Operator Interface Development for Control Software

In order to provide rapid prototyping for control system operator interfaces, a code generator and library has been developed that enables individuals writing C programs for laboratory use to develop windowing programs with no more effort than would have been needed for writing a conventional C program. A major subset of standard windowing functionality is provided. Real time operation is achieved by using a character-based windowing package running with real time software, all on top of MS/PCDOS. Portabilty across popular platforms (MS Windows, Mac, Motif, Open Look, MS/PCDOS) is achieved through use of XVT, a portable, windows development toolkit. Real time operation is being extended to these enveronments through standard networking software, using a multiprocessor solution that separates the operator interface from the fast, real-time component of the control system. Use of a direct MS-Windows real time system (RMX-Windows) is also being explored.