Abstract: A method of generating an audible indication of data stored in a database and representing a group of data points. Preselected audible sounds are assigned to indicate various degrees of variation in the values of the data for the respective data points from normal or expected values for such data. A visual display is created having an arrangement indicative of the data points providing the data in the database. The visual display is scanned, and for each scanned data point the preselected audible sound is generated which indicates the degree of variation in the value of the data from the normal value for such data. Display figure icons can be included in the visual display, corresponding to the data points, each icon indicating the degree of variation in the value of the data for the corresponding data point from the normal or expected value for such data, thus providing a visual indication of the value of the data for the data point presently being scanned, as well as an audible indication.

Abstract: An icon-based method of generating a display indicating the status of each of a number of physical parameters in a monitored physical system and interventions introduced to adjust the physical system. Each parameter and intervention is assigned an area on a display screen, and in each area an image is displayed representing the condition of the associated parameter. Each image includes at least one icon representing an associated condition of the physical parameter. A parameter of the icon is controlled to indicate the status of the associated condition.