Real-time video for distributed control systems

Automation based on distributed control systems (DCS) technology increases enormously the capability of plant supervision of a single human. DCSs over broadband networking makes possible the integration and operation of a country-wide electricity generation and distribution system. Out-of-plant supervision is, however, more risky due to the impossibility of direct plant observation and exclusive reliance on digital data systems for decision making. This paper describes a system that the authors have developed for providing operators of such a large supervision system with real-time visual feedback of their actions in the plant. Copyright (C) 2000 IFAC.