- Post Publish: 2023-03-28
- Categories: Knowledge
- Updated:
- Posts by Mina Xiao
Understanding What is an HMI(Human Machine Interface): A Beginner’s Guide
Mina Xiao
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A Human Machine Interface or HMI is defined as a feature or component of a certain device or software application that enables humans to engage and interact with machines. Some examples of common Human Machine Interface devices that we encounter in our daily lives include touchscreens and keyboards.
HMI is utilized in the industrial context mostly screens or touchscreens that connect users to machines, systems, or devices. Factory operators use HMIs to control and automate machinery, as well as their production lines. HMIs can be simple screen displays mounted on machines in the factory, advanced touchscreens, multi-touch-enabled control panels, push buttons, computers with keyboards, mobile devices, or a tablet.
What is an HMI(Human Machine Interface)?
HMI is the abbreviation of Human Machine Interface, “human-machine interface”, also called a human-machine interface. Human-computer interface (also known as a user interface or user interface) is a medium for interaction and information exchange between the system and users, and it realizes the conversion between the internal form of information and the form acceptable to humans.
There is a human-machine interface in any field that participates in the exchange of human-computer information.
There are many types of HMI interfaces, including RS232, RS485, and RJ45 network cable interfaces.
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For example, in a factory, we need to collect information on the temperature, humidity, and status of machines in each area of the factory, and monitor and record these parameters through an industrial hmi touch panel, and when some unexpected situations occur can be dealt with when.
This is a typical application of SCADA/HMI. Generally speaking, an HMI system must have several basic capabilities:
- Real-time data trend display — display the captured data on the screen immediately.
- Automatically record data — automatically save the data to the database for future viewing.
- Historical data trend display — to present the data in the database visually.
- Generation and printing of reports — can convert data into report format and print them out.
- Graphical interface control — the operator can directly control the machine and other devices through the graphical interface.
- Alarm generation and recording — users can define some conditions for alarm generation, such as excessive temperature or pressure exceeding a critical value, under such conditions the system will generate an alarm and notify the operator to deal with it.
The composition and working principle of the human machine interface(HMI)
Human-machine interface products are composed of hardware and software. The hardware part includes processors, display units, input units, communication interfaces, data storage units, etc. The performance of the processor determines the performance of the HMI product and is the core of the HMI. unit. According to the different product grades of HMI, the processor can choose 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit processors respectively.
HMI(Human Machine Interface) software is generally divided into two parts, that is, system software running on HMI hardware and screen configuration software (such as JB-HMI screen configuration software) running on the PC Windows operating system. Users must first use the HMI screen configuration software to create “project files”, and then download the prepared “project files” to the processor of the HMI through the serial communication port of the PC and the HMI product to run.
Basic functions of the human-machine interface:
1. Device working status display, such as indicator lights, buttons, text, graphics, curves, etc.
2. Data, text input operation, print output
3. Production formula storage, equipment production data recording
4. Simple logic and numerical operations
5. Can be connected to a variety of industrial control equipment networking
Common Uses of HMI
HMI is communicate with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and input/output sensors to get and display information for users to view. HMI screens can be used for a single function, like monitoring and tracking, or for performing more sophisticated operations, like switching machines off or increasing production speed, depending on how they are implemented.
HMIs are used to optimize an industrial process by digitizing and centralizing data for a viewer. By leveraging HMI, operators can see important information displayed in graphs, charts, or digital dashboards, view and manage alarms, and connect with SCADA, ERP, and MES systems, all through one console.
Previously, operators would need to walk the floor constantly to review mechanical progress and record it on a piece of paper or a whiteboard. By allowing PLCs to communicate real-time information straight to an HMI display, HMI technology eliminates the need for this outdated practice and thereby reduces many costly problems caused by lack of information or human error.
Embedded Operating Systems
All industrial PCs and HMI systems are delivered with pre-configured operating systems (Microsoft Windows or Linux). That means our customers benefit from an uncomplicated software integration and fast commissioning.
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