CSS Synoptic Display Comments
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Presentation Transcript
CSS Synoptic Display Comments Kay Kasemir, kasemirk@ornl.gov July 2009
Synoptic Display Studio (SDS) • Generic display manager for CSS • Compare EPICS edd/dm, medm, dm2k, edm, … • Great Ideas • Generic Data Access Layer (DAL) for EPICS, Tine, Doocs, Tango, Simulated PVs, … • Every property ofevery widget can be‘dynamic’ • “Label” with static “Text” • “Label” where “Text” updateswith received PV data
Basics EDM vs. SDS • Java, SWT • Windows, Linux GTK, Mac OS X • DAL • Channel Access • Proposed 2004 • Ongoing development/bug fixes • C++, Linux, X11 • Motif • PV Layer • Channel Access • Started 1999 • Operational at SNS since ~2000, stable
Basic Editing: EDM vs. SDS • … plus rulers • Familiar drawing program GUI (toolbar, …) • When selecting multiple items, all common properties are easily configured • Layer support • Move, copy, resize, group, align, snap-to-grid • Efficient yet less intuitive • When editing multiple items, setting common properties is limited and awkward
Usability for Control System Sisplays • EDM: Add Text Update • Select area, pick Text Update, enter PV Name, OK • All EDM widgets with PV connectivity will by default • Show PV name on middle-button click • Show PV severity via e.g. border color • Use PV’s display limits as default range for “meter” widget etc. • Indicate ‘disconnected’ state via e.g. white-out appearance • In SDS, this is accomplished via dynamic properties • ‘Text’: Link to PV’s value • Border color: Link to PV’s severity and connection state • Tool Tip: Show PV’s name • Very involved when done manually • “Initializers” are meant to automate this • So far no agreement on handling of severity, ‘disconnected’ state
Summary EDM • Used at SNS and other sites operationally for years • It is getting old? Should a new project still consider it? SDS • used at DESY • SNS so far considers it under development, not ready • Do you want to collaborate? Or are there fundamental problems?