Feedback of Operators’ Experiences to Console Programsin the KEK e-/e+ Linac
Masahiko TANAKA*, Isamu ABE, and Hitoshi KOBAYASHI(KEK)High Energy Accelerator Research Organization*Mitsubishi Electric System & Service Co.,Ltd.
Oho 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305, Japan

Abstract
The J-Linac portion of the KEK electron-positron (e-/e+)
Linac is currently under construction (1994-1998); its
addition will improve and reinforce the accelerator control
system. Until now, the operation of the 2.5 GeV PF Linac,
particularly its routine operation, has been contracted to a
private company.
Recently, a survey using questionnaires was conductedamong these private-sector operators to evaluate theoperators’ console software running at the present Linac.
Based on the result of the survey, an improved console isbeing built to operate the new J-Linac portion.
1 Need to evaluate the operator′s console software
In terms of a human interface, the display windows andother operators’ console components were heretofore often
built by personnel in charge, or those associated withcontrol, rather than by the operators themselves. Operators
have in general grown accustomed to handle theaccelerator by learning its functions and operation system.
The personnel responsible for its regular use have pointed
out that the console is not necessarily easy to manage andefficient. In building the J-Linac portion, the recent survey
was aimed to learn the awareness of the daily operators,
and to reflect their opinions in the establishment of ahuman interface. The survey also sought to find more
efficient and functional ways to operate the accelerator andto improve its operation time by making the necessary
analysis and specific proposals.
2 Accelerator operation phases
The operation of the accelerator can be divided into thefollowing phases:(1) Accelerator design, the simulation phase;(2) Partial test runs (device-by-device operation);(3) Linac start-up (or, shut down) operation;(4) Adjustment operation (including beamcommissioning, machine studies, etc,.);(5) Normal operation (pattern operation, or daily
routine work);(6) Diagnosis of Linac problems; and(7) Operation for maintenance.
Since each phase requires different specifications, if thesurvey were to cover them, the area treated would beenormous. Thus, the survey focused only on regular
operation of the Linac, as described in (5), to examinevarious problems in detail. Obviously, it is desirable that

there be independent operation displays and othercomponents for each of the above mentioned items.
3 Stratified abstraction of operation
Since it was decided that the survey should focus on theaccelerator′s regular operation phase, various aspects of use
were reviewed. Apart from the awareness of operators theuse of the accelerator in that phase consists of threephysical layers:(1) All kinds of operations on the HI/F (top layer);(2) Database and processing (middle layer);(3) Device operation (lower layer).
Although the accelerator can be operated from any of thelayers, it is common knowledge that, in general, larger
accelerators should be operated from a human interface
through GUI. Accordingly, this paper limits the operator′s
standpoint to the human interface.
Viewed from the upper layer, the accelerator, itself, is
first abstracted by the device layer; next, it is abstracted by
the data base (DB) and other routines in the middle layer[1].
Intercommunication with databases is thus similar tocommunication with the devices. In other words, thequestion is whether operation in the upper layer issufficiently abstracted to be easily understood by the users.
Only after this question is answered functionality andoperability should be discussed.
4 Functional and characteristic classification ofoperation
After the accelerator operation phases are clarified withthe strata of operation being made lucidity abstract, therequired functions can be sorted as follows:
1) Operation of each of the various devices;
2) Cooperative operation among the devices;
3) Macro operation, automation;4) Operation support based on the log trend;5) Operation by the correlation analysis support;
6) Database support operation, contains CBR.;
7) Multimedia support operation;8) Global network operation; and
9) DTP-linked applications.
The number of items described above tends to increase as
the computer control evolves, and becomes specially
noteworthy in (3) through (9) above. It deserves to bementioned that (7) and (9) plus some of the others haverecently shown new developments. With these as operation
target areas, this paper describes the results of the survey
concerning the awareness of contracted operators
responsible for handling and maintaining the accelerator,and extracts operation domain knowledge; it also
investigates the relationship between the survey results anddomain knowledge so as to make analyses for improving
system operation.
5 Survey conditions
The survey focused on contracted as well as in-house
operators of the accelerator. Thirty-page questionnaires[2]were prepared for nine of the former type. Questions
referred to:evaluation of specific operation procedures and theconsole display;knowledge of one′s own field of endeavor;(3) operator awareness when on duty, plus other items.
This treatise presents the answers to representativequestions.
6 Software evaluation from the viewpoint of operator
knowledge
The operator creates spheres in which he excels whenhandling the accelerator based on personal expertise andjudgment. He runs and diagnoses the accelerator
accordingly. The survey revealed that the extent of operator
knowledge and judgment regarding the use of theaccelerator has generated problems in the current situation
as well as desires for future improvement; it also disclosed
the possibility of evaluating software from the viewpoint offunctions and operability.

specifications if the software is outsourced.
7.1 Survey results (awareness of operators)
Most of the operators polled are intensely interested incomputers and exposed to PCs and workstations. About
90% of the operating systems which they use on a daily
basis are Windows and Macintosh. Most of the operators
cited Windows 95 and NT as their favorite, and 22% statedtheir preference for UNIX, indicating a desire to use asimple, easy-to-learn system. With respect to theprogramming language, some 70% chose the VB and C
languages, thus showing a high level of skill. In terms ofhardware, they replied that the current variety is goodenough. Operators tend to like subdued screen colors
which strain the eyes. Operators feel that the console
should have a keyboard, and they are adept at using one.
However, due to the problem of keying in Roman lettersfor conversion to Japanese characters (input in Japanese),the majority expressed an interest in some easier method bywhich they can key directly in Japanese. Currently, nobetter device is available, however. Operators have divided
opinions concerning the touch panel, but seem not to feelthe need for a touch panel for Windows displays.
7.2 Assessment from the viewpoint of human factors(1)

7 Survey results (re operation, display, etc.)(1) Programs prepared by the personnel in charge.
These programs contain many technical displays as wellas those for maintenance, none of which are appreciated byoperators as being hard to read while the accelerator isrunning. It was pointed out that programs prepared bypersonnel in charge are often used by professionals andtend to be avoided by operators.
(2) Programs prepared by operatorsPrograms of this type tend to be simple to use and areacceptable regarding operability. Things deemed necessary
are easily reflected in these programs, as are displays
which operators require to be easily understood. The
opinions of colleague operators are also incorporated
without effort. Those operators who prepare the programs
can help colleagues to learn them. In this manner,operators can understand details of the program. This
enables them to manage the accelerator with greater
efficiency.
(3) Programs prepared by software firms
The operators surveyed replied that programs made bysoftware companies need to be improved and refined interms of design. Due to the difficulty of these programs indetail, they tend to be less and less used. Frequent
upgrading of software greatly burdens the software firms
with respect to cost and discussions concerning

(2)
(3)

Mental stress arising from operability.
Many operators replied that their eyes grow tired
when using the computer, and cited stiff shoulders
and other forms of discomfort as their next serious
problem. Only one operator replied that there was noproblem, and almost all complained of at least one
problem; 33% of the operators said that theyexperience stress when looking at the computer
screen.
The desire for a support system by which operators
can gain domain knowledge of accelerator use wasexpressed.
It was found that in addition to console operability,
the accuracy of displays and other factors, operators
expect multimedia support, such as an improvementof photographs and drawings, databases, log trends,etc.

8 Improvement points
Within the scope of areas established for this survey, it
was learned that operators have experience and skills thatenable them to participate in program development. It wasalso found that an improved software environment wherein
operators can develop programs is also needed. Proposals
include:[1] Programming through tools for possible standardized
processing;[2] Reuse of non-standardized procedures done byaccelerator professionals;[3] Learning support and expansion of domain
knowledge through model base operations, etc;
[4] Creation of one's own displays for the purpose ofreducing mental stress;

[5]Establishment of means of transferring knowledge
through multimedia support.

9 Specific improvement measures
Based on the results of this survey and in order toformulate measures for improving accelerator operation
software in the future, a shift to objects in GUI is being
promoted to achieve the improvement points listed above.
Tools are being prepared to enable operators to create theirfavorite operation procedures and displays by rearranging
component objects as they like and by defining macroprocedures. Operator opinions are being incorporated into
the operation software to the greatest extent possible. An
example which was made by operator using visualcomponents (MMI objects) is shown in Fig. 110 Conclusion
An attempt was made to review, from the viewpoint ofoperators, an operations system designed by personnel incharge of the accelerator when it was being built. As aresult, it has been confirmed by both the survey ofoperators and the opinion of the personnel in charge of thecontrol system design that it is possible to improve thecontrol system, particularly the operators console, to use
the device with greater efficiency and convenience, insteadof simply maintaining the objective set when theaccelerator was designed. Various efforts are being madeattain the goal of improving the control system, particularly
the operators console. A method which has emerged
promising for the operator is to use MMI objects[3,4,5] built
by professionals.
References

Fig. 1 windows made by operator using visual components.

[1] Isamu Abe and Masakatsu Mutoh“Data base driven accelerator control using PCs ”,
PCaPAC '96, DESY
[2] Masahiko TANAKA, Isamu Abe and Hitoshi
KOBAYASHI“Evaluation for operators console from operators
points of view ”,
p.196-198, Linac meeting, 1997/9 Sendai, Japan[3] S. Dasgputa and I Abe“Finding Universal Objects for Accelerator MMI”
p201-203, Linac meeting, 1997/9 Sendai, Japan[4] Isamu ABE, S. DASGUPTA and M MUTOH“MMI Object analysis and the distributed components
for a new console in the KEK e+/e- Linac”
This conference.
[5] S. Dasgputa and I Abe“Sharable GUI Objects for the Operators’ console”
This conference.