MIL-STD-334-SUP Displayed Messages for Automatic Test Equipment No S/S DocumentThis standard sets uniform requirements for written or graphical information delivered to users of automatic test equipment ATE by computer-controlled output devices. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cathode-ray tubes, plasma displays, liquid crystal displays, printers, and plotters. This information, herein called displayed messages, may be directive and/or informative in nature. Displayed messages are included within the definition of official equipment publications.

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MIL-STD-334B(TM)

f.        to provide further instructions such as to make further diagnosis, repair, evacuate, or discard the

UUT.

4.3     Usability by the target audience.  Messages shall be written for the user in accordance with the applicable target audience description.

4.4     Task complexity.  Operator inputs shall be kept uncomplicated, especially when real-time responses are required of the operator.  Complex tasks shall be broken into a series of noncomplex tasks. Task sequences shall be logical, with a minimum number of operator actions required for taks completion.

4.5     Relationship to other technical documentation.

4.5.1  Referenced documents. Reference shall be made to the appropriate equipment publication when an operator decision must be based on more information than can be included in a sequence of displayed messages.  Only documents authorized for use by and readily accessible to the operator shall be referenced. No reference shall be made without due consideration of the overall effect on target audience usability.

4.5.2  Training materials.  Messages shall not reference training materials.

4.5.3  Source data and documentation. Source data and documentation used in the preparation of the

TPSs, ELTDs, ESDs, TPSDs, TPIs and SD shall not be referenced in displayed messages.

4.5.4  Maintenance allocation charts (MACs).  All operating or maintenance tasks appearing in displayed message form shall be in agreement with the approved maintenance allocation charts (MACs) for both the UUT and the ATE itself.

4.6     Safety.

4.6.1  WARNING messages.  Any message calling for an action that is potentially dangerous to the personnel performing the action shall be immediately preceded by a message entitled "WARNING".  The WARNING shall comply with MIL-STD-38784.

4.6.2  CAUTION messages.  Any message calling for an action that is potentially damaging to equipment shall be immediately preceded by a message entitled "CAUTION."  The CAUTION shall comply with MIL-STD-38784.

4.6.3  Prominence of safety messages.  WARNINGS and CAUTIONS shall be prominently displayed and immediately noticeable.  Operator acknowledgment of any WARNING or CAUTION shall be required before the program is allowed to continue.

4.7     Abbreviations.  See Appendix A for abbreviations.

5.  DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

5.1     Language.  Common nouns and verbs, as well as special terminology, shall be used consistently. For example, the user shall not be told to "press" a switch in one message and "depress" it in another.

5.1.1  Equipment identification.  Items of equipment shall be identified only by nomenclature used in the repair parts and special tools list (RPSTL) or in other terms specifically approved by the Government.

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