MIL-STD-334 Displayed Messages For Automatic Test EquipmentThis 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) w/Change Notice 2

b. The blink rate shall be 1 to 2 flashes per second with equal on/off times or at an acceptable rate as specified by the acquiring activity.

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.

5.3.2.7 Location, pattern, color, graphical, and symbol coding. These techniques shall be used where appropriate to save time for the operator or the ATE. For example, if a UUT test path schematic is presented on the screen, the signal flow will be highlighted by color or pattern to aid the operator in tracing the signal flow.

5.3.2.8 Audio prompting. Audio codes may be used, as appropriate, to satisfy or supplement a requirement for video prompting. The choice of specific audio codes shall be consistent with the following principles:

a. The number of sound signals shall be limited to four (bell, beep, buzz, etc.). Steady signals that resemble hisses, static, or sporadic radio signals shall not be used.

b. Each sound shall have only one meaning. Once a particular sound signal code is established for a given operating situation, the same signal shall not be designated for some other display.

c. Audio levels shall be consistent throughout.

d. Audible signals shall be easily discernible from any ongoing input.

5.4 Display updating.

5.4.1 Display update rates. The update rates of system information being displayed in a tabular form shall be neither so slow nor so fast as to render the data unusable in the intended manner.

5.4.2 Visual integration. Graphic displays requiring operator visual integration of rapidly changing patterns shall be updated at a rate that shall be neither so slow nor so fast as to render the data unusable in the intended manner.

5.4.3 Display freeze. If possible, a display freeze option shall be provided to stop the program and allow close scrutiny of a selected frame.

5.4.4 Freeze feedback. An appropriate feedback label shall be provided to remind the operator when the display is in the freeze mode.