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Display Design
As in all information presentation, display design
requires an understanding of what information needs to be conveyed
to the recipient. Adding unnecessary information results in a
cumbersome, "noisy" system. Beville utilizes a variety of techniques
to identify how the operators use the process information. This is
then translated into display design requirements. For example, one plant had
an extremely stable process, so the operators had become very
sensitive to changes in valve outputs. Ensuring outputs in the
display system became a critical requirement for that unit, whereas
for a less stable process the output information would simply be
distractions or noise.
The information requirements, both variables and
how they are to be encoded (color, shape, etc.), need to be combined
into an integrated system. Beville can help create an interface
structure that allows the operator to quickly access the right
information at the right time. In general, the interface should be
hierarchical in nature, where (1) different displays are created
that match their use and (2) the displays are organized into a
structured information environment.
A major flaw with many DCS systems is the
inability for the operator to obtain the big picture of plant
operation, or situational awareness. This may result in the operator
developing "tunnel vision" during problems and upsets. To mitigate
this problem, Beville can provide guidance in the creation of a
single overview screen for the operator's entire span of control.
The overview that is developed will display qualitative, status
information on the major plant systems, and will be supported by
lower hierarchy displays.
Upgrading to DCS should not be a major trauma for
the operators and create more problems than it corrects. Proper
selection and structuring of information is the means to ensure
maximum operator performance with a DCS system.
For further information, visit the
links below.
Alarm & Display
System Analysis Overview /
Alarm Management
/ Alarm
& Display Design Seminar /
Alarm Response Analysis
Webcasts /
Shape Calculator /
Alarm
Distribution Estimator (excel - new window)
View all related
Alarm/Display newsletters by
clicking here
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