IoT HMI
What is IoT HMI
Human Machine Interface (HMI) provides an user interface to humans for interacting with machines. Advancement of Internet of Things (IOT) in HMI technology allows user to have remote interaction with machines in industries. HMI stands for Human Machine Interface, and as its name suggests, it is a feature or component of a device or system that allows us to interact with it. HMIs are all around us touchscreens keyboards are all examples of HMIs! In an industrial setting, HMIs play a critical role especially with Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In the increasingly digital context, HMIs have become irreplaceable as a control plane for industrial operations and equipment on various scales.
Advantages of IoT HMI
Essential for IoT at Scale
The Internet of Things is one of the hottest trends under the Industry 4.0 transformation. With up to thousands of devices’ connected in a single network, across up to long distances of 20 km or 12 miles, HMIs are considered an essential part of IoT systems, allowing conditions and data to be aggregated and managed from a single physical control plane.
Increase Productivity
HMIs provide operators with real time data and an intuitive understanding of production & operating conditions. Through visual tools such as graphs or references to data on the fly, HMIs enhance productivity by enabling more frequent and informed decision making on aspects like production optimisation and operational priority.
Reduce Costs
HMIs also allow operators to save costs by identifying idle resources and scaling appropriately to meet demand, hence minimising wastage. In addition, HMIs provide the means to monitor the condition of machinery for preventative or even predictive maintenance, allowing for the costs of complete failure or replacement to be significantly mitigated.
Improved Safety
HMIs are commonly used to implement safety measures for industrial systems. They can alert operators of operational hazards such as a leak, as well as identify when certain machinery are operating dangerously beyond their recommended conditions. Furthermore, HMIs often implement kill switches to mitigate damages in an emergency.
Why Choose Us
Team Introduced
Kinseal intelligent control focuses on technological innovation and product quality. It has an independent R&D and technical team. In addition to meeting the application design and development of conventional products, it is also good at providing customers with personalized customized product development and professional technical support services.
Wide range of applications
They are widely used in the fields of automotive instruments, charging piles of new energy vehicles, storage only, instruments and meters, artificial intelligence, home appliances, smart home, industrial automation equipment, handheld equipment, medical equipment, security equipment and so on.
Quality Control
Kinseal intelligent control products ensure superior performance and excellent quality of products through rigorous design and development, standardized production and strict quality control.
Our Factory
Shenzhen Kinseal Intelligent Control Technology Co., Ltd., established in 2015, is a national high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, production and sales. The company has been engaged in the development and application of industrial control touch screen, industrial control core board, human-computer interaction display terminal and serial human-computer interaction display module.
Three Types of HMI Used in the IoT
Many (if not most) IoT applications require a variety of HMI capabilities since a large number of connected devices, such as security systems, smart thermostats and lighting control systems, may have a human interaction component.
Capacitive Touch
Capacitive touch interfaces can be used almost anywhere including under glass and plastic and are generally very robust and immune to noise. Capacitive touch MCUs offer a sub-microamp wake-on-touch average current and a 100-to-1 dynamic range. That means each pin conversion and detection happens in approximately 40 microseconds, the entire bank of 16 pins can be scanned in under 700 microseconds.
This exceptional capacitive sensing performance enables high-speed periodic scanning for activity as well as extended sleep intervals that reduce overall power consumption. Capacitive sensing technology is also perfect for buttons and sliders, such as those found on white goods, kitchen appliances and security touch panels. For example, the ultra-low-power consumption of a capacitive sensing MCU can enable a remote controller using this technology to operate for 7 years on 2 AA batteries.
Segment LCD
A segment LCD driver can be integrated into an 8-bit MCU or offered as a standalone, fixed-function device. As a standalone device, an LCD controller offers the best leakage and dynamic power characteristics of any LCD solution. This device interfaces to an adjacent MCU through SPI or I2C. It consumes so little current that it is possible to power the device from an input pin and completely forgo the VDD connection. Moreover, the die is exceedingly small and is best used as a bare die or chip-on-glass rather than as a packaged component.
Gesture, Proximity and Ambient Lighting
Proximity sensing is highly desirable in many IoT end nodes as well as in portable medical and mobile computing products that require human gesture control and detection. Offers a family of 8-bit products supporting infrared (IR)-based proximity control as well as ambient and ultraviolet (UV) light sensing. For example, the Si114x MCU family implements proximity detection using one, two or three LEDs with a range of up to 50 cm, multi-dimensional motion sensing, heart rate/pulse oximetry and cheek detection capabilities.
This sensing architecture works in direct sunlight and includes a light sensor capable of sensing light levels up to 128 kLux. Light sensing technology often requires special packaging features, such as a transparent window around the light sensors.
How to Choose IoT HMI
Size of the screen : Larger screen size seems to be the trend these days. Bigger screens allow more information to be displayed to the operator and increases the user friendliness of the control system. Decide if your application is for simple operator control or will it be a gateway for your production information? Popular sizes are 7”, 10” and 15”. We are also seeing more demands for bigger screens of up to 21”.
CPU processing power : Although this is often overlook when selecting HMI, the difference can be felt by the operator. Nobody wants to use a sluggish smart phone where it takes time to load an application or respond to your touch. Industrial HMI are the same as well. A well built and advance HMI offers faster speed over its low cost counterpart.
Ease of Migration : There will come a time when a migration is required due to obsolete products.Choosing a HMI that offers a simple migration plan when this happen can help you to reduce additional engineering cost in the future. Being the market leader in HMI, we have migrated many obsolete Pro-face HMI thru out the years. Migration is offered from the first generation to the latest model. Our customers benefited from fast replacement and do not have to worry about re-engineering cost. Re-engineering usually bring in some form of risk to the existing operation.
The inside that matters more : Touch panel is like a smart phone these days. You can’t tell the difference in build, quality, reliability and capability by just looking on the physical hardware itself. When choosing a HMI, be sure to understand the features that are provided in the package. Some of the trending features these days are:
The good old reliability : Every machine encounters some downtime in their operating life. Having a HMI that offers good reliability can ensure that your machine can run 24/7. Be sure that the HMI is from a reputable specialist with many years of experience in manufacturing. Seek out additional option to enhance the lifetime of your HMI. There are models that are able to withstand high temperature, high vibration as well as special coated model for installation in corrosive and dusty environments. For example, the tire industry specifically requires coated model to prevent damages to the electronic board due to the presence of sulphur in the environment. We also have customer that require high temperature rating for project delivery to middle east countries.
To understand the importance of HMI screens, we’ll need to consider how they differ from simpler systems (e.g., mechanical controls). A digital touchscreen thermostat is an everyday example of an HMI screen. Through the screen, users can see the current temperature, make adjustments, or program the heating or cooling of their home on a specific schedule.
Obviously, in an industrial setting, an HMI screen needs to have a more robust set of features than a thermostat — but some of the same principles apply. In Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the features of an HMI screen often include:
Authorization Protocols
Digital safeguards can prevent unauthorized users from operating equipment or using certain features. By prompting users for identification (typically via a passcode), the HMI also collects useful information for reporting.
Scheduling Features
Certain equipment can be scheduled to operate at set times or to prompt users to carry out essential maintenance tasks. For example, BHS Operator Aboard Battery Extractors prompt the completion of a digital Operator Daily Checklist every 24 hours, keeping the equipment in optimal condition and protecting operators in the process.
Assignment and Order Displays
IoT systems are designed to improve efficiency, and many HMI screens will provide workers with direct guidance for order fulfillment and other tasks.The BHS IoT Spool Winding Trolley, for instance, has an integrated touchscreen that allows operators to choose pre-set order lengths (or enter a new one entirely). Controlled through the HMI display, the system automatically pays out the desired length.
Reporting Capabilities
HMI screens can display basic information about a device or relay that data to another computer for centralized data collection. More data allows for better efficiency throughout the warehouse, and when data collection and reporting are mostly automatic, facilities tend to see quick results.The Operator Aboard Battery Extractor features powerful reporting capabilities, accessible via HMI screens or through smartphones, computers, and other types of devices. Reporting features are available in real time, allowing managers to make on-the-spot decisions to keep their facilities productive.
Alert Functions
When industrial equipment operates out of expected specifications, an IoT system can directly alert operators, giving them the opportunity to shut down the equipment.
IoT HMI Design Principles for an Effective Interface
An effective control interface should be user-friendly, intuitive, and capable of facilitating efficient communication between the human user and the machine. The following principles can help keep you on the right track during this design decision-making process:
Focus on the User
The needs and preferences of the user should be at the center of the design process. This includes considering factors such as the user’s experience level, their expectations, and any potential limitations they may have.
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Simplicity is Key
A well-designed HMI system should be simple and easy to use. Avoid overloading the user with unnecessary information, and focus on streamlining navigation and minimizing the number of steps required to complete tasks.
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Consistency
Consistency is important for creating a cohesive and intuitive user experience. This includes using consistent terminology, color schemes, and design elements throughout the interface.
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Provide Clear Feedback
Users should always be aware of the status of the machine and any actions they have taken. This can be achieved through clear visual, auditory, and tactile feedback.
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Prioritize Safety
Safety should be a top priority when designing an HMI system. This includes implementing measures to prevent errors, such as input validation, as well as providing users with clear warnings and instructions in the event of an issue.
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What Are the Key Practices for Maintaining IoT HMI Systems Effectively
Update software and firmware
One of the first steps to maintain HMI systems is to update the software and firmware of the HMI devices and the connected equipment. Software updates can provide new features, bug fixes, security patches, and compatibility improvements. Firmware updates can enhance the functionality and stability of the hardware components. You should always check the manufacturer's website or contact their support team for the latest versions and instructions on how to install them. You should also backup your HMI configurations and data before updating to avoid any data loss or corruption.
Clean and inspect hardware
Another important practice for maintaining HMI systems is to clean and inspect the hardware regularly. Dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants can damage the HMI devices and affect their performance. You should use a soft cloth, compressed air, or a mild cleaner to wipe the screens, keyboards, buttons, and connectors of the HMI devices. You should also check for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, scratches, loose wires, or broken parts. If you find any defects or malfunctions, you should replace or repair the HMI devices as soon as possible.
Optimize screen design and layout
A third practice for maintaining HMI systems is to optimize the screen design and layout of the HMI interfaces. A good screen design and layout can improve the usability, readability, and efficiency of the HMI systems. You should follow some basic principles, such as using consistent colors, fonts, symbols, and navigation; avoiding clutter and unnecessary information; highlighting critical data and alarms; and providing clear feedback and instructions. You should also test and evaluate the screen design and layout with the operators and users of the HMI systems and make adjustments based on their feedback and preferences.
Monitor performance and errors
A fourth practice for maintaining HMI systems is to monitor the performance and errors of the HMI devices and the connected equipment. You should use tools and methods, such as logs, reports, dashboards, and diagnostics, to collect and analyze data on the HMI systems. You should look for any indicators of problems, such as slow response, low accuracy, high frequency, or abnormal values. You should also troubleshoot and resolve any errors or faults that occur in the HMI systems, such as communication failures, data loss, or system crashes.
Train and educate operators and users
A fifth practice for maintaining HMI systems is to train and educate the operators and users of the HMI systems. Training and education can help the operators and users to understand the functions, features, and limitations of the HMI systems. It can also help them to use the HMI systems correctly, safely, and efficiently. You should provide manuals, tutorials, demonstrations, and exercises to teach the operators and users how to operate, control, and interact with the HMI systems. You should also update and refresh the training and education materials and sessions as the HMI systems change or improve.
Review and improve processes and procedures
A sixth practice for maintaining HMI systems is to review and improve the processes and procedures related to the HMI systems. Processes and procedures can define the standards, rules, and guidelines for the operation, maintenance, and improvement of the HMI systems. You should evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of the processes and procedures regularly and identify any gaps, issues, or opportunities for improvement. You should also involve the stakeholders, such as the operators, users, managers, and engineers, in the review and improvement process and communicate the changes and results clearly and timely.
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