## 4 Discussion of the Decision Algorithm's Validity and Reliability Using Simulated Data  
The trace table method was used to verify the adequacy of the decision-making algorithm. Table 11 presents the simulation inputs and outputs, using the trace table method for all types of failures. The individual consecutive simulated and measured values of contact forces (CFs) are listed in Table 11 for each step. The time interval between individual steps was 15 s.  
Verification of the decision-making algorithm for the identification of selected failures (step 1) starts at a failure-free state for each type of failure (the algorithm output is m200). In step 2, the situation occurs, in which the decision-making algorithm evaluates as an unidentified failure (the algorithm output is E). \begin{table} \begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{**Input**} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{**Output**} \\ \hline
**Step** & **ID7** & **ID10** & **ID11** & \\ \hline Step 1 & 115 & 257 & 241 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 112 & 254 & 246 & m200 \\ Step 5 & x & 254 & 243 & E \\ Step 6 & x & 238 & 191 & m207 \\ \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline step & ID7 & ID10 & ID11 & \\ \hline Step 1 & 114 & 255 & 237 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 115 & 258 & 239 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 140 & 215 & 200 & E \\ Step 6 & 135 & 219 & 204 & m209 \\ \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline step & ID7 & ID10 & ID11 & \\ \hline Step 1 & 118 & 249 & 250 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 114 & 251 & 243 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 51 & 210 & x & m211 \\ \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline step & ID7 & ID10 & ID11 & \\ \hline Step 1 & 113 & 257 & 240 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 115 & 258 & 237 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 108 & 224 & 240 & E \\ Step 6 & 102 & 223 & 233 & TWO \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular} 
\begin{tabular}{c c c c c} \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline
**Step** & **ID7** & **ID10** & **ID11** & \\ \hline Step 1 & 113 & 252 & 249 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 113 & 257 & 243 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 159 & 280 & 263 & m208 \\ \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline step & ID7 & ID10 & ID11 & \\ \hline Step 1 & 117 & 253 & 248 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 113 & 254 & 245 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 69 & 130 & 170 & m212 \\ \hline \hline  & \multicolumn{3}{c}{input} & \multicolumn{1}{c}{output} \\ \hline step & ID7 & ID10 & ID11 & \\ \hline Step 1 & 113 & 257 & 240 & m200 \\ Step 2 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 3 & 123 & 235 & 252 & E \\ Step 4 & 115 & 258 & 237 & m200 \\ Step 5 & 108 & 224 & 240 & E \\ Step 6 & 102 & 223 & 233 & TWO \\ \hline \hline \end{tabularIf a situation occurs as in step 3 in the trace table (the algorithm output is E), then the device remains in operation, as the time since the unknown failure identification is less than 45 s, i.e., changes in contact forces (CFs) can be induced by the dynamic nature of the device. In step 4, the stabilization of vibrations is simulated until the algorithm result is m200, or a situation is simulated where the algorithm output is an unidentified failure (E) three times in a row; thus: E, E, E. Then, the operator must stop the pipe conveyor operation and visually inspect the cause of the failure in the idler housing. In step 5, failures are simulated (missing roller at selected positions m2007 to m212, or absent material TWOMA0). If the failure type is clearly determined in this step (algorithm output is m208, m211, m212), then the simulation is finished, and the device is stopped. If the algorithm output is an unidentified failure (E), the simulation continues with the next step (step 6).