Display method and apparatus for efficiently communicating the status of

Abstract

The management of complex ongoing systems and processes such as nuclear power plants, although increasingly computerized, requires better methods of real time coupling in of the unique capability of the human brain, namely judgment. This invention describes how quantities of complex, interdependent data can be organized and presented to humans for efficient absorption by the judgment centers of the brain. Deviations of all measured parameters that describe the ongoing status of a system or process are simultaneously plotted in pre-assigned wedge-like sectors arranged into a circle, with angular displacement in each sector representing elapsed time and radial displacement from the outer periphery of the circle, indicating deviations from a normalized mean acceptable level of each parameter. Three prioritized concentric zones indicate maximum acceptable deviations, unacceptable deviations and critical deviations. Acceptable deviations are compressed to de-emphasize their impact. The direction of each deviation from mean accepted levels is marked by plus and minus indicating symbols. The most significant deviations fall toward the center of the display pattern where a fixed eyeball position can ingest larger quantities of information with good resolution and good interpretive intelligence. A preferred apparatus for generating the display is described using a cathode ray tube.