Diagnostic director

A directed service system comprising:

• a processor operating under stored program control,
• a user interface including a display device and an input device both coupled to the processor for interactive control thereof and thereby,
• a storage utility storing a knowledge database including a library of service information items relating to aspects of an apparatus to be serviced and test information items relating to tests which can be performed on the apparatus,
• at least one source, distinct from the storage utility, of support data relating to particular tests, and
• a computer routine executed by the processor for controlling the operation of the display device and controlling communications with the storage utility and the at least one source of support data, the computer routine including
• (a) a first portion for controlling activation of and communication over communication links between the processor and the storage utility and between the processor and each source of support data,
• (b) a second portion responsive to user inputs via the user interface regarding selected aspects of the apparatus for displaying a test description applicable to the selected aspects, and
• (c) a third portion responsive to display of a test description for automatically retrieving from the at least one source of support data and displaying information related to the displayed test description to assist a user in implementing the test.