TECHNICAL REPORT

ISA–TR77.60.04–1996

Fossil Fuel Power Plant

Human-Machine Interface –
CRT Displays

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT
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substantial civil and criminal penalties.

Approved 24 May 1996

TM

ISA–The Instrumentation,
Systems, and
Automation Society
ISA–TR77.60.04–1996, Fossil Fuel Power Plant Human-Machine Interface – CRT Displays

ISBN: 1-55617-609-0

Copyright  1996 by the Instrument Society of America. All rights reserved. Printed in the United
States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
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ISA
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P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
Preface

This preface, as well as all footnotes and annexes, is included for informational purposes only and
is not part of ISA-TR77.60.04-1996. The purpose of this Technical Report is to provide advice and
guidance in the development of CRT Displays for use in conjunction with real-time Distributed Control
Systems used in utility fossil-fired power plants with boilers of 200,000 lb/hr or greater capacity.

This Technical Report has been prepared as part of the service of ISA, the international society for
measurement and control, toward a goal of uniformity in the field of instrumentation. To be of real
value, this document should not be static but should be subject to periodic review. Toward this
end, the Society welcomes all comments and criticisms and asks that they be addressed to the
Secretary, Standards and Practices Board; ISA; 67 Alexander Drive; P.O. Box 12277; Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709; Telephone (919) 549-8411; Fax (919) 549-8288; e-mail: stan-
dards@isa.org.

The ISA Standards and Practices Department is aware of the growing need for attention to the
metric system of units in general, and the International System of Units (SI) in particular, in the
preparation of instrumentation standards, recommended practices, and technical reports. The
Department is further aware of the benefits to USA users of ISA standards of incorporating suit-
able references to the SI (and the metric system) in their business and professional dealings with
other countries. Toward this end, this Department will endeavor to introduce SI and acceptable
metric units as optional alternatives to English units in all new and revised standards to the great-
est extent possible. The Metric Practice Guide, which has been published by the Institute of Elec-
trical and Electronics Engineers as ANSI/IEEE Std. 268-1992, and future revisions will be the
reference guide for definitions, symbols, abbreviations, and conversion factors. SI (metric) conver-
sions in this Technical Report are given only to the precision intended in selecting the original
numerical value.

It is the policy of ISA to encourage and welcome the participation of all concerned individuals and
interests in the development of ISA standards, recommended practices, and technical reports.
Participation in the ISA standards-making process by an individual in no way constitutes endorse-
ment by the employer of that individual, of ISA, or of any of the standards that ISA develops.

The following people served as members of ISA Subcommittee SP77.60, which created this Tech-
nical Report:

NAME COMPANY
D. Tennant, Chairman Consultant
R. Hubby, Co-Chairman Max Control Systems, Inc.
S. Alvarez Compania de Inspeccion Mexicana
D. Bernfeld Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
T. Broyles Stone & Webster, Inc.

3
NAME COMPANY
J. Brummer Metropolitan Edison
D. Crow TU Electric
G. Davis Duke Power Company
C. Fernandez Comision Federal de Electricidad
H. Foreman Brown & Root Power
D. Frey Computer & Control Consultants
N. Gordeuk MMI Environments, Inc.
D. Hamme Gilbert Commonwealth, Inc.
H. Hopkins Utility Products of Arizona
D. Lee Bailey Controls Company
N. Lyche Chevron Overseas Petroleum Technology Company
S. Mattix Duke Power Company
G. McFarland Honeywell Industrial Automation & Controls, Inc.
G. Mead Honeywell, Inc.
R. Papilla Southern California Edison
R. Paul Southern Company Services
A. Radice ENEL
L. Schroeder Axiom Technology Corporation
G. Schulte Detroit Edison Company
M. Skoncey Duquesne Light Company
S. Stultz Baltimore Gas & Electric Company
P. Toigo Burns & McDonnell
T. Toms Carolina Power & Light Company
R. Waters U.S. Department of Energy

The following people served as members of ISA Committee SP77:

NAME COMPANY
R. Johnson, Chairman Sargent & Lundy
T. Russell, Co-Chairman Honeywell, Inc.
E. Adamson Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
L. Altcheh Israel Electric Company
S. Alvarez Compania de Inspeccion Mexicana
J. Batug Pennsylvania Power & Light Company
*W. Blazier Sargent & Lundy
L. Broeker Cinergy
J. Cartwright Ohmart Corporation
*Q. Chou Ontario Hydro
D. Christopher Houston Lighting & Power Company
F. Cunningham Swagelok Company
G. Davis Duke Power Company

4
NAME COMPANY
C. Fernandez Comision Federal de Electricidad
D. Foreman Brown & Root Power
R. Forman Process Auto Technologies
M. Fryman Illinois Power Company
K. Gabel Centerior Energy
A. Gile Potomac Electric Company
R. Hicks Black & Veatch
W. Holland Southern Company Services, Inc.
H. Hopkins Utility Products of Arizona
R. Hubby Max Control Systems, Inc.
*J. Kennard Ontario Hydro
J. Kling Black & Veatch
D. Lee Bailey Controls Company
W. Matz Forney Corporation
G. McFarland Honeywell Industrial Automation and Controls, Inc.
G. Mookerjee Detroit Edison Company
J. Moskal ABB Combustion Engineering Systems
*J. Murphy E. I. du Pont
T. New Leeds & Northrop (Alabama)
*N. Obleton Honeywell, Inc.
R. Papilla Southern California Edison
*M. Perakis EPRI
*J. Pickle E. I. du Pont
G. Ramachandran Cytec Industries, Inc.
L. Rawlings II Babcock & Wilcox Company
D. Roney Raytheon Engineers & Constructors, Inc.
R. Roop Hoosier Energy, Inc.
J. Rutledge Jacksonville Electric Authority
A. Schager Consultant
C. Skidmore Florida Power & Light Company
J. Smith Westinghouse Electric Corporation
T. Stevenson Baltimore Gas & Electric
*C. Taft EPRI I&C Center
D. Tennant Consultant
B. Traylor Sandwell, Inc.
*J. Weiss Electric Power Research Institute
J. Wiley Public Service of Colorado
B. Zasowski Schlumberger Industries
T. Zikas Parker-Hannifin Corporation
T. Zuvlis Woodward Governor Company

____________________

* One vote per company

5
This Technical Report was approved for publication by the ISA Standards and Practices Board on
May 24, 1996.

NAME COMPANY
M. Widmeyer, Vice President Washington Public Power Supply System
H. Baumann H. D. Baumann, Inc.
D. Bishop Chevron USA Production Company
P. Brett Honeywell, Inc.
W. Calder III Calder Enterprises
H. Dammeyer Phoenix Industries, Inc.
R. Dieck Pratt & Whitney
W. Holland Southern Company Services, Inc.
A. Iverson Lyondell Petrochemical Company
K. Lindner Endress + Hauser GmbH + Company
T. McAvinew Metro Wastewater Reclamation District
A. McCauley, Jr. Chagrin Valley Controls, Inc.
G. McFarland Honeywell Industrial Automation & Controls, Inc.
E. Montgomery Fluor Daniel, Inc.
D. Rapley Rapley Engineering Services
R. Reimer Rockwell Automation A-B
J. Rennie Factory Mutual Research Corporation
R. Webb Pacific Gas & Electric Company
W. Weidman Consultant
J. Weiss Electric Power Research Institute
J. Whetstone National Institute of Standards & Technology
H. Wiegle Canus Corporation
C. Williams Eastman Kodak Company
G. Wood Graeme Wood Consulting
M. Zielinksi Fisher•Rosemount

____________________

* One vote per company

6
Abstract

This report recognizes the substantial volumes of technical information already in existence on the
topic of CRT display development. The intention of this Report is to provide a practical summary
overview of the important considerations that apply to the development of effective CRT displays.
It is hoped to be a handy reference to those design engineers and power-plant operators who are
directly involved in display development.

Key words

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) displays, coding conventions, color coding, CRT alarm management,
CRT control applications, CRT display development, CRT display elements, CRT display organiza-
tion, CRT display status, CRT display structure, CRT display types, CRT replacement guidelines,
display access, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), format standards, fossil fuel power plant,
human-machine interface, navigation designs (standard), operator entry techniques, real-time
DCS, shape coding, size coding, typical color conventions for black background, work station ergo-
nomics.

7
 Contents

Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 7
Key words............................................................................................................................ 7
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................. 11
2 Purpose ......................................................................................................................... 12
3 Display structure .......................................................................................................... 12
4 Display access .............................................................................................................. 13
5 Display types................................................................................................................. 14
6 Format standards ......................................................................................................... 15
7 Display organization .................................................................................................... 16
8 Coding conventions ..................................................................................................... 18
8.1 General coding principles........................................................................................18
8.2 Color coding ............................................................................................................18
8.3 Size coding..............................................................................................................20
8.4 Shape coding ..........................................................................................................20
8.5 Highlighting..............................................................................................................21
8.6 Location coding .......................................................................................................21
8.7 Alphanumeric codes and abbreviations..................................................................21
9 Display elements .......................................................................................................... 22
10 Operator entry techniques ........................................................................................ 24
11 Control applications................................................................................................... 26
12 Alarm management .................................................................................................... 28
13 Work station ergonomics .......................................................................................... 29
14 CRT replacement guidelines..................................................................................... 29

Annexes
A — References ................................................................................................................ 31
B — Typical color conventions for black background ................................................. 33
1 Scope

This technical report is provided for the benefit of design engineers and ultimately fossil-power-
plant operators. By following this technical report, the developer of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) dis-
plays will

a) provide clear and efficient communication between the user and the distributed
control system;

b) accomplish display design based on the user's needs that are based on an
assessment of planned control-operator functions to be performed; and

c) provide a display design to obtain timely access to required information and con-
trols in a logical structure convenient to the user.

The display structure and organization, including access time to make appropriate control adjust-
ments, should provide for operator response comparable to that of non-display-based, human-
machine interface systems. To meet this requirement, the display structure must be developed
using

a) clearly designed display accessing techniques;

b) a set of well-structured display relationships, predictable and familiar to the user;

c) standard display formats to increase speed of access to items within a display;

d) logical grouping of functions and tasks that minimize memorization of elements or

results from previous displays; and

e) separation of overview graphics to simplify control graphics, preventing a "clutter-

ing" of information and facilitating quicker display updates.

Input from plant operating personnel in all phases of CRT display development is critical to the
development of effective displays. It is even recommended to have plant operating personnel build
many of the graphics to ensure a sense of ownership by operations personnel.

This technical report will address the following issues relating to CRT display development:

Display structure Display elements

Display access Operator entry techniques
Display types Control applications
Format standards Alarm management
Display organization Work station ergonomics
Coding conventions

Recognizing the substantial volumes of technical reports on the topic of CRT display development,
the intent of this report is to provide a summary/overview of the important considerations that
apply in the development of effective CRT displays. For additional detailed guidance, please refer
to Annex A — References.

11
2 Purpose

The purpose of this technical report is to provide advice and guidance in the development of CRT
Displays for use in conjunction with real-time Distributed Control Systems (DCS) used in utility fos-
sil-fired power plants with boilers of 200,000 lb/hr or greater capacity.

3 Display structure

Display structure establishes the relationship among displays and should reflect the relationships
between functions and tasks to be performed through the CRT displays. A function/task analysis
and goal assessment based on plant operating procedures is recommended to determine the
goals and tasks to be accomplished.

Display structure provided with real-time distributed control systems is most commonly organized
in a hierarchical structure. Displays are grouped according to levels of detail where each display
serves as a menu to information above or below its level.

Using windowing techniques superimposes a sequential structure within the hierarchical structure,
enabling the operator to access the requisite level of detail necessary to perform the required con-
trol functions (e.g., survey equipment status, get control help, select a transmitter, or call up a con-
trol face plate).

Three levels are typical of many fossil-plant CRT display structures as applied to the boiler/turbine
and result in the following hierarchy:

Unit Control: Unit overview. Unit master control provides the highest level mon-
itoring and control of major process-control functions.

System Overview/

Summaries: Overview graphics will be needed to help spot abnormal condi-

tions, control mode summaries, plant status, and plant-process-
variable summaries.

System Control: Fuel, air, feedwater, condensate, etc. — the main controls for
each supporting process

Equipment Control: Mills, induced draft and forced draft fans, boiler feed, or conden-
sate pumps, and associated control valves — the lowest level of
control on specific equipment
Two additional CRT display structure organizing approaches are:

a) sequential structure, where movement from one display to the next is governed
by a sequence. This technique is useful for procedural management of a plant
such as a startup/shutdown sequence and is well applied when using pop-ups in a
windowing environment; and

b) spatial structure, where the CRT display structure matches a mental map of the
physical layout of the system/plant that the user has.

These techniques may be embedded as appropriate into a hierarchical display structure for the
plant tasks to be managed.

4 Display access

Display access provides the means by which the user navigates through the display structure.
Ease of navigation is critical to the effectiveness of CRT display structure. CRT display planning
and design must take full advantage of operating system features for linking displays, including
application software that enhances those features to provide a complete system of links and intelli-
gent selection of targets. Some principle requirements for display access design are as follows:

a) Information provided must include selections based on goal/function/task analysis

data with few user decisions. Critical information must be obtained within one or
two selections. The system's response to the user must appear to be immediate
or at least must provide some indication that processing is underway.

b) Information called up for each selection must be obvious to the user based on
clear and consistent labeling and/or coding. Care must be taken to prevent label-
ing or graphics from overshadowing the pertinent process data.

c) Display access must be governed by consistent user actions to call-up windows/

displays (e.g., touch screen, mouse, keyboard, or any combination of these).

d) Using access devices, such as a touch screen, mouse, trackball, or equivalent,

that keep the user's eyes focused on data/action areas is preferred to using a key-
board, which only interfaces (see operator entry techniques). Touch screen tar-
gets should be adequately sized to ensure selection on the first attempt. Tab-key
cursor control is not recommended.

13
4.1 Standard navigation designs

Various standard navigation designs for display access are available for displaying user options
and defining user actions for display call-up. These methods are discussed as follows in accor-
dance with their suitability for real-time system operation:

a) Display targets (Hot spots) provide immediate access to any form of pop-up that,
in turn, can include menu selections or appropriate control face plates for operator
actions. Because of its fast response system, this approach is very suitable for
the real-time user.

b) Maps/Menus are a special form of display/pop-up by which a selected display can

be called up by the user. These may include structured menu tables or menus
coded by display elements (hot spots), which, in turn, can be used to make further
selections. Consistency of symbolic representation and selection response is crit-
ical in using coded display elements.

c) Context sensitive help allows help and associated displays to be called up

based on the current display or control face plate selected. These associated dis-
plays or pop-up windows can provide interlock, override, and/or permissive infor-
mation for the associated device.

Prior to the widespread use and acceptance of touch screen and/or mouse-selected targets, com-
mand language, paging keys, and dedicated and variable function keys (in hardware) were com-
monly used as display access navigation aids. These approaches are less desirable today
because they require the user to focus attention away from the CRT display.

5 Display types

Many display types are used in large data monitoring and/or control systems for power plant con-
trol, dispatch, or other applications. These display types may include overviews, system summa-
ries, process systems (mimics), controls, component status, menus and submenus, control
sequencing status, historical and trend information, alarms, diagnostics, line safety and tieline flow
summaries, energy costs, database point details, maintenance and red-tag (out of service) func-
tions, and help windows.

Display content and display organization are the two major elements that determine the display
type. User functions (task analysis) should determine display content. Display organization must
be logical to the intended user. Users with different responsibilities may need the same content to
be organized according to the specific responsibility to be fulfilled. The display types provided
should offer enough flexibility so that, when used in conjunction with the display system capabili-
ties, a user's needs can be comfortably accommodated. For example, some operators may prefer
to operate from process mimics, where others may prefer to work the control station face plates.
The amount of detail on the screen at any moment in time should be at the discretion of the user.

Windowing capability provides a powerful means for obtaining selected details and support infor-
mation on the main CRT screen without losing that main CRT screen information. Windowing

14
capability provides the capability for emphasizing the important control process information while
de-emphasizing the less relevant support data, which is always available upon request.

In planning the CRT display types, it is important to consider various techniques to expedite dis-
play recognition that include

a) using display-type flexibility only in response to a specific user preference to mini-

mize display types;

b) using consistent display formats and standard methods of exhibiting information to

enhance user recognition; and

c) using display element standards such as symbols, colors, names, and abbrevia-
tions for all displays, as applicable, even if display content and organization varies
according to the intended function.

6 Format standards

Consistency in the organization of each display type will enhance information recognition and will
allow the system to perform in a generally predictable manner.

Each display must have a well-defined objective that is developed by considering (1) what will be
done with the display (task analysis); (2) who will do it; and (3) when the display will be used. Sim-
ilarly, the general format for the group of displays in a display type must have well-defined general
objectives to guide its content and organization.

Standard display elements should be shown in a consistent location on all displays. These can
include such things as display title, unit identification, time, date, and standard targets for hot spots/
menus.

The display title is most important since it helps the user recognize the display objective quickly
and, thus, should be immediately visible to the user. Using human factors principles will help to
assure visibility.

When standard format and, especially, standard layout are used, displays will tend to look alike. To
avoid confusion and errors, it is equally important to make displays and layouts distinguishable
from each other by using unique titling and possibly other coding techniques. For example, if multi-
ple units can be accessed from a common console, the unit number must be clearly displayed
along with the distinguishable color and/or shape coding; clearly evident format (symbol and color)
and display background difference may also be used to differentiate between similar units on a
common CRT.

The information provided by the CRT displays should be easily obtainable, meaningful, and dis-
cernible to the operator within a time frame compatible with control of critical components. The
display system should enhance, not hinder, the operator's perspective of plant operation status.

15
7 Display organization

Human factors guidelines should be followed in the development of any display. These include
guidelines for display content, organization, and coding with colors, symbols, etc. This clause pro-
vides guidelines for content and organization. The next clause will provide guidelines for coding.

a) General content and layout rules

1) Provide the necessary content, which should be sufficient to support the

display objective.

2) Arrange content so it is not too dense.

Crowded displays make it difficult to locate information. A rule of thumb is

to provide a minimum of 25 to 40 percent blank space. For systems with
limited numbers of CRTs, it may be necessary to increase display density
in order to avoid excessive paging between displays. Effective display
design will allow more information to be included on a single display with-
out cluttering.

3) Show the most relevant data for the display objective (e.g., capability loss
may be more important than resultant low flow).

4) Organize elements in the order they will be used (e.g., top to bottom, left to
right) with the more frequently used elements shown with more promi-
nence.

5) Facilitate ease of comparison by placing elements to be compared close to

one another.

6) Match the level of abstraction with the display objective (i.e., summary
overview displays will be more abstract while detailed process displays will
be more concrete).

b) Emphasis of important items

1) Establish a focal point such as centering the title at the top of the display to
serve as a starting point for viewing the display.

2) Place elements that have priority over others in prominent locations.

3) Avoid displaying alarm condition or status when alarm condition or status

is not active (i.e., indicating lights that are off).

It is permissible however to show normal equipment/device status as

needed to monitor plant operations.

4) Avoid displaying secondary equipment if current status is satisfactory.

5) Display limit indications only when limit is reached or when knowledge of

the limit is needed as part of improving plant performance.

16
c) User recognition

1) Follow the user's model (i.e., the way the user thinks about the system).

2) Take advantage of physical relationships known to the user, such as rela-

tive positions of plant equipment.

3) Maintain consistency between display design and existing displays and

controls, especially if still in use, in conjunction with the distributed control
system.

4) Take advantage of any existing conventions, particularly if they are well

known and accepted, such as plant abbreviations, symbol standards, or
color codes.

d) Grouping and labeling

1) Make the grouping immediately recognizable without reading data.

2) Use spacing rather than demarcation lines, which tend to add clutter.

3) Group data according to its functional relationship; alternately, it may be

grouped according to its importance, frequency, sequence of use, location,
or alphabetical or chronological order.

4) Make grouping consistent for all displays of a specific type.

5) Label all data (except when information can be easily inferred from the dis-
play).

6) Make labels short, unique, and distinctive.

7) Establish labeling conventions for size, location, and case (upper or lower).

Size should be consistent unless there is a hierarchical standard. Locate

data labels consistently with respect to data—preferably to the left or alter-
nately above the data.

NOTE — Upper/lower case is most readable. Please do not use all upper
case.

8) Avoid using solids for bordering, which can add complexity.

9) Place data values of importance in a bright color (white, yellow, or cyan) to

make them appear more noticeable.

10) Place less important data values as low as 1/2 intensity.

NOTE — Many of the preceding principles may at times be in conflict;

trade-offs may be necessary based on what has the greater impact on per-
formance.

e) Display aesthetics

The display's visual appeal should be considered after all of the more important
issues of content, organization, and coding guidelines have been addressed. The
display should be aesthetically pleasing to view. Spacing and balance among the
elements can greatly affect the aesthetics of a display.

17
 f) Graphic labels

Include the graphic name and any special coding symbols to help engineers find
graphic source files and special notes, which help to configure the graphic. These
labels should be dark so as to not clutter the graphic.

g) Hierarchical displays

The display system should provide the capability to descend primarily to three lev-
els of hierarchy suggested as follows: the first level is monitoring display; the sec-
ond level is control display; and the third level is diagnostic display. These
displays should depict information to the operator depending on the function being
performed during various stages of plant operation and control; i.e., monitoring,
control, or diagnosis.

8 Coding conventions

Coding can provide a concise, efficient way to communicate with the operator. Proper use of cod-
ing techniques will significantly increase display intelligibility. Several basic coding principles are
given and are followed by guidelines for each type of coding.

8.1 General coding principles

a) Establish coding conventions to keep coding constant across the display set. Pri-
mary coding should emphasize pattern over color or labels.
b) Code to natural expectations (e.g., a larger pump symbol for a larger pump).
c) Use codes known by user (e.g., plant color coding, abbreviations, drawing symbol
standards).
d) Use obvious codes (e.g., up arrow symbol for increase, PR for print).
e) Provide definitions for special uncommonly used codes (e.g., color definition
should be displayed in the appropriate color).
f) Avoid overuse of codes. The user's mind should not be so cluttered with what it
has to interpret that the user cannot focus on the job.
g) Provide a help screen to "decode," wherever codes are used.

8.2 Color coding1

Color coding has two general uses:

1. The implementor should be aware that potential users may have difficulty or lack the ability to
distinguish between specific colors or many colors. Color, therefore, should not be the sole
distinguishing factor on critical indicators such as alarms, valve positions, pump start/stop, etc.
Redundant indicators should be considered on those items, such as color plus shape change or
color plus label.

18
 a) To convey meaning

While 11 colors are distinguishable for an optimum design, no more than four or
five colors should be used.

NOTE — As the number of colors increases, the relative effectiveness of the color
codes decreases.

b) To distinguish one item from another

Since the eyes are quite sensitive to color differences, the limitation of four or five
optimum colors per (see 8.2 [a]) does not apply when colors are used to distin-
guish items; i.e., subtle shade differences can be used to create an illusion of
depth to distinguish items while minimizing clutter.

8.2.1 Additional color coding guidelines

a) Establish a color code standard.

Match computer color coding with color coding outside the distributed control sys-
tem that is familiar to the user.

b) Consider color coding as a redundant form of coding.

Displays should be reviewed as if there were no color present in order to test if the
display's meaning is conveyed (e.g., breaker open/closed). Using this approach
will minimize problems of color distortion or color blindness.

c) Use bright colors (e.g., yellow or light green) to highlight such items as dynamic
data or dynamic symbols; use dark colors (e.g., red or indigo) to repress such
items as static symbols.

d) Avoid dark red or dark blue for symbols or alphanumerics.

These colors exhibit low brightness when used against a dark screen background.

e) Use a dark screen background.

Coding of display elements in bright colors will achieve better contrast against a
dark background (e.g., overall screen background should match ambient condi-
tions; 25 to 50 percent gray is best. Specific items can use darker backgrounds to
enhance contrast such as numerical data in yellow on a black background and a
green bar chart fill on a black background; a gray overall background helps mask
glare).

f) Use a different background for windows to distinguish them from the main screen
and ensure that the background provides good contrast with the established color
code (e.g., light gray for pop-up).

The following example is representative of how color coding may be applied. Using red and green
colors for Alternate 1 follows traditional utility industry practice. Alternate 2 is suggested where dif-
ficulty is encountered with red/green differentiation by the user. Shape coding is extremely impor-
tant when using Alternate 2.

19
 Unit Identifier Color — Color should be carefully chosen, so that each unit is readily distin-
guishable from the other units.

Numerical Values (Process Point Values)

Alternate 1 Alternate 2
No alarm — yellow or green or white cyan, white
Alarm - Unacknowledged — red flashing yellow flashing
Alarm - Acknowledged — red not flashing yellow not flashing
Device Status — See the Table below.

Valve Circuit Breaker Motors Electrical Lines

Operating State OPEN CLOSED ON ENERGIZED

Alternate 1 Color Red Red Red Red
Alternate 2 Color Red or Green Red or Green Red or Green Orange

Operating State CLOSED OPEN OFF DE-ENERGIZED

Alternate 1 Color Green Green Green Red
Alternate 2 Color Green Green Green Brown or
Dark Orange

Process flow lines (See mimics in the display elements, Section 9.)

For convenience, refer to Annex B for the suggested typical color conventions for
black background from EPRI TR 101378. (See Annex A for full reference.)

8.3 Size coding

Size coding is used to emphasize items (e.g., use a larger pump symbol for a large pump). Use a
small number of sizes (i.e., small, medium, or large).

8.4 Shape coding

Shapes are quick and easy to recognize independent of any color coding. Shapes are especially
effective for identifying components and their operational status. Guidelines include the following:

a) Use shapes consistently for the same equipment or to convey the same meaning.
Simple shapes should reflect equipment shape as much as possible.

b) Establish a "shapes" library, using standard symbols familiar to the user.

c) Make shapes clearly distinct; 10 to 15 are easily distinguished.

d) Use space to ensure legibility of alphanumeric when used in conjunction with a

shape (e.g., label inside shape).

20
8.5 Highlighting

Highlighting is a means of coding to catch the user's attention and should be limited to two or three
items on one display to be effective. Some methods include

a) reverse video: effective for alarms to overcome low perceived brightness of red;

b) increased brightness: e.g., increase color intensity or use a brighter color; and

c) flashing: while extremely useful in attracting attention, it must not be overused. It

should be reserved for alarms or possible target detection in a high density dis-
play. Flashing should be user suppressible.

8.6 Location coding

This coding takes two forms:

a) Display template — where typical information is in a consistent location such as

titles, function-select targets, or priority information; and

b) User model mimic — where display items are located according to the user's
model (mimic) of a process system of equipment, or the user's model based on a
PID flow diagram.

8.7 Alphanumeric codes and abbreviations

Alphanumeric codes, while providing the greatest flexibility in conveying a message to the opera-
tor, require more time to read and interpret than other codes. Guidelines are as follows:

a) Make abbreviations consistent and distinctive.

b) Establish abbreviation standards to be followed for all displays.

c) Use codes (alphanumeric or otherwise) that have meaning to the user. Avoid arbi-
trary codes.

d) Make abbreviations and codes consistent with labeling conventions on equipment

in the plant.

e) Place numbers and/or letters together (e.g., DC2 is better than D2C; B12 is better
than 1B2).

f) Avoid pairing (e.g., 1 and L, 0 and O, 2 and Z ).

g) Establish a convention for consistent use of upper- and lower-case letters.

h) Use space to ensure legibility of symbols (shapes) with words.

21
 i) Avoid symbols, underscores, and over-reliance on abbreviations, since they
require time to be deciphered by the user.

j) Make a help screen available on any screen by using alphanumeric codes and an
abbreviation, explaining what they mean.

9 Display elements

Display elements consist of letters, numbers, shapes, and/or colors. In developing the best display
elements, it is important to determine the best coding method to convey the required information
and to select the best display element to communicate that information.

A number of typical display elements are described with guidelines as to their design and use in
suitable applications.

a) Numerical value is a digital read out of the parameter’s value, using digital num-
bers where precision (i.e., the exact value) is needed. It requires a label or symbol
to identify its meaning, including units of measure.

b) Analog indicator (bar chart or meter) shows the relative value of a parameter,
using a continuous change in size or position of a shape.

This element is best applied where qualitative information is to be conveyed (e.g.,

direction of movement, relationship among values, and rate of change [inferred]).
While bar chart is preferred for comparison readings, user familiarity with meter
(pointer and scale) may dictate use of the latter. Pointers may be combined with a
bar to show alarm limits or with numerical values, if comparison and precision are
needed. Do not include more scale markings than the precision of the display can
support.

c) Digital indicator is used to display a device status that can have one of two or
more discrete states.

Each state must be easily distinguishable. States are displayed with labeling
(such as ON/OFF), supplemented with color coding (red or green), and possibly
enhanced with shape coding (breaker open or closed). Labeling or coding is criti-
cal since misinterpretation by the user would infer the opposite of the intended
message. Avoid using color alone as a means of conveying device status.

d) Mimic (process or system display) is a symbolic picture reflecting the user

model of a process, including relationships among variables.

To avoid misrepresentation and potential resultant confusion, care must be taken

to conform the mimic to the user model. Guidelines are as follows:

1) Conform abstract symbols to common electrical or mechanical symbol

conventions wherever possible.

2) Minimize details based on goal/function/task analysis data to present the

required content and to avoid clutter.

22
 3) Provide labeling inside symbols, if possible.

4) Locate data in conjunction with symbols consistently (e.g., locate pump

amps below the pump symbols).

5) Locate data for mimic lines and symbols as near as possible to the corre-
sponding line or symbol to which it relates.

6) Distinguish dynamic display symbols from non-dynamic symbols that are

used statically for coherence of the mimic.

The user must recognize that the symbol is providing status information.

7) Use redundant coding of dynamic symbols wherever possible (e.g., with

red/green valve, OPEN/CLOSED label, or distinguishable open or closed
valve to show the valve state).

8) Use dynamic mimic flow lines to show the operation of the process when
significant to understanding process operations.

Presence of flow or pressure in lines can be shown both with color coding
or symbolically by showing a hollow (empty) or filled-in (full) area between
two parallel lines. Mimics can be arranged to show flowing fluid by alter-
nating the contents of the filled pipe.

9) Use dynamic electrical line mimics to show charged and uncharged lines.
Presence of power can be shown both with color coding and symbolically
by showing the open or closed breaker.

10) Make touch-screen or mouse targets distinguishable as to the kind of infor-

mation accessed.

Targets that call up controls should be coded to be distinguishable from

targets that call up other displays. Similarly, analog control call-up targets
should be distinguishable from digital or binary control call-up. All targets
must be identified; e.g., a three-dimensional effect is useful to infer the
"button" metaphor. Non-targets must not have a similar appearance.

e) Plots or graphs show a parameter/parameter plot and are useful for diagnostic
purposes such as marking normal-versus-abnormal operating regions.

f) Trend shows the history of one or more variables including rate of change and
approach to limits. Guidelines are as follows:

1) Use consistent trend layouts throughout the display system.

2) Trend multiple variables only when they are related or needed for compari-
son to each other.

3) Provide labels for all trended variables in a consistent location.

4) Code the label that corresponds to the particular trend by color or other
means for multiple variable trends.

5) Provide proper labeling such as trend variable range and time scale.

23
 g) Tables and lists are used to show large amounts of information and must be well
organized and coded to minimize the time to read or interpret. Guidelines are as
follows:

1) Label rows on the left, columns at the top.

2) Align lists of data vertically with labels on the left and left-justified. The
corresponding numeric data should be on the right and justified to the dec-
imal, or if no decimal, right-justified.

3) Group data of more than 3 to 5 items with spacing.

h) Text, while being very flexible, is probably the least desirable display item since it
is slow to read and interpret.

Text should generally be limited to labels and brief messages (such as help mes-
sages). Color suggestions are as follows:

1) Dark colored text (red, blue, black, etc.) should have a light background.

2) Light colored text (white, green, yellow, etc.) should have a dark back-
ground.

i) Standardized display element combination allows the combination of basic dis-

play elements into a custom display element that fits the specific need of the user.
It should be standardized to be useful and is recommended because it addresses
specific user needs. Some typical examples are as follows:

1) Control station is a combination of labels, bar graphs, meter pointers,

numeric values, digital indicators, and push-button hot spots (selection tar-
get) arranged as a standard symbol familiar to the user.

2) Selection target is a combination of shapes and labels to create standard

symbols for display call-up selection or control selection, etc.

3) Trend/Indicator is discussed in Clause 9, f.

j) Integrated display uses several display elements on one screen to communicate

clearly and quickly a variety of data.

10 Operator entry techniques

Operator entry techniques allow the operator to enter commands or other information on the dis-
tributed control system. Common input devices used today are touch screen, mouse (or track
ball), and keyboard. Using on-screen entry techniques (mouse or touch screen) keep the opera-
tor's eyes focused on the data and, thereby, minimize operator errors in making single-selection
commands. This method is preferred over keyboard or special-function panel entries.

The system response to operator entries should be positive, obvious, and natural. No response
(lack of system response to the input received) is not allowed. System response time should
appear to be instantaneous (less than 2 seconds). If response time exceeds 2 seconds, instanta-

24
neous feedback should show that (a) the process is underway, and (b) the process will take an
estimated length of time to complete.

Touch-screen, mouse, and keyboard entry techniques are as follows:

a) Touch screen

One advantage of a touch screen, as compared to using a mouse, is the auto-

matic movement of the cursor to the selected location. The disadvantages are
that significantly larger targets are required to be "hit" consistently and that finger-
print smudges can affect screen legibility, especially when glare is a problem.
Guidelines are as follows:

1) Provide well-marked target areas.

2) Provide consistent target locations on standard displays.

3) Provide differentiation among targets to make them easily distinguishable

for the function performed (e.g., call-up of full screen displays versus win-
dow details versus control selection).

4) Provide a minimum of 3/4" x 3/4" target area for all critical functions.
Smaller areas may be accepted if immediate and accurate response is not
required.

5) Highlight the user selection when selection is made.

6) Provide all consoles (sit down/stand up) with suitable arm rests, making
arm extension to the screen minimal, and precise target selection easier to
achieve.

7) Use multiple touch actions for control (recommended) to avoid the problem
of accidental touch.

b) Mouse (or track ball)

An advantage of using a mouse, as compared to a touch screen, is that targets

can be smaller because selection is more precise. One disadvantage is that the
location of the cursor must be known by the user, which may require more time to
reach the target. The mouse/track ball action is more secure since it requires
more deliberate actions. The mouse is suitable for both stand-up and sit-down
consoles with a suitable tabletop area provided.

c) Keyboard

Keyboards are means to provide standard and variable function keys as well as
multiple key data entry as required for entering numeric values or messages.

Complete QWERTY (standard) Keyboards are needed to support the engineer-

ing/configuration functions. A reduced special purpose keyboard may be provided
for operator functions. Keyboard action is the most secure form of operator entry
since it minimizes the incidence of unintended activation errors. General guide-
lines for operator keyboard entry functions are as follows:

1) Provide a logical arrangement for function keys.

2) Group function keys when many function keys are used.

25
 3) Provide entry fields with a cursor showing location of the next keyed entry
for multiple-key entry.

4) Provide means of distinguishing multiple-key entry fields from non-keyed

current data, so that current data is not confused with the multiple-key
entry.

5) Locate edit fields (used to edit current data) below or to the right of the
data to be edited or at a consistent prompt location.

6) Highlight data being entered to help ensure the correct value is being
entered.

d) Pushbutton Panels

Backlight, display-access key panels are useful for rapid one-key access to dis-
plays.

11 Control applications

Distributed control systems that control plant process or dispatch systems must have a quality
CRT display design. Guidelines for standard control-station display-element development and for
control design of an optimum user interaction are provided.

a) Standard control station: A standard control station display element is recom-

mended for control applications. Guidelines are as follows:

1) Provide consistent target functions including the way targets are presented
across all control stations.

2) Standardize keyboard interaction if utilized. Different keys should be pro-

vided for different functions to avoid operator errors.

3) Provide consistent location of basic display elements that comprise the

control station (e.g., labels, bar graphs, meter pointers, numeric values,
digital indicators).

b) Guidelines for optimum user interaction

1) Provide display coding to highlight which items can be selected to be con-

trolled by the operator; what control is currently active; and what is not
controllable. This differentiation is critical for mimics where some devices
are not controlled.

2) Provide clear indication of control states:

a) Is item automatically controlled?

b) Is manual control inhibited?

c) What is the current operating mode (auto, manual, local control,

etc.) of plant areas/units, loops, or equipment?

26
3) Follow a consistent loop-operating philosophy for control of an analog pro-
cess variable or a digital state of equipment. This should include

a) a well-defined act for selecting a control (A two-step operation

should be provided for any significant control action including a
means of deselection.);

b) a feedback that the control is active;

c) a second act of adjusting the active control selected;

d) a feedback from the actual control device being controlled (not just
a verification of the demand signal);

e) a means to invoke context-sensitive help if control action is not

allowed (e.g., an interlock) for a selected device; and

f) a cancel selection target or button to clear the currently selected

object.

4) Perform analog control adjustments in either of two ways: (a) select and
enter a target value that has an acceptable slew rate built into the firm-
ware, which drives the change; or (b) have raise/lower keys on a keyboard
or displayed on a screen view and have them accessed with either a cur-
sor or touch screen. Ability for multiple speed selection reaction is helpful.

5) Design displays for sequential automatic control functions to include dis-

plays/windows that

a) list all sequence steps and start/run permissives;

b )indicate the current sequence step;

c) indicate the target sequence step;

d) indicate steps satisfied;

e) indicate steps unsatisfied;

f) list inhibits present that prevent further progress;

g) display elapsed time for any time-based holds;

h) include controls to start/stop the sequence; and

i) provide direct feedback indicating completion of failure to complete

a selected command.

6) Never allow an item to be controlled but not observed (e.g., if a setpoint

raise key is active, the setpoint must be displayed).

27
12 Alarm management

An effective alarm management system built within the distributed control system and supple-
mented by user application software is an essential part of an effective CRT display system for pro-
cess control. The following are a number of minimum requirements that should be considered:

a) Alarm attention

Call attention to a new alarm regardless of the display in use. This can be accom-
plished by a standard alarm code in the same place on all screens or in a display
area dedicated to incoming alarms (alarm screen or sub-screen); or by an alarm
bell that sounds; or a combination of these. New alarms need to be distinguished
from acknowledged alarms.

b) Alarm filtering

Provide alarm filtering to inhibit nuisance alarms, such as alarms related to equip-
ment out of service, based on goal/function/task analysis data.

c) Alarm recognition

Establish standard display techniques to show process variables, equipment, or

control loops, etc., in alarm. These may be supplemented by alarm summaries in
display format for both current and historical alarms.

d) Alarm resolution

Show priority of alarms by using color and other techniques (for color-blind opera-
tors). Provide a standard methodology for alarm acknowledgment, including clear
indication of alarm acknowledgment and/or return to normal status.

e) Alarm diagnosis / Response support

Using logic-driven (or expert system-driven) indicators or windows to identify the

root cause of the upset situation or to help the operator resolve the problem is
highly recommended.

f) Sequence of event (first-out) processing

Provide for major process-upset conditions.

28
13 Work station ergonomics

The physical design (numbers of CRTs, CRT placement, etc.) must support the intended (single-
or multi-unit) operation and must be coordinated with the CRT display design based on a task
analysis of functions to be performed. Task analysis must consider various individuals using the
work station during all plant operating conditions. The CRT display hardware used by operators
must be designed and arranged to conform to the physical requirements of Human Factors’ guide-
lines for distance angles and anthropometrics, etc.; e.g., seating, work surface, and seat support
must accommodate operator size from small- through large-framed operators, both male and
female; touch screens must be within the operator's reach; a mouse may be needed if physical
arrangements require the CRTs to be too far away; and symbol and letter height must be adjusted
for the expected viewing distance.

As large screen technology improves (by both projection or other techniques), the use of semi-per-
manent displays for monitoring the overall plant performance (as was formerly provided by the
dedicated operator control board and control desk instrumentation) will minimize the need to
ascend the display hierarchy from control level 2 to monitoring level 1 displays.

14 CRT replacement guidelines

CRTs wear out over time; they get dim and lose focus. All systems must support replacing CRTs
with standard video format. Users should plan on replacing CRTs at a minimum of five-year inter-
vals.

29
Annex A — References

AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE (ANSI)

ANSI/HFS 100-1988 American National Standard

for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Work
Stations  The Human Factors Society, Inc.
Available from: ANSI
11 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036 Tel. (212) 642-4900]

ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPRI)

TR - 101378 Cook, T. S., McKinley, J. H.; Metcalfe, L. J., and Papilla, R. P.,
Guidelines for Designing Displays for DCS Retrofit Projects
(1993)

Daniels, R. W. and Oliver, J. A., Enhancing fossil power plant design, operation, and main-
tenance: Human factor guidelines (CS-3745) (1984).

Pankrantz, D., Graphic display development methodology: Volume 1: Theory, EPRI

NP-4874 (1986).

Available from: EPRI

P.O. Box 10412
Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tel. (415) 855-2751

ISA
ANSI/ISA-S5.5 Graphic symbols for process displays (1985)

Available from: ISA

67 Alexander Drive
P.O. Box 12277
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Tel. (919) 990-9200

MILITARY STANDARDS
Fowler, R. L.; Williams, W. E.; Fowler, M. G.; and Young, D. D. An investigation of the rela-
tionship between operator performance and operator panel layout for continuous tasks
(AMRL-TR-68-170). U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Research Laboratory. (NTIS No.
AD692-126) (1968).

Available from: GLOBAL ENGINEERING STANDARDS

199 M Street, NW, #400
Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel. (202) 429-2860

31
MISCELLANEOUS
Billingsly, P. A. (1988). “Taking pains: Issues in the design of windowing systems.” In M. Helander
(Ed.), Handbook of human-computer interface. Amsterdam: North Holland.

Doney, A., and Seton J. (1988). “Using colour.” In T. Rubin (Ed.), User interface design for com-
puter systems. Chichester: Ellis Horwood Ltd. (J. Wiley & Sons).

Gilmore, W. E., Gertman, D. L., and Blackman, H. S. (1989). The user-computer interface in pro-
cess control: A human factors engineering handbook. Boston, MA: Academic Press.

Murch, J. (1987). “Color displays and color science.” In H. J. Durrett (Ed.), Color and the com-
puter. Boston, MA: Academic Press.

Paap, K. R, and Roske-Hofstrand, R. J. (1988). “Design of menus.” In M. Helander (Ed.), Hand-

book of human-computer interaction. Amsterdam: North-Holland.
Sapita, R. F. (1987). “Process control using color displays.” In H. J. Durrett (Ed.), Color and the
computer. Boston: Academic Press.

Shurtleff, D. A. (1980). How to make displays legible. La Mirada, CA: Human Interface Design.

Tullis, T. S. (1988). “Screen design.” In M. Helander (Ed.), Handbook of human-computer interac-

tion. Amsterdam: North-Holland.

32
Annex B — Typical color conventions for black background

The following table is printed with permission from the Electric Power Research Institute and is
found in EPRI TR-101378, Guidelines for Designing Displays for DCS Retrofit Projects, January
1993, Figure 6-1 (see Annex A — References).

Typical color conventions for black background

Color Use

Black display background

auto/manual station background

Magenta reserved color for target icons used for control stations, windows, trends,
and display links

Light Green text, tag names, engineering units

status: off, not running, open circuit, closed MOV

Bright Green data: normal data

Flashing Light Green circuit breaker tripped

Light Orange status: remote control, MOV traveling

data: intermediate high/low limit (no alarm)

Light Red status: on, running, closed circuit, open MOV, permissive satisfied

data: high or low alarm (acknowledged)

Flashing Bright Red data: high or low alarm (unacknowledged)

Bright Orange status: permissive not satisfied

data: bad data

White data: manually fixed data

Cyan symbol building

Most Blues symbol building, selected bar chart background, flow path, fluid paths

Blue flow paths, fluid paths

33
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recommended practices, and technical reports is one of ISA's primary
goals. To achieve this goal the Standards and Practices Department
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members, chairmen, and reviewers.
ISA is an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited
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and control standards. To obtain additional information on the
Society's standards program, please write:

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Attn: Standards Department
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