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)

5.3     Prompting and coding.

5.3.1  General.  Prompting shall be used to get the operator's attention and explain what to do when an operator action is required during a test sequence.  Prompting shall be clear and understandable; designed to aid the operator in executing the required action.

5.3.2  Coding techniques.  Display coding shall be used to distinguish between different categories of displayed data. Consistent coding shall be used across displays.

5.3.2.1  Bar coding.  Bars shall be rectangular and extend horizontally.

a.        The bar width for menu type screens shall be not less than 9/16 inch nor more than 3/4 inch. b.       The bar width for status screens shall be not less than 5/16 inch nor more than ½ inch.

c.        The bar length for menu and status screens shall be dictated by the length of the message, in no instance shall the bar be less than 5 inches, nor more than 7-½ inches.

d.       The bar width for command entries (CONT, PREY, PRINT, HELP, EXIT, etc.) shall be not less than 5/8 inch nor more than 3/4 inch.

e.        Command entries shall be separated by a minimum of 1/16 inch.

5.3.2.2  Color coding.  Color coding shall be used when the operator must rapidly distinguish among several categories of data in complex, dense, or critical displays.

a.        Colors shall be consistent throughout the displays.

b.       No more than 7 colors shall be used per screen when color discrimination is required.

5.3.2.3  Flash coding.  Flash coding shall be used only when there is an urgent need to get the operator's attention.

a.        The text shall have a flashing underline but the text shall not flash.

b.       The blink rate shall be 3 to 5 flashes per second with equal on/off times.

c.        The operator shall be required to acknowledge flash messages before the test can proceed.

5.3.2.4  Brightness intensity coding.  Brightness intensity coding shall be used primarily to differentiate between an item of information and adjacent information.  No more than 2 levels of brightness shall be used.

5.3.2.5  Underline coding.  When a line is added to mark or emphasize a displayed item, it shall be placed under the designated item.

5.3.2.6  Analog Coding.  Analog coding shall be used when required to provide feedback on an analog action (such as adjustment) being done by the operator.  For example, if the operator is instructed to adjust a potentiometer to read a certain voltage, the display shall present the current voltage and show the voltage change as the potentiometer is adjusted.

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