Design Pattern: RM(10) Diagrams

Context

A set of incoming alarms has been registered. The human operator would like to comprehend the functional relationships between alarms and specific elements of the controlled process .

Problem

The human operator needs to explore the functional relationships between alarms and specific elements of the controlled process in order to establish the potential cause of a failure.
Solution

Map consistently the relationship between alarms and specific elements of the controlled process by using diagrams. A diagram is a visual display format that combines graphics and alphanumerics to reflect component relationships. They should contain the minimum amount of detail required to yield a meaningful pictorial representation. Controlled process components represented on lines should be identified. All flow path line origin and destination points should be identified. Flow directions should be clearly indicated by distinctive arrowheads.
Known uses
Fig1. System map of the PNNL Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center
Fig2.Diagram of different elements of a nuclear power plant provided by the GoalArt control system
Rationale

Diagrams have the advantage of providing a more direct spatial mapping between the control room and the controlled process (Endsley, M. R. (2003). Designing for situation awareness: An approach to user-centered design CRC Press.)

Relations