Bladelius Selects Zybrid Touch Sensor For HMI

A 6.1in version of Zytronic's projected capacitive technology-based Zybrid touch sensor has been selected for use in Bladelius Design Group's Embla system. Embla is a high-performance audio playback system that offers quick and simple operation. It makes use of advanced audio DSP technology to allow complete control of the timing and reading of discs. It also offers silent high-performance audio playback without any moving mechanical parts when playing from its built-in flash memory.

Zybrid touch sensors are fully customisable and are based on Zytronic's projected capacitive touch technology. PCT touch sensors have no vulnerable front-face-active components, such as conductive coatings, lenses or acoustic transducers. Instead, the sensing element comprises an array of microscopic 10um diameter copper capacitors located behind a durable pure-glass panel, which completely protects the sensor from any day-to-day wear and tear, as well as moisture and dirt.

This rear-mounted matrix of micro fine conductive tracks is near invisible when viewed against a powered display, ensuring good optical clarity and high levels of light transmission. PCT also offers advantages over infrared or surface acoustic wave technologies. It is not prone to misalignment of the sensors through shock or vibration. In addition, PCT does not require the placing of a bezel structure around the screen, thus enabling modern, pure-glass fronted designs.

WJS Offers Panelone HMI For Waterjet Profilers

Water Jet Sweden (WJS) has introduced the Panelone human-machine interface (HMI) for waterjet cutting machine customers. According to Tony Ryd, WJS director, customers will no longer need to rely on operators having specific numerical control knowledge as Panelone presents a simple interface from which all aspects of the profiler can be intuitively controlled.

He added that the same basic platform will now be used as the standard for all waterjet profilers made by WJS across its entire range, right up to the full five-axis models. This will not only enable the company to hold down manufacturing costs but will also benefit customers requiring operator training at the factory. The same factory training course will apply to all; multiple customers can attend together without the need to arrange special one-off sessions for individual customer machines.

The ergonomically designed operator's panel is free from clutter, having minimum switches and buttons marking the presence of its joystick for full X-, Y- and Z-axis operation as its key control; override, cycle start/stop, NC reset, emergency stop and service key are the only other items of Panelone hardware present. The familiar qwerty keyboard is not required because the screen, vertically mounted above the panel itself, provides for real-time 3D representation of the job in hand and also enables all operator functions to be accessed through its touch-screen capabilities.

These functions include job management, grid management, operator messages and machine feedback, auto tool following and online radius compensation.

BCT Extends Resolution HMI SBC Options

Blue Chip Technology (BCT) has followed up the launch of its Resolution HMI single-board computer kit with the release of a supporting Linux BSP and the addition of a 7in LCD module. Released in June 2009, Resolution has generated interest from the instrumentation, multimedia and mobile markets.

Comprising the RE1 single-board computer, mounting, interfacing and range of display options - Resolution offers the design engineer the basic building blocks needed for a versatile embedded HMI module. The usual cabling, signalling and power issues of integrating a display and embedded board are all managed within the design, which guarantees long-term availability and problem-free fit, form and function upgrades.

Working with the Linux community, Blue Chip has released a RE1 BSP that includes all the tools and guidance to kick-start a Linux-based embedded project - a Linux kernel, root file system, Yamon bootloader and sample configurations. Additionally, Blue Chip has added a 7in 800 x 480 resolution widescreen LCD to its range of display options, further increasing the versatility of the whole Resolution HMI package.

HMI Terminals Feature High-Brightness Displays

Omron has launched the NQ series of compact human-machine interface (HMI) terminals that it says are ideal for small- and medium-size machines. The full-colour touch screens of the NQ series comprehend a complete set of HMI functions to enable rapid creation of intuitive HMI applications. Available in colour or blue-mode monochrome versions, NQ HMIs display clear and sharp pictures, buttons, messages, and graphs on an attractive, modern touch screen with a few additional function keys.

The NQ HMI terminals come with high-brightness, quality displays and USB ports for simple programming and data transfer. The serial ports allow connection to many popular PLC families and other devices such as inverters and temperature controllers. The NQ software offers many features needed for creating effective applications that are easy to use. Besides the basic HMI functions, there are also extra buttons, lamps, graphics, and meters, including real-time and historical trending and logging.

Trends and alarms are drawn from both internal memory tags and external PLC tags. Multilingual texts are standard, while functions such as pop-up and template screens make it easy to create a well-structured and flexible HMI project. The software itself requires little training and is easy to use.

Magelis Graphical HMI Comes With Free Software

Schneider Electric is offering its Magelis graphical HMI (human-machine interface) in a starter package, which includes more than GBP400-worth of free software and programming accessories. The starter package comes complete with everything needed to incorporate it into any automation system.

The kit includes a 3.8in colour HMI, the Magelis XBTGT1335, which is the most compact terminal in the range. HMI options, including USB and Ethernet connectivity, recipe management, data logging, historical trending and alarm management, can now be implemented easily and effectively into smaller plants. To optimise the Magelis XBTGT, the starter package comes complete with Vijeo Designer software, which allows PC simulation, supports multi-window working and contains a library of more than 4,000 customisable images to make it suitable for individual needs.

This software contains all the drivers required for communication to all major vendors' PLCs and drives, allowing its integration with most automation systems.