HMI Handbook

The HMI or Human Machine Interface allows operators to “interface” with the system they oversee. It provides a visual overview of the automated system’s status and direct control of its operation.

An HMI’s graphical screens can be programmed to display important status and control information to the operator. Pictures, icons, sounds, and colors can all be used by HMIs to visually represent different operating conditions.

And many HMIs deploy touch screen technology for user interaction with elements displayed on the screen.

HMI Handbook

This HMI book consists of 14 chapters as mentioned in the below table.

Chapter 1What is an HMI and What Can It Do for You?
Chapter 2Good HMI Software: What Capabilities to Look For
Chapter 3Pick and Place Your HMI
Chapter 416 Tips for an Effective HMI
Chapter 5Remote Monitoring with Embedded HMIs
Chapter 6Layered Security Goes Beyond Hardware
Chapter 7System Integrators Talk HMI Projects
Chapter 8Working with Objects
Chapter 9Events and Event Actions
Chapter 10Understanding Recipes
Chapter 11Data Logging and Trends
Chapter 12Project Simulation
Chapter 13Tutorial: Simple AC Drive Control Interface
Chapter 14Using C-more with Allen-Bradley PLCs

Now that ‘What is an HMI?’ has been answered let’s talk about what they can do.

Let’s say you need to decrease the temperature of a PLC-controlled industrial oven in your plant. You could do that by connecting to the PLC with the programming software and making the program changes online.

Or you could install a potentiometer to adjust the temperature setpoint blindly without any real-time indication of how the system is reacting. Or you could enter the new value directly by tapping on the HMI screen.

By the way, the HMI also displays the current temperature of the oven, a historical plot of temperature fluctuations over time, and will warn you if you set the temperature too low. In this case, the HMI’s convenience and functionality wins hands down.

And that’s just one scenario. There are many situations where HMIs reign supreme over pilot devices. Think about modifications.

HMI Book
Image Courtesy: Automation Direct

What would it take in terms of wiring and mounting to install three new pushbuttons on a control panel? Not to mention having to buy them in the first place. With an HMI, it’s all in the program.

Adding or removing objects, like buttons, on the screen takes no time at all and doesn’t cost anything extra.

In fact, most HMIs have object libraries that consist of numerous buttons, switches, dials, etc. that can be easily inserted into position on the HMI screen – usually with a simple drag and drop.

With the many graphical objects in one small HMI, you could replace hundreds of mechanical control devices around your plant.

Title:Practical Guide to HMI Selection, Design, and Operation
Author:Automation Direct
Format:PDF
Size:4.18 MB
Pages:81
Download:Click Here
HMI HandBook
Practical guide to HMI Selection, Design and Operation

Also See: Industrial Automation Books

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