Static Equipment Bitmaps

Some of the tag drawing methods can stand alone and still clearly impart to the operator the value of the tag. Other tag drawing methods are better understood when combined with other bitmaps of equipment. For example, consider the Top Bar tag drawing method shown on the left side of Figure 6. This drawing method is a vertical strip that lengthens and shortens as the values of the corresponding tag change. On its own, the Top Bar drawing method has no point of reference for an operator; however, when combined with the bitmap of a piece of equipment, such as a tank, suddenly the connotation of the Top Bar becomes clear. It is representing the level of fluid in a tank.

Figure 6

Static equipment graphics are a series of images that portray pieces of equipment and geometric shapes that can be used in combination with the tag drawing methods. These can enhance your operator displays, adding a touch of realism and helping you to recreate the layout of the physical system. Static equipment graphics may include pipes, valves, tanks, and other equipment. It is important to note that static equipment graphics are not directly associated in any way with the value of a tag.

 

In summary, operator interfaces are developed using both tag drawing methods and static equipment graphics to recreate the entire layout of the physical system.