

<select name="symptom" class="form-control" id="symptom1" onchange="reload()">

<option value="" >Select car
symptom</option>
<?php do { ?>

<option value="<?php echo $row_Recordset1['symptoms_id']?>"><?php echo

$row_Recordset1['symptom']?></option>
<?php } while ($row_Recordset1 = mysql_fetch_assoc($Recordset1)); ?>

</select>
</div>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-3 mb-lg-0">
<div class="select-wrap">
<span class="icon-keyboard_arrow_down arrow-down"></span>

<form action="index.php" method="post">

<select name="search" class="form-control" id="search">

<option value="">Select Car Manufacturer</option>
<?php do { ?>

<option value="<?php echo $row_Recordset2['problemid']; ?>"><?php echo

$row_Recordset2['faults']?></option>
<?php } while ($row_Recordset2 = mysql_fetch_assoc($Recordset2)); ?>
</select>
</div>
</div>

<div class="col-md-6 col-lg-3 mb-3 mb-lg-0">

<input type="submit" class="btnbtn-primary btn-block" value="Search">
</form>

</div>
</div>
</div>

</div>

</div>
<div class="tab-content bg-white p-4 rounded" id="pills-tabContent">
<?php print("$output1");?>
<?php print("$outputfaulty");?>
<?php print("$output");?>
<?php print("$outputtypee");?>
<?php print("$output2")?>
 43

<?php print("$outputsymptom")?>
<?php print("$output3")?>
<?php print("$outputcause")?>
<?php print("$output4")?>
<?php print("$outputsolutions")?>
<?php print("$output5")?>

</div>
</div>

</div>
</div>
</div>

</div>

<footer>

<div class="row text-center">

<div class="col-md-12">
<p>
<!-- Link back to Colorlib can't be removed. Template is licensed under CC BY 3.0. -->
Copyright &copy; by faruq
<!-- Link back to Colorlib can't be removed. Template is licensed under CC BY 3.0. -->
</p>
</div>

</div>

</footer>

<scriptsrc="js/jquery-3.3.1.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/jquery-migrate-3.0.1.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/jquery-ui.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/popper.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/bootstrap.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/owl.carousel.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/jquery.stellar.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/jquery.countdown.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/jquery.magnific-popup.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/bootstrap-datepicker.min.js"></script>
<scriptsrc="js/aos.js"></script>

<script>
 44

varplaceSearch, autocomplete;
varcomponentForm = {
street_number: 'short_name',
route: 'long_name',
locality: 'long_name',
administrative_area_level_1: 'short_name',
country: 'long_name',
postal_code: 'short_name'
};

functioninitAutocomplete() {
// Create the autocomplete object, restricting the search to geographical
// location types.
autocomplete = new google.maps.places.Autocomplete(
/** @type {!HTMLInputElement} */(document.getElementById('autocomplete')),
{types: ['geocode']});

// When the user selects an address from the dropdown, populate the address
// fields in the form.
autocomplete.addListener('place_changed', fillInAddress);
}

functionfillInAddress() {
// Get the place details from the autocomplete object.
var place = autocomplete.getPlace();

for (var component in componentForm) {

document.getElementById(component).value = '';
document.getElementById(component).disabled = false;
}

// Get each component of the address from the place details

// and fill the corresponding field on the form.
for (var i = 0; i <place.address_components.length; i++) {
varaddressType = place.address_components[i].types[0];
if (componentForm[addressType]) {
varval = place.address_components[i][componentForm[addressType]];
document.getElementById(addressType).value = val;
}
}
}

functiongeolocate() {
 45

if (navigator.geolocation) {
navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition(function(position) {
vargeolocation = {
lat: position.coords.latitude,
lng: position.coords.longitude
};
var circle = new google.maps.Circle({
center: geolocation,
radius: position.coords.accuracy
});
autocomplete.setBounds(circle.getBounds());
});
}
}
</script>

<script src="https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/js?
key=AIzaSyBVWaKrjvy3MaE7SQ74_uJiULgl1JY0H2s&libraries=places&callback=initAutoco
mplete"
async defer></script>

<scriptsrc="js/main.js"></script>

</body>
</html>
<?php
mysql_free_result($Recordset1);

mysql_free_result($Recordset2);

?>