US Patent 8161325 Recommendation of relevant information to support problem diagnosis

The disclosure generally relates to knowledge retrieval using a knowledgebase storing general and/or expert knowledge. In particular, the disclosure relates to using complex retrieval techniques to implement an enhanced troubleshooting system that provides relevant information. Aspects of the disclosure retrieve relevant documents to assist in troubleshooting by reasoning with stored representations about the faulty system and its operating environment. After receiving a description of the symptoms and/or other information related to the problem, the system may recommend textual and/or non-textual documents with relevant information for identifying the cause of the problem and restoring operation.