HMI Software

HMI Software is a broad term that can include anything from Mp3 players to industrial computers, to office equipment and household appliances. However essentially, HMI Software is the user communicating with the machine. HMI Software visually represents real time data acquisition, as well as your entire control system. Using HMI Software as a central control center allows for ease-of-use and increased efficiency.

In order for HMI Software to properly function, certain requirements are needed. The production line, input/output sensors, and the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) are all needed for properly functioning HMI Software. The production line is necessary for the manufacturing aspect, while the sensors help monitor speed, temperature, pressure, feed rate, and weight. The PLC converts data it receives from the sensors, and merges it.

HMI Software requires one of three different software types for programming: hardware independent, open software, or proprietary. The third party software, Hardware independent, can run on numerous different HMI Software devices. Less user-friendly than the proprietary software, it allows for more freedom among HMI Software selection. Open Software is ideal for the experienced programmer, as it allows for complete control over the design process, whereas proprietary software, usually the default software provided by the manufacturer, is easy-to-use and provides rapid development for the HMI Software.

Industries have several different demands that necessitate different types of HMI Software devices. For example, HMI Software devices that can be exposed to water may be utilized in a food processing industry, where components need to be washed down daily. Some HMI Software devices can withstand extreme temperatures, and thus are suitable for factories that operate with furnaces in their plant. Excessive vibration and loud noises may require a heavy duty HMI Software device. Due to the many different types of HMI Software products available, analyzing which type of HMI Software is most suitable for your industry is crucial for optimal performance.

Prior to the introduction of HMI Software interfaces, there were similar devices that were used in motion control. The first forerunner was the Batch Interface, introduced in 1945 and used until 1968. The Batch Interface allowed the user to input all data initially, and then receive output after the processing had completed. Once the processing began, no additional data could be added to the HMI Software, which created a problem in manufacturing lines. In 1969, the Command Line was introduced, which allowed the user to communicate with the system by typing commands, similar to windows Disk Operating System, or DOS. This idea originated from the development of teletypewriter machines in the 1950’s. This new HMI Software offered output results when needed, which led to the demise of the Batch Interface, and its inability to provide on-demand information. In 1981, HMI Software devices began to increase in complexity, with the introduction of the Graphical User Interface (GUI). This type of HMI Software interface allowed users to communicate graphically with the machine, on top of using typing commands. The modern Human Machine Interface, previously known as Man Machine Interface, now controls many manufacturing lines because of its user friendliness and ability to communicate with many systems, including Mp3 players, gaming devices, household appliances, office equipment, and more.

HMI Software allows for programming based on surrounding environmental conditions. Noise, dust, lighting, vision and technological curves are taken into account when programming the HMI Software. Multiple screens may be used if needed, or perhaps only a single screen. Instructions for a basic operation may be written directly on the HMI Software if desired. Some HMI Software devices play video or sounds, or may have remote access control. The flexibility of HMI Software devices is endless.

The physical properties of HMI Software devices greatly vary, and contribute to the selection process. Size and resolution are major aspects of HMI Software devices; large, high-resolution color display monitors may be needed in some industries, while other industries may only require small black and white screens. The size of some HMI Software devices must be looked at due to the limited space provided to accommodate it. Safety features the HMI Software device has, such as water seals to protect from moisture for example, are appropriate in water plants, but not necessarily needed in pharmaceutical warehouses. Aside from physical properties however, it is always important to keep in mind the processor and memory of the HMI Software device to allow for optimal performance.

HMI Software consists of three basic types of products. HMI Software simplified motion control with the introduction of the touch screen. This device greatly reduces the number of pushbuttons and LEDs that were previously needed, and allows a user to manage and replace pushbutton switches via one single panel. Data handler HMI Software prints production reports and provides constant feedback for an application. Ideally equipped with a sufficiently-sized screen, the data handler has the capacity to support production summaries, visual representations, and graphs, as well as providing the recipe, data trending, alarm and data logging/handling features. Overseer HMI Software is ideal when SCADA or MES is needed in an application. It is necessary to note however, that HMI Software will need to have several Ethernet ports, and will need to run windows.