PLC simplicity with OEM-friendly HMI

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Sep 17, 2003

InteractX, a Windows-embedded HMI system developed specifically for machine control and OEM needs, is claimed to be no more daunting than a PLC to program, run, maintain or upgrade.

InteractX, a Windows-embedded HMI system developed specifically for machine control and OEM needs, is no more daunting than a PLC to program, run, maintain or upgrade.

And just as important, the designers were committed to reducing the long-term costs of ownership.

InteractX is available from Derbyshire's AJM Automation, the technology partner of manufacturer Parker Automation-CTC of America, whose Andy Markgraf says: "OEMs see Windows as adding complexity and cost, forcing them to less reliable hardware platforms, as well as higher-level programming and IT services.

But now InteractX provides the most advanced graphics of any Windows HMI, yet at the lowest installed cost and least development complexity".

The InteractX Windows HMI software is spared the mass of redundant systems features that machine builders never need, which only serve to drive up costs.

Instead InteractX lowers application costs by providing unlimited tags.

"Normally there are only limited tags for a basic Windows application and users are charged for additional tags, a practice which can easily double software costs", says Markgraf.

"Also included with InteractX are over 30 standard communications drivers and an OPC (OLE for Process Control) interface.

These are application essentials and provide our customers with the full functionality needed to create an HMI application.

It's a single software package that is scalable to any application".

InteractX will run on Windows 98/2000/NT/XP, with twin embedded NT/XP operating systems providing full Windows functionality with a smaller software footprint that can run on today's larger-capacity CompactFlash disks.

Windows applications can thus be run without rotating storage media, which has the effect of reducing system reliability in the rigors of production.

The developers gave special attention to simplifying the HMI development process and keeping it familiar for OEM personnel.

InteractX's object-based development interface uses toolbins and icons, like those in office software, to make it easy to move from one function to another without disruptive dialogue messages.

The role of each person involved in developing, installing and operating the machine control was addressed separately.

An OEM-friendly "pack and load" feature simplifies project management making it easy to deploy HMI applications to an industrial PC, such as CTC's PowerStation.

The OEM can package multiple Windows applications and documents for simple download and installation to runtime hardware in the factory or remotely in the field.

The tools are even set up so that field service people can use them rather than requiring an IT specialist for lengthy file copying, complicated transfers and the manual installs typical with Windows systems.

The graphics are vector-based, scaleable, 3D shaded objects with drag and drop simplicity yet powerful enough to provide the competitive advantage of a high-tech feel and functionality.

Similarly, languages can be easily changed for international operators.

InteractX's open architecture allows integration with other development tools and resources, such as Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), OPC communications and ActiveX controls.

In parallel with the InteractX launch, upgraded PX Series PowerStation workstations provide a bundled HMI solution for users who want higher Windows functionality along with a choice of 10, 12, 15 or 18in high-resolution touchscreen displays.

"This lets OEMs avoid integrating hardware and software products from different companies", states Markgraf.

The full range of Windows HMI platform choices include hard drive storage with Windows 98/2000/NT/XP systems or CompactFlash storage with Embedded NT/XP operating systems.

A dual CompactFlash design allows Embedded NT/XP to run on an internal CompactFlash drive, and an external CompactFlash makes it easy to "swap out" InteractX application files thus separating the operating system from the applications for easy maintenance, upgrade and replacement.