HMI

Human-Machine Interfaces

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Contents

What is an HMI?

An HMI, or Human-Machine Interface, is a user interface or dashboard that connects a person or operator to a device, machine or system. HMIs are traditionally used in industrial settings, but as technology has evolved they have become more common in a variety of other applications such as transportation, consumer electronics, and medicine etc.

HMI Screens and Interfaces

HMIs can be as simple as physical buttons and levers; however, they are more commonly associated with touchscreen interfaces – their more sophisticated applications. Think PC monitors, tablets, or smartphones. Basically, anywhere there’s a machine that needs to be controlled by a human, there’s a good chance there’s an HMI involved.

HMI Software

The decision for which software to use for an HMI is usually dictated by the HMI hardware you choose. While the following list isn’t comprehensive, these are a few HMI software packages and their corresponding manufacturers that most commonly arise in industrial applications.

iX Developer by Beijer Electronics
Crimson® by Red Lion Controls
FactoryTalk by Rockwell Automation
EBPro by Maple Systems
GP-Pro EX by Schneider Electric
PAC by Emerson
Read about each of these in-depth below.

iX Developer by Beijer Electronics

Crimson® by Red Lion Controls

GP-Pro EX by Schneider Electric

EBPro by Maple Systems

PAC by Emerson

HMI Programming

HMI programming has two main components:

Screen Design

Purpose: To create the visual layout and interface that the operator interacts with.
Components:
- Graphical Elements: Icons, buttons, sliders, and other interactive elements.
- Widgets: Displays for gauges, charts, alarms, and data trends.
- Navigation: Screens and menus for navigating between different parts of the interface.
- Visualization: Real-time data representation from the process, such as temperatures, pressures, and statuses.
Tools Used: Software provided by HMI manufacturers (See HMI Software *LINK*) to design and customize the screens.
Design Considerations: User-friendliness, clarity, and efficiency in presenting information to operators.

Logic Programming

Purpose: To define the interactions and behaviors of the graphical elements and ensure they correctly represent the state of the machinery or process being controlled.
Components:
- Data Binding: Linking graphical elements to specific variables or data points from the control system (e.g., PLC).
- Event Handling: Defining actions that occur in response to user interactions or system events (e.g., button presses, alarm triggers).
- Scripts/Macros: Custom scripts or logic sequences that perform specific tasks or calculations.
- Communication Setup: Configuring communication protocols and settings to ensure proper data exchange between the HMI and the control system.
Tools Used: HMI programming environments and scripting languages supported by the HMI software.
Programming Considerations: Reliability, responsiveness, and accuracy in reflecting the real-time status and controls of the industrial processes.

Together, these components enable the creation of a functional and intuitive HMI system that allows operators to effectively monitor and control industrial processes.

Commonly Asked Questions about Industrial Automation

What is a PLC and HMI?

PLCs and HMIs often work together in an industrial automation system. The PLC handles the control logic and automation tasks, while the HMI provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring and control.

What is an example of an HMI

In a manufacturing plant, an industrial touchscreen HMI is mounted on the control panel of an automated conveyor system. The HMI displays real-time data such as conveyor speeds, product counts, and system status. Operators use the touchscreen to start and stop the conveyor, adjust speeds, and respond to alarms.

What is the difference between an HMI and a GUI?

HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is specialized for industrial and manufacturing applications, focusing on real-time control and monitoring and is designed for robustness, often using touchscreens and physical buttons.

GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a general-purpose interface for interacting with a wide range of digital devices and applications with an emphasis on user experience and visual design, utilizing icons, windows, and menus for a broad audience.

What is HMI and SCADA?

HMIs are typically localized, providing direct interaction with a specific machine or process. They focuses on real-time control and monitoring at the operator level.

SCADA is a broader system designed for comprehensive monitoring and control over large, often geographically dispersed operations. It integrates multiple HMIs and other control systems.

HMI