Predictive displays for a process-control schematic interface

Our objective was to examine the extent to which increasing precision of predictive (rate of change) information in process control will improve performance on a simulated process-control task.

Predictive displays have been found to be useful in process control (as well as aviation and maritime industries). However, authors of prior research have not examined the extent to which predictive value is increased by increasing predictor resolution, nor has such research tied potential improvements to changes in process control strategy.

Fifty nonprofessional participants each controlled a simulated chemical mixture process (honey mixer simulation) that simulated the operations found in process control. Participants in each of five groups controlled with either no predictor or a predictor ranging in the resolution of prediction of the process.

Increasing detail resolution generally increased the benefit of prediction over the control condition although not monotonically so. The best overall performance, combining quality and predictive ability, was obtained by the display of intermediate resolution. The two displays with the lowest resolution were clearly inferior.

Predictors with higher resolution are of value but may trade off enhanced sensitivity to variable change (lower-resolution discrete state predictor) with smoother control action (higher-resolution continuous predictors).

The research provides guidelines to the process-control industry regarding displays that can most improve operator performance.