Process visualization

Visualization of a technological process is a way of displaying information about the status of technological equipment and process parameters on a computer monitor or operator panel in an automatic control system in industry , which also provides graphical methods for controlling the technological process. The visualization system must take into account the requirements for a human-machine interface . The process visualization is implemented in a number of screens or windows , which can be a hierarchical system. The display system is based on a technological process mnemonic , a static image in a visually simple and intuitive form showing equipment elements, possibly the materials and products being processed, and their interaction, processing order. The static mimic diagram is animated - animated , reflecting the real state of equipment and raw materials. In this case, various methods are used:

• Color change of an object depending on its state. For example, in accordance with ergonomic requirements, hazardous or emergency objects are painted red. You can also use flashing (flashing) coloring.
• Changing the graphic image depending on the state of the object. For example, a full or empty container, the position of the handle of the knife switch.
• Using animation, i.e. sequences of fast-changing frames
• Moving objects around the screen
• Resize an object

Modern computer facilities and monitors have rich graphical capabilities, the widespread use of which may conflict with the requirements of ergonomics. So, to display the state of the system, you cannot use a rich color palette. The presentation of information should be limited to simple and unambiguously perceived colors (red, green, yellow, white, black, gray). You cannot use too small a font in the inscriptions. Excessive enthusiasm for dynamic pictures, for example, animation distracts and tires the operator. The perception and use of photorealistic images of objects worsens. To control the technological process, the graphic interface contains elements of a graphical interface, most often typical for modern software: input-output windows, buttons, sliders (sliders). In addition, events, for example, mouse clicks on image elements, can be used. In addition to the dynamized mnemonic scheme, special or windows located on top of the mnemonic scheme are used, which display the dependences of the process parameters on time, as well as text messages on the state of the system and operator actions. Modern design tools for operator control systems SCADA , as a rule, contain built-in editors, allowing to carry out all the tasks of visualization design.