Knowledge-based system support for operator tasks in S&C environments

A description is given of the prototype of a comprehensive man-machine interface that utilizes knowledge-based techniques to support and advise the operator in conventional power plants. The approach is based on the use of a layered structure of the process pictures that allows the operator to move freely within one level or through the different levels of a picture (information zoom). The motion is guided by an online assessment of the process state, indicating failure states in a symbolic manner. It is suggested that such a knowledge-based operator support system along with an advanced graphical interface significantly changes behavioral aspects of operator tasks in supervision and control. To support this thesis, the human-computer interaction in GRADIENT (graphical dialogue environment) is mapped onto conceptual cognitive models