Do you mean Direct and Indirect Acting Controllers (PID)?
If this is the case then this is the way the controller determines the Error.
Direct: Error = PV(process variable) - SP (setpoint)
Indirect: Error = SP - PV
For example: on a temperature controller if your PV is higher than the SP you want to increase cooling flow (open the valve). With a Direct Acting PV-SP gives you a positive Error which Increases the Output of the PID (open the valve)which will lower temp to SP. If it was indirect your error would be negative and the valve would close causing your temp to go higher.