A framework for a direct perception/direct manipulation nuclear power plant console

This paper discusses a framework for the design of a computer-driven console to monitor and control a pressurized water reactor. The console consists of fourteen cathode ray tubes (crt) displays and operator input devices such as keyboards, touch screens, mice, and trackballs. The individual crts present data and information on the plant's principal cooling systems, control systems, safety systems, and the plant's internal electrical distribution system. The display formats present plant data in the form of icons of the heat engine cycle and process functions, process variables, control system mimics, system variables, and trend plots. Because the design framework only addresses monitoring and control functions it is incomplete; it does not address such functions as plant maintenance data and the reliability of the computer and display systems necessary to operate the interface. The design framework reflects the author's personal experience and viewpoints. A framework is useful in the generating requirements and specifications for an interface. The opinions and view points presented herein are the author's personal ones and do not necessarily reflect the criteria, requirements, and guidelines of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Because this paper is limited to seven pages of material, it is not possible to present an adequate discussion of a framework and to illustrate display formats. This paper presents a summary discussion of selected issues for a framework. A more complete discussion of a framework is available in the expanded version of this paper by writing the author (see author's address above). (author)