I. Understanding Touchscreens
touchscreen A touch screen , also known as a touch panel , is a sensor-based liquid crystal display device that can receive input signals from touch. When a graphic button on the screen is touched, the haptic feedback system drives various connected devices according to a pre-programmed program. It can replace mechanical button panels and create vivid audio-visual effects through the liquid crystal display. As a latest computer input device, the touch screen is currently the simplest, most convenient, and most natural way for humans to interact with computers. It gives multimedia a brand-new look and is a highly attractive new multimedia interactive device. Its main applications include public information retrieval, leadership offices, industrial control, military command, video games, song and food ordering, multimedia teaching, and real estate pre-sales.
II. Basic Common Sense
1. Definition of Human-Machine Interface Products
A human-machine interface (HMI) is a digital device that connects to industrial control equipment such as programmable logic controllers ( PLCs ) , frequency converters, DC speed controllers, and instruments. It displays information on a screen and allows users to input parameters or commands via input units (such as touchscreens, keyboards, and mice), enabling human-machine interaction. It consists of both hardware and software components .
2. Composition and working principle of Human-Machine Interface ( HMI ) products
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) products consist of two parts: hardware and software. The hardware includes a processor, display unit, input unit, communication interface, and data storage unit. The processor's performance determines the overall performance of the HMI product and is its core component. Depending on the product level, 8- bit, 16- bit, or 32- bit processors can be selected . HMI software generally consists of two parts: system software running on the HMI hardware and screen configuration software (such as JB - HMI screen configuration software) running on a PC with a Windows operating system . Users must first create a "project file" using the HMI screen configuration software, and then download the created "project file" to the HMI 's processor for execution via the serial communication port between the PC and the HMI product .
3. Basic Functions and Selection Criteria of Human-Machine Interface Products
Basic functions:
Equipment operating status display, such as indicator lights, buttons, text, graphics, curves, etc.;
Data and text input operations, and printing output;
Production formula storage and equipment production data recording;
Simple logic and numerical operations;
It can connect to a network of various industrial control devices.
Selection criteria:
Display screen size, color, and resolution;
HMI 's processor speed performance;
Input method: Touch screen or membrane keyboard;
Regarding screen storage capacity, note whether the manufacturer specifies the unit as bytes or bits .
The type and number of communication ports, and whether printing functionality is supported.
4. Human-Computer Interface Product Classification
HMIs with membrane key input have a display size of less than 5.7 inches , and the screen configuration software is free; they are considered entry-level products. Examples include POP - HMIs (small human-machine interfaces).
Touchscreen input HMI , with a display size of 5.7 to 12.1 inches , and free screen configuration software; it is a mid-range product.
This high-performance HMI, based on a tablet PC and featuring multiple communication ports , has a display size greater than 10.4 inches . The screen configuration software is not included and it is considered a high-end product.
5. How to use the human-computer interface
Define the monitoring task requirements and select appropriate HMI products;
Edit the "project file" on a PC using screen configuration software;
Test and save the edited "project file";
Connect the PC to the HMI hardware and download the "project file" to the HMI ;
Connect HMI and industrial controllers (such as PLCs , instruments, etc.) to enable human-machine interaction.
Future Development Trends of Human-Computer Interfaces
Some machinery industries, such as machine tools and textile machinery, have been developing in China for decades and are relatively mature. However, in the long run, these industries still have a need for equipment upgrades. During this process, some small manufacturers that have consistently used lower-end products will indeed be eliminated. But many companies will also redefine their needs during equipment upgrades, seeking equipment suppliers that align with their development plans and help them improve their productivity.
Given this demand, future changes to human-machine interfaces will encompass changes in shape, concept, and application scenarios, leading to successive revolutions in the core technologies of industrial control computers. Generally speaking, the future development trend of human-machine interfaces is characterized by six modernizations: platform embedding, brand nationalization, equipment intelligence, interface modernization, communication networking, and energy conservation and environmental protection.
HMI with Wi-Fi and 3G capabilities
Understanding configuration software
Configuration software is a type of host computer software. Configuration software <= host computer software. Also known as configuration monitoring software system software. Translated from the English SCADA, which stands for Data Acquisition and Monitoring Control. It refers to specialized software for data acquisition and process control. These software platforms and development environments reside at the monitoring layer of automatic control systems, using flexible configuration methods to provide users with general-purpose software tools for quickly building monitoring functions for industrial automatic control systems. Configuration software has a wide range of applications, including data acquisition and monitoring control, and process control in fields such as power systems, water supply systems, petroleum, and chemical industries. In power systems and electrified railways, it is also known as a remote control system.
In China, "configuration software " is a commonly used term without a clear definition. It can be understood as " configurable monitoring software . " " Configure " means " configuration , " " setting , " or " setting , " referring to the process where users complete the software functions they need through a simple " building block " approach , without writing computer programs . This is sometimes also called " secondary development , " and configuration software is called a " secondary development platform . " " Supervisory control" refers to the monitoring, control , and management of automated equipment or processes through computer signals.
The configuration is modular and can be combined arbitrarily. Key features of general-purpose configuration software :
(1) Continuity and expandability. Applications developed using general-purpose configuration software can be easily updated and upgraded without significant modifications when changes occur in the field ( including hardware equipment or system architecture ) or user requirements .
(2) Encapsulation ( ease of learning and use ) : The functions that general-purpose configuration software can perform are all packaged in a way that is easy for users to use. For users, they do not need to master too many programming language skills ( or even any programming skills ) to complete all the functions required by a complex project .
(3) Versatility: Each user can complete a project with animation effects , real-time data processing, historical data and curves , multimedia functions and network functions by using the I/O drivers , open databases and screen creation tools of the underlying devices ( PLC, smart meters, smart modules, boards, frequency converters, etc. ) provided by the general configuration software, based on the actual situation of the project, without industry restrictions.
