iX HMI solution

The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open.

Contents of course

 General HW-overview
 DEMO-application
 iX Developer Development
 iX Developer Runtime
 Handling of:
− Screens
− Objects
 HMI Controls
 Media Controls
 Windows Controls
− Controllers
− Recipes
− Alarms
− Security
− Data loggers/trends
− Scripting
− …
 Exercises
Beijer Electronics’ ambition

 We want to provide our customers a brand new product

experience:
− Based on modern SW technologies
 Future proof, lasting for many years ahead
− Including modern component based architecture
 High quality - high flexibility
− Enabling different hardware runtime platforms
 Runtime on our iX Panel and iX Panel Pro as well as on PC’s
 No compromises, fully utilizing the resources of the platform
− Offering backwards compatibility
 Protect the investments our customer has made in their applications
− With a truly open systems architecture conforming to standards
 Utilize third party or user developed components
 Take advantage of the mainstream wave, don’t reinvent the wheel
And that’s what we have today…

iX — The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open.

 iX is the innovative HMI solution allowing you to express your ideas with a
strong combination of state-of-the-art graphics and solid HMI functionality.
Enjoy the experience of smarter design and engineering tools, and a truly
open platform.
 Key messages:
− State-of-the-art graphics
− Solid HMI functionality
− Smarter design and engineering tools
− Truly open platform
 State-of-the-art graphics

Expressing your ideas and adding

value to your business
State-of-the-art graphics

 When we say state-of-the-art graphics, we mean:

−Vector-based graphics −Component library

 Crystal clear graphics independent of size or  Ready made components perfect for
rotation angle. No jagged edges or inconsistent industrial applications
color transitions as in overscaled or rotated
bitmap images
−Navigation controls
−Graphical effects  Up-to-date control with thumbnails and
 Enhancement of graphical appearance with drop scrollable rolling, etc.
shadows, bevels, opacity

−Popup screen
−Windows media objects
 Multi-window environment with more
 Powerful HMI solutions incorporating other media screens active in the same window
via Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and
PDF viewer
−Screen carousel
−Dynamics and dynamic objects  Fancy iPod style navigation
 Draws the attention of an operator to interact
with an ongoing process by controlling properties
e.g. position, size, color and visibility of objects −Button styles
with data  The button style function allows
customization of button shapes providing
−Drawing objects an almost unlimited range of button
designs
 Basic drawing functionality with lines, rectangles,
circles and poly lines to create background
graphics
 Solid HMI functionality

Solid, familiar HMI functionality in

an appealing and user-friendly
format
Solid HMI functionality
 When we say solid, familiar HMI functionality, we mean:
−Alarm management
 Manage alarms and notify operators via screen,
printer, SMS or e-mail of events that require
action
−Recipes
 Create recipe libraries containing different sets
of parameters and re-use large sets of
parameters
−Trends
 Visual representation of historical or real time
events in a process supports the understanding
of a process or performance of a machine
−Data logging
 Time or event based data logging for
documentation or other purposes
−Scheduler
 Automate control of events at specific
predefined calendar date and times, for
example start and stop motors or other
equipment
−Audit trail
 Essential process tracking, user identification
linked to time and place of interactions or
events
−Security
 Create a security system with different
authorizations
Multiple languages
 Create multiple-language usability for
user-friendly international applications
−System tags
 Access to internal information from both
hardware and software such as user
identification, available RAM etc.
−Internal variables
 Calculates values without the need for
representation in the controller
−Index addressing
 Control the register from which an object
is to collect data
−Cross reference
 Documents and traces all relations
between variables, functions, pictures,
recipes, etc.
−Remote access
 Access and operate iX applications from a
PC. Useful when performing remote
customer support and troubleshooting
−Runtime database viewer
 View data from trends, recipes, alarms,
etc. or other data base in a runtime
database viewer.
 Smarter design and engineering tools

Time saving design and engineering

tools help you create professional
HMI solutions with the look and feel
you want
Smarter design and engineering tools

 When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean:

−User-friendly environment −Navigation manager

 Create and configure HMI solutions in a  Manage screens and relations with respect
streamlined user-friendly Windows to project navigation with an overview of
environment with ribbon tabs, tool tips and an all screens in a project
intuitive work approach.
−Object browser
−Templates  Rearrange the stacking order of objects on
 Offers increased brand consistency with a screen, as well as lock/unlock and
uniform corporate screens and objects. Time hide/unhide objects
saving design, reuse and maintenance
contribute to design efficiency.
−Multiple objects editing
−Quick styles  Select a group of objects, and edit
common properties such as background
 Easy styling of objects and screens with pre- or color, font, security settings, tag, etc. for
user defined quick styles all selected objects simultaneously

−Format painter tools

−Styles  Copy object properties from one object to
 Predefined graphical styles as classic, vintage, another
etc. for basic styling
Multiple actions
−Property grid  Configure a series of commands to be
 Properties of screens or objects can easily be executed by a single trigger e.g. by
viewed or edited in the property grid pressing a button

−Simulation −Tag conditions/actions

 Off- and online line simulation with or without  Control a command like e.g. go to screen,
live data from controllers provides safe and load recipe, etc. based on the value or
reliable testing value range of a tag
… smarter design and engineering tools

 When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean:

−Multiple displays −
 Work with as large a desktop surface as possible
by using multiple screens

−Debugging via MS
 Activate the link and the debugger automatically
starts up with the relevant source files loaded

−Expressions
 Extract a bit from a tag, add a dynamic offset or
gain, and use the value for a specific object
action.

−Auto Translate
 Use Google Translate or MS Bing Translator to
perform auto translation within the design tool

−Import/Export
 Incorporate or exchange tag lists, alarm
definitions, multi languages in Excel data sheet
format

−Import tags
 Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g.
Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, Beckhoff and
CoDeSys programming software
 Truly open platform

Truly open with a choice of runtime

platform, multi controller
applications, enhanced functionality
and connectivity
Truly open platform

 When we say truly open platform, we mean:

−Choice of hardware platform −C# scripting

 From compact iX panels to industrial PCs  Enhanced functionality with C# script to
customize or enrich objects functionality

−Multi controller applications −Import of .net controls

 One tag can be connected to several controllers,
 iX utilizes Microsofts .NET Framework, a
allowing the same HMI application running against
different PLC’s software technology compatible with a
number of Microsoft Windows operating
systems.
−OPC
 iX provides you with an open platform solution
that is compatible with all major automation −3. party components
systems.  Import predefined, ready-made third party
graphical components from the Internet or
order the components you need from the
−SQL connectivity suppliers of your choice.
 iX supports the SQL industry standard letting you
enjoy quick and easy storage, retrieval and
management of data in relational database
management systems.

−Controller data exchange

 Real-time exchange of data between controllers
regardless of the brand
 Product position

SCADA systems

iX Panel Pro & iX Panel Pro nautic

Price

iX Panels iX Runtime

Traditional HMI

Functionality / Performance
A powerful range of software, panels and IPCs

 iX Panel
− Keypad: 5.7", 6.5", 10.4“
− Touchscreen3.5", 5.7", 6.5", 10.4", 15.0"

 iX Panel Pro
− 12", 15", 17", 19", 19" with stainless steel front,
Box PC version

 iX Panel Pro nautic

− 15", 17", 19", Box PC version
 iX Developer and Runtime versions
− iX Developer, iX Developer update, iX Developer
demo
− iX Runtime 250 tags, iX Runtime 2000 tags, iX
Runtime 4000 tags
Delivering customer value in targeted industry segments
- Concept for growth

Economy

Efficiency

Water & Waste water

Building Automation
HMI PRODUCTS

Infrastucture
Marine
OEM
Energy

Environment

Ease of use
 Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX

We create
iX helps solutions
Peter forand
Blomberg every
his need
automation colleagues create a graphical
interface that makes decanter
centrifuges
Find out theand other sophisticated
customer needs and
equipment from Alfa Laval
create the customer benefits! as easy to use
as today's cell phones. The user-friendly
interface is appreciated by customers,
as well as the new HMI solution saves
time and money in installation and
service.
Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX

 “The goal is to make our machines just as

intuitive to use as today's personal
computers and mobile phones.”
 “HMI solutions with different colored push
buttons and cryptic text messages on
oversized screens belong to yesterday.”
 “No other vendor could offer the same
features and graphic possibilities within the
framework of an open architecture.”
 “With an aesthetically pleasing HMI solution
that works today and has a modern feel in
the years to come, we have reached our
goal”, summarizes Peter Blomberg.
Screen picture by Alfa Laval ©
References

 Alfa Laval, Denmark

 CAT (Caterpillar), USA
 Marwood Metal Fabrication, Canada
 Volvo, Sweden
 iX Panels 3,5” – 15.0”

iX Panel T40 iX Panel T60 iX Panel T70 iX Panel T100 iX Panel T150
3,5” TFT 5.7” TFT 6,5” TFT 10.4” TFT 15.0” TFT
320 x 240 320 x 240 640 x 480 800 x 600 1024 x 768

iX Panel K60 iX Panel K70 iX Panel K100

5.7” TFT 6,5” TFT 10.4” TFT
320 x 240 640 x 480 800 x 600
 iX panel is designed for connectivity

Expansion possibilities
e.g. Profibus module

Ethernet

Compact Flash slot

(iX Panel T70 and larger)

RS232

RS422/485

USB Host
Serial communication possibilities

Standard RS232 serial communication port

Combined RS422/485 communication port

Ethernet communication possibilities

Built-in 10/100Mbit twisted pair Ethernet, shielded RJ45

USB communication possibilities

USB Host port

 USB version 1.1 (1.1 and 2.0 are fully compatible with each other)
 Transfer speed: 12Mbit/s

 Direct connection of:

− PC type keyboard (US English)
− Mouse/trackball
− Printer
− USB hub (up to 127 USB devices)
− USB Flash memory disk

USB Device port built-in for future use

Compact flash slot

 Standard off-the shelf memory card (industrial grade compliant cards are recommended)
 One external CF slot for:
− Storage of pdf-files, movies and local http-pages
 One internal CF slot for:
− Operator panel memory expansion
Further expansion slots

Expansion port
 Makes it possible to add expansion of other communication protocols and external devices
 Extra mounting depth about 25 mm
 The following expansion modules are available: Expansion port
− EM-Profibus DP
− EM-MPI
− EM-CAN (J1939)
IPC – iX Panel Pro

iX Panel Pro T120 PM iX Panel Pro T150 PM iX Panel Pro T170 PM

12” TFT iX Panel Pro T150 C2D iX Panel Pro T170 C2D
800 x 600 15” TFT 17” TFT
1024 x 768 1024 x 768

iX Panel Pro T190 PM iX Panel Pro T190

iX Panel Pro T190 C2D C2D BOX
19” TFT
1280 x 1024
iX – system requirements
Create a new project

 Start iX Developer
 Intuitive interface with everything you need
− Create New Project
− Import old Information designer project
− List of recent projects
− Sample application tab
− Help
− Browse for old projects
Create a new project

 Select the desired HW-platform (iX Panel or PC)

Create a new project

 Select Controller
− The DEMO driver is chosen as default, easy to change later
− Also possible to connect to an OPC-server (localhost or remote)
Create a new project

 Finally, select where the application should be stored

iX Developer – Customizable User interface
iX Developer – Project explorer
The project explorer

 The Project Explorer shows all screens and

functions included in the application:
−Screens
−Tags
−Alarms
−Security
−Data loggers
−Recipes
−Script Modules
−Function keys
−Scheduler
−Audit trail
iX DEVELOPER - RIBBON MENU
Ribbon menu

 Microsoft explains it:

− The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to
complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups, which are collected
together under tabs. Each tab relates to a type of activity, such as writing or laying out
a page. To reduce clutter, some tabs are shown only when needed.

 Ribbons menu is also designed to:

− Make more use of your wide screen
− Make use of multiple screens
Ribbon menu – Home/Project tabs

 Home tab:
− Paste/copy/cut
− HMI and Windows objects
− Visual styles (color, font etc.)
− Tag, security groups and visibility
− Name of the object

 Project tab:
− Validate, Run, Simulate and Transfer an application
− Border style
− Keyboard configuration
Ribbon menu – System/Insert tabs

 System tab:
− Time zone
− Key Beep (iX Panel)
− Backlight settings (iX Panel)
− COM1 RS422/RS485 (iX Panel)
− FTP & VNC (iX Panel)

 Insert tab:
− Add Screen, Recipe, Data Logger, Scheduler, Text Library, Alarm Distributor Server, Function keys,
LEDS or ScriptModule to the application
Ribbon menu – View/Dynamics tabs

 View tab:
− Configures if Output, PropertyGrid, Error List, Project Explorer, Component Library and Navigation
Explorer should be displayed or not

 Dynamics tab:
− The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, visibility etc. of an
object, where the change is dependant on a tag value.
Ribbon menu – General/Actions tabs

 General tab:
- Individual settings for the different objects . The settings are used to configure e.g a text object or
an analog numeric

 Actions tab:
- Actions can be triggered in various ways. The Actions tab controls are used to define actions for
objects and Function keys
iX Developer – Property grid
The property grid

 A complete overview of all configured

properties of an object
−Text
−Alignment
−Font
−IsEnabled
−Top
−Etc.
 Context sensitive
−If multiple objects are selected only common
properties are shown
 The most important properties are
available in the ribbon menu as well
iX Developer – Component library
The component library

 Save and re-use components at other

locations in the project or in other
projects
−Groups
−Objects
−Scripts
 Also contains predefined symbols that can
be used in the application

 Possible to zoom in/zoom out to get a

good overview of the objects
iX Developer – Customizable user interface
iX Developer – No clutter
Object Browser

 An overview of all objects included in a screen can be

displayed in the Object Browser.

 It is easy to bring objects that may have been obscured

by other objects up front, by using the arrows at the top
left.

 Clicking the buttons at the right side of each object

enables simply hiding/showing and locking/unlocking
objects.
Navigation manager

 The Navigation Manager provides an overview of all screens in

the current application

 New screens can be added directly in the Navigation Manager.

− Click (and hold) on a screen and drag the mouse pointer to an empty
location in the Navigation Manager area.
Navigation manager – Zoom/pan

 The Navigation Overview tool provides an overview of all screens included in the
project, with zooming facilities.
Zoom in/out

 The following methods can be used to zoom in to or out from the desktop area:
− The Zoom drop-down list
− The Zoom Slider
− The Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons
− Put the mouse pointer anywhere in the screen and use the scroll wheel
 Zoom level: 25% - 800%
Change properties on several objects

 It’s possible to change properties on several objects at the same time (for an example:
Background color, font, security settings, tag)
 Select several objects
 Change the desired properties
 All object will be updated with the new (common) property
Format Painter

 The Format Painter control is used to copy formatted properties from one object to another.
This is useful to create a uniform appearance for the objects on a screen.
 To apply formatting to another object:
− Click on an object with the desired format and font properties.
− Select the Format Painter control. The mouse pointer changes to a paintbrush.
− Point to the object to format.
− The format properties from the first object is applied to the selected object. Format and font
properties can be copied between objects with different types, for example a Rectangle and an
Ellipse.
Create series

 Right click on an object and select Create Series

 An array of objects will be added to the screen
Show tag info

 It is possible to show tag connections for objects and shapes in a screen. Right-click on an
empty area of the current screen and select Show Info from the context menu to show the
tags.
 The shortcut command for Show Info is CTRL + D.
Default appearance

 It is possible to select a style to be used as the default style next time the same kind of
object is added.
 Right-click on an object to display the context menu, and select Save Default, to use the
current appearance of the object as the default style. To make existing objects adopt the
default style, select Load Default. To return to normal mode, select Clear Default.
Graphical effects

 Drop shadow – all objects supported

 Opacity – all object supported
 Rounded rectangle – Rectangle support
− only available for PC applications so far
Detailed gradient and color settings

 Colors (e.g. Start/End Color) and Drop Shadow (e.g. Opacity and Size) can be
configured in detail
Quick styles

 The Quick Styles control contains a number of preset visual object color schemes
that can be applied to screen objects
 The predefined graphical styles make it possible to achieve a uniform
appearance on items like meters and trends
Modify quick styles

 It’s possible to modify the quick styles (the new quick styles will be possible to
access in all applications -> not application specific)
Controllers

 Possible to use unlimited number of

controllers
 iX Panel – no tag limit
 EPC/PC – 250, 2000, 4000 tags
 OPC Client
 Demo driver (default driver)
− M0 - M99
− D0 - D99
− C0 - C4 (Counters, up/cyclic)
− M100 - M104 (Pulse)
New tag list structure

 Globals tags, not tightly connected to controller

 Tag that is not connected to a controller will be an internal tag
 Columns in the tag list can be switched on/off (scaling, data exchange, others) for less
complexity
 Imports/export of global tag list as well as individual controller import/export
Multi controller application

 A tag can be connected to more than one controller simultaneously

 The user can change driver/controller in run-time
 Allows for having the same HMI-application running against different PLC’s
Multi controller application

 Perfect for machine builders that have one application running against different PLC system
 Only one application to maintain -> saves a lot of time/reduces number of mistakes
 Possible to select both in design-time and run-time which PLC that should be used
Controller data exchange

 Allows for real-time data exchange between controllers, even of different brands
 Selectable per tag
 Exchange can be triggered on event or time
Internal variables – Initial value/Non-volatile

 It’s possible to define intial values for internal variables

 An internal variable can be configured to be non-volatile, the values are then
stored in a compact sql database
Tag conditions

 One or multiple actions can be executed when the value of a specific tag is
changed
System tags

 Access to iX internal data like available RAM, current user, current screen, …
 Handled as normal tags -> can be used on screens, logged, scripted,…
Filter tags

 A Filter can be used if the programmer wants to find some specific tags
Cross reference

 The Cross Reference tool provides an overview of where a specific tag is used in
the current project.
 All occurrences of the tag in the current project are listed. Double-clicking on an
occurrence in the list automatically brings you to the object or function where
the tag is used.
 The cross reference tool can be displayed by clicking the button on the Tags tab,
by right-clicking on a tag in the tags list, or from the View ribbon.
Tag import

 Import/export supports both excel (*.xls) and text files (*.txt)

 Improved tag import when using import modules
 Treeview with good structure (arrays and structs) makes it easy to import the
necessary tags
 Tag import – import module

 Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g. Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens,
Beckhoff and CoDeSys programming softwares.
 Select individual tags, arrays or structs that should be imported to the
application
Configure a controller

 Click on the Driver-button in order to open the driver’s

properties
 In the driver properties it’s possible to configure the
controller:
− Driver specific settings (e.g Clock register)
− Stations
− COM-port
− Etc.
 All drivers have a help file, it contains information about
addressing, cables, trouble shooting etc.
Simulator

 A test of the project can be executed directly. Save the project and select Project/Run. This
will perform a Validation and start a simulation (if the project can be built).
 A new window will be opened, acting as the operator panel
 Run -> Online simulation
 Simulate -> No communication with PLC
Static objects

 Background graphics
 Actions can be triggered from the majority of the objects
− Line
− Rectangle
− Ellipse
− Polyline
− Picture
− User-defined grouped objects
Dynamic objects

 Clock Object
 Button
 Analog numeric
 Text object
 Slider
 Circular Meter
 Linear Meter
 MultiPicture
 Trend
Dynamic object styles

 Styles, general styles that change the look of an application

− 5 Different styles included in iX 1.20.
− Configurable with different fonts and colors to give unique look for your
application
 Slider
 Circular Meter
 Linear Meter
 Trend
 Button
Digital clock

 The digital clock displays date, time and/or day of week.

 Possible to configure/adjust the object:

− Date And Time
− Date
− Time
− Show Day of Week
− Show Seconds
Button

 The Button tool is used to draw a button with a text/symbol. The button can via Actions or
Script be set up to perform a specific task in run-time.
 The displayed text can show a tag value, that can be set from the Dynamics tab using the
General control.
Button – general settings

 Alignment of text
 Possible to display a Symbol inside of the button
 The button is stylable
 The text is configurable (it can be multiline)
 Possible to make the button transparent
Button styles

 Button styles was introduced in iX Developer 1.20

− Default, Black, Classic, Chrome, Eclipse, Vintage, Glossy
Button shapes

 The shape of the buttons can be modified using either the Property Grid or the
Appearance property
Button - actions

 The button can be configured to execute an action when the operator presses/clicks on the
button
Multiple actions

 It’s possible to execute multiple actions at the same time (without scripting)
Exercise 1 – Menu

 Create a menu that will be used to access all screens in the application (use the button
object)
 Add a Clock Object to the header of the screen
 Rectangles with rounded corners gives a nice touch to the screen
Background screen

 Possible to create a common background for several screens

 The background screen can contain both dynamic and static objects
Background screen

 It’s possible to have several layers of background screens (e.g footer and header)
 Easy to configure:
− Select a screen
− Open the Home Ribbon and select the desired background screen
Screen templates

 The installation of iX Developer includes a number of screen templates with

basic functionality. It is also possible to save your own screens as screen
templates, by right-clicking on the current screen and selecting Save Screen as
Template.
Popup screen

 A screen can easily be configured to act as a popup screen

 Click on a screen and then select the General ribbon
 Possible to configure the size of the popup and the starting (x,y)-position
 The Popup can be Modal/Non Modal
 It’s also possible to configure the title of the popup
Popup screen

 By clicking on the Modify Screen Size/Position button it’s possible to resize and
move the popup
Popup screen

 It’s possible to define where the screen should be placed/opened (x, y)

 This is also possible to script
Slider

 Object that changes the value of an analog signal

 Support different styles/skins
Slider – General settings

 Enable/disable Scale and Transparency

 Min/max value
 Number of Major and Minor ticks
 Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)
Linear meter

 Object that displays the value of an analog signal

 Support different styles/skins
Linear meter – General settings

 Enable/disable Scale and Transparency

 Min/max value
 Number of Major and Minor ticks
 Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)
Circular meter

 Object that displays the value of an analog signal

 Supports different styles/skins
Circular meter – General settings

 Enable/disable Scale and Transparency

 Min/max value
 Number of Major and Minor ticks
 Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)
 Start/End Angle
Circular meter – Region settings

 It’s possible to define Low, Medium and High regions.

 To disable a region set the Min/Max to 0
Analog numeric

 Read/write numerical/ASCII values

− Integer
− Decimal
− Binary
− Hex
− String (ASCII)
Analog numeric – General settings

 Data/Security
 Display format
 Visibility
 Size and position

 Alignment
 Validation
 Prefix/Suffix
Exercise 2 – Objects.

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Add a Linear meter and Slider to the screen
 Add a Circular meter and an Analog numeric to the screen
 Add an Ellipse object to the screen and control the background color with a dynamic signal
Picture object

 Picture object can be:

− Static
 MultiPicture object can be:
− Digital (two states/symbols)
− Analog (several states/symbols)
Symbol object – General settings

 Configure Symbols are used when you want to create a digital/multiple symbol object
 An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text
Text object

 Text object can be:

− Static
− Digital (two states/texts)
− Analog (several states/texts)
Text object – General settings

 Possible to have multiline

 Configure Texts is used when you want to create a digital/multiple text object

 An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text

Exercise 3 – Digital objects

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Create a few MultiPicture-objects
 Add a multiple text object to the screen
Historical trend

 Object that illustrates values in a time based graph

 Logs data in a certain (configurable) time interval
 Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats
 Can view historical data while the panel still log data in the background
 The object supports different styles/skins
 Trend legend available
 The object is possible to control via dynamics
− Scales
− Scaling
− Control visibility of curves
Historical trend – General settings

 Number of Logged Rows

 Enable/disable Scale,Transparency and Grid
 Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)
 Min/max value
 Number of Major and Minor ticks
Historical trend – Add curves

 Click on the Edit Curves button

 Add curves and connect them to a tag
 It’s possible to configure both Color and Thickness of the curve
 Each curve can be scaled (e.g 0 – 4000 -> 0 – 100)
Historical trend – History mode

 Actions are used to either Enter, Leave or Toggle Historical mode

 It’s also possible to show a dialog where a start/end time can be defined
Historical trend – Trend legend

 An action is used to show the trend legend

 From the legend it’s possible to control which curves that should be visible. It also displays
the current value from the cursor
Data logger

 The same function as the Trend but with no object

 Each logger can be configured to store all or only changed samples
 Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats
Data logger

 Data Loggers are added from the Insert Ribbon

 In the Home Ribbon it’s possible to configure which
tags that should be logged
Data logger – General settings

 Possible to configure
− Log interval/event
− Log changes only
− Number of logged rows
Data logger – General settings

 Actions can be triggered when:

− Log item values changed
− Log values updated
Database viewer

 New object – database viewer

 Displays content from compact sql databases (*.sdf) in runtime
Exercise 4 - Trend

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Add a Trend Object to the screen and create 4 curves
 Add buttons so that it’s possible to enter/leave History mode
 Add a button that shows the trend legend window
Alarm handling

 Alarm handling in the terminal

− Alarm events are stored in a database (compact SQL)
− Alarms can be presented in an Alarm Viewer
− Support for both analog and digital signals
− Alarm texts can be dynamic showing tags values in the text
− When the database has reached the configured limit (e.g 100 rows) the oldest inactive alarm will be
deleted and replaced with the most recent alarm
− Alarms can be divided in different groups, makes it easier to organize the alarms
− Alarms can trigger actions
Alarm Groups

 Alarm handling in the terminal

− Alarms are divided in groups
− Possible to acknowledge all alarms in a specific group remotely
− Possible to configure unique colors for each alarm group (active, inactive and acknowledged)
Alarm items

 Alarm handling in the terminal

− The alarms are configured in the “Alarm Items”-tab
− Both digital and analog alarms are supported
− Alarms can be acknowledged from the PLC using the Remote Acknowledge signal
Alarm items

 The alarm text can be dynamic

Alarm info event

 Each alarm item can be assigned to an AlarmInfoEvent

 Click on the ”…”-button in Action column
Alarm info event

 Connect the desired action to the Alarm Info Event

 When the Operator clicks on the Info button in the Alarm Viewer the action will
be executed
Alarm server – General settings

 Tags that allows you to:

− Acknowledge Alarms remotely
− Clear the alarm list from the PLC
− Enable/Disable the Alarm server
Alarm server – Action settings

 Different actions can be triggered when alarms are:

− Acknowledged
− Active
− Inactive
− Normal
− …
Alarm import/export

 Possible to import/export alarm items

 Supports both text (*.txt) and excel files (*.xls)
Alarm viewer

 Alarms are presented in an Alarm Viewer with the alarm texts from the Alarm
server
 The Alarm Viewer is possible to customize, for an example:
− Select which buttons that should be visible
− Select which columns that should be displayed
− Which alarm groups that should be presented in the viewer
Exercise 5 – Alarms

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Add a few alarms to the alarm server
 Connect an Info Screen to at least one of the alarms
 Add an Alarm Viewer to the screen, also add objects that makes it possible to
trigger the alarms
Alarm Distribution

 The Alarm Distributor Server makes it possible to send alarm notification via
printer, SMS or e-mail. The function can be enabled internally in a project, or in
another panel/EPC that acts as a server towards several connected clients

Printout

SMS

E-mail
Alarm Distribution - Configuration

 A route defines a number of filtering rules for distribution of alarms. Multiple

routes makes it possible to send different kinds of notifications to various
receivers.
Alarm Distribution - Address book

 Click on the Address Book button to enter names, e-mail addresses and/or phone
numbers of the persons that are to be available for selection for distributed
alarm messages
Alarm Distribution – Receiver selection

 Click on the Receiver Selection button to set up receivers of each alarm

distribution route; via e-mail, SMS or Printer (or all)
Alarm Distribution - Scheduler

 Scheduling of each alarm distribution route can be configured on the Scheduler

tab. Only alarms that occur between the start and stop times will be distributed.
 Example: One route per production shift (day, evening, night)
Alarm server – Enable distribution

 To enable sending alarms to printer, or via SMS or e-mail, the Alarm Distributor
Server is used. In addition to the settings below, the Enable Distribution option
for the alarm groups or alarm items also has to be checked.
Security

 Protect objects, screens, recipes etc. against unauthorized use

 Users can be divided in different security groups (e.g Administrator and
Operator)
 A User can be a member of several security groups
Security – Configure groups

 Open the Security Manager property page

 Groups are declared in the Groups tab
 It’s possible to add/delete security groups as well as
configuring which users that should belong to which
group
Security – Configure users

 Open the Security Manager property page

 Users are declared in the Users tab
 It’s possible to add/delete users and assign security
groups
 A user can be a member of several groups
Security - Settings

 Possible to configure if an “Access denied” message should be displayed if an

operator tries to access an object without the necessary authority
 Also possible to configure if objects should be e.g hidden
Security – Login/logout.

 Configure buttons with Login or Logout actions

Security – Add, edit and remove users in runtime

 The Action “Show Users Dialog” allows an administrator to add, edit and remove
users in run time.
Security – Import/Export users in runtime

 It’s possible to export the current user list as well as importing a new list
Security – Object.

 Right click on an object and select the Security level required for changing
status of the object (also possible to configure in the Home ribbon):
Exercise 6 – Security.

 Add a few different security groups/users to the application

 Add a new screen to the application
 Select a background screen
 Connect a few objects to different security groups
 Hide a few objects if the user is not logged in
 Add buttons that makes it possible to login, logout and export/import users
Audit trail

 The Audit Trail function makes it possible to track operator actions.

 It’s possible to define which actions and tags that should be logged to the Audit
Trail.
 The Audit trail is stored in a separate database, and the information can be
displayed using the Audit Trail Viewer.
Audit trail - Configuration

 FDA or Cyclic buffering strategy

 Select the size of the database
 Possible to select which actions that should be logged
 Actions on tags can be logged by selecting Log to Audit
Trail in the Tags configuration window.
Audit trail - Configuration

 In the tag grid it’s possible to select which tags that should be logged to the
database
 It’s also possible to map texts to different value ranges for the tag (e.g 0 =
”Motor Off”, 1 = ”Motor On”)
Audit trail - Configuration

 The texts can be either static or dynamic (based on the tag’s new value)
Audit trail viewer - Configuration

 Possible to define which columns that should be displayed in the object as well
as the width of each column
Exercise 7 – Audit trail.

 Add AuditTrail to the application

 Enable “Log to Audit Trail” for the controller tags
 Add a new screen to the application
 Select a background screen
 Add an Audit Trail Viewer object to the screen
Media objects

 Media Player
 PDF Viewer
 Internet Browser
PDF Viewer.

 Pdf files can be displayed in

runtime using the PDF viewer
object. The viewer can be
connected to a default PDF-file.
 It’s possible to add additional PDF:s
in the project files folder
Media Player.

 Media files can be added to the

media player object, which allows
starting and stopping the files in
runtime
 The following file formats are
supported
− AVI
− MPG
− WMV
Web Browser.

 Web pages can be displayed using

the web browser.
 It is possible to allow showing
certain defined web pages only, or
a local htm/html file
 Possibilites:
− Internet
− Local websites
− VNC
− Network Camera streaming
− …
Possibilities with Web browser (PC runtime)
Exercise 8 – Media objects

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Create a Popup Screen with a Media Player object
 Add a Script so that the Media Player starts playing the file when the screen is
Opened
C# Script

 Script language is C#, Full .NET framework is supported in PC/EPC-applications

and Compact .Net framework in EXTER-applications
 MSDN contains a lot of .NET related information
− http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/67ef8sbd(VS.80).aspx
 Screen script
 Controller script
 Alarm server script
 Script module
− Global Script
− Possible to execute from other scripts
 The scripts can be debugged with a standard tool from Microsoft (Microsoft CLR
Debugger). This software is free of charge!
Reuse code – Component library

 Script code can be dragged/dropped between the Component library and the
script editor.
 This way you can build nice script libraries that can be re-used in other
applications
Event driven programming

 All scripts in iX are executed when a certain event is fired, for an example
− ValueChange
− ScreenOpened
− AlarmAcknowledge
− Click
− …
 An event can be fired when a user/operator executes an action (e.g Click on a
button)
 Events can also be fired when external events occurs. For an example when
characters are received on the serial port
iX events

 Change view to Script

 All objects/events are available in the list

iX events

 A delegate method is added automatically when double clicking on an event

(when the text is bold a method is assigned to the event)

 The code inside of this method will be executed when the user clicks on the
button
Script module

 Script module
− Global Script
− Possible to execute from other scripts
− Possible to re-use scripts
− Easier to maintain
Script module

 Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code?

Screen 1 Screen 2 Screen 3

Function1 Function1 Function1

Screen 4 Screen 5 Screen 6

Function1 Function1 Function1

 If the developer needs to modify the code he has to find all places where the code has been
duplicated, in this case 6 places
 In a big application it’s likely that he will forget to modify the code in all places where it’s
being used -> Unexpected behavior
Script module

 Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code?

Screen 1 Screen 2 Screen 3

Screen 4 Script Module Screen 5

Function1

Screen 6

 In this case the developer only needs to modify the function in the script module. This saves
both time and reduces the likeliness of introducing bugs
Script – Code snippet

 The Script Editor supports Code snippets. Press CTRL+K+X and select which
function that should be added:
 Access to iX objects

 In order to access iX objects (e.g Tags, Recipe, Security) start with the keyword
Globals
 Example:
Script – Example 1

 Write a value to a tag and change the text of a button

Script – Example 2

 Script that shows a message box with a Yes/No

question:
Script – Example 3

 Arithmetic operations
 Service = MaxHours - ActualHours
Script – Example 4

 Function for sending E-mails

Script – Example 5.

 Save/load text to a text file

Debug application with Visual Studio 2010

 Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2010 can be used to debug scripts. It’s available
free of charge from microsoft’s website.
 Add the path to visual studio. Then you only need to click on the debug button,
this means that Visual studio will start automatically preloaded with all source
files.
Exercise 9 – Scripting

 Add a new screen to the application

 Select a background screen
 Add an Analog Numeric to the screen
1. Add a button to the screen, when the user clicks on the button a value should be
written to the tag connected to the Analog Numeric
2. Add a MessageBox with a Confirm question
 Add a TextBox object and a button to the screen
1. Show a MessageBox with the text from the TextBox
2. Save the text to a text-file on your hard drive
Recipe management

 Save Analog and Digital signal values to the operator panel memory with a
simple operation
 Recipe management enables the operator to quickly and easily change the
parameter settings when switching from one product to another in the
production
Recipe management

 Recipes are added from the Insert Ribbon

 In the Tag Configuration tab it’s possible
to configure which tags/parameters that
should be used in the recipe
 A recipe can consist of maximum 256
parameters
Recipe management

 Default recipes/values are added in the Runtime Data tab

Recipe management – Load/Save/Delete recipes

 Use buttons with action

Load/Save/Delete Recipe
 It’s also possible to save/load recipes
from a script:
Exercise 10 – Recipes

 Add a Recipe to the Application

 Add a few recipe items
 Add a new screen to the application
 Select a background screen
 Add buttons that makes it possible to load, save and delete the recipes
Multiple language support

 iX Developer supports multilingual applications

 Translation of texts and system texts can be performed directly in the
application, or via export to a text file to be translated in other software
 Both system texts and user texts can be translated
Add languages

 Click on MuliLanguage in the Project Explorer

 Change Tab to Languages and click on the Add button in
order to add languages to the application
Translate texts

 Each language has a column where texts can be translated directly in iX

 It’s also possible to export the texts to a text file and send it to a translator
Auto translation

 iX Developer includes a translation tool that uses Google Translate or Microsoft

Bing Translator to offer quick translations of user-defined or system texts free of
charge.
Change language in designtime

 It’s possible to change language in design time

− Select the desired language in the Home ribbon menu
Change language in runtime

 It’s possible to change the language in run time in two different ways
− Using Actions

− Internal variable/PLC tag (each language is connected to an index (Default language =

0))
Function keys

 It’s possible to execute actions when function keys are pressed (using either key-
panels (K60, K70 or K100) or touch panels with an external keyboard connected)
Exercise 11 – Function keys

 Connect a keyboard to the iX panel (or run the application in the simulator)
 Add a few different function key actions
 Test the application
Scheduler

 Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon

− With the Scheduler you can set and reset digital signals relative the clock in the
operator panel
− Signal, period, start time and duration are configured for each Scheduler event

PLC

M10 Lamp
Scheduler

 Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon

− Name: Symbolic name for the event
− Period: E.g once, every hour, every day, every month
− Start date/time: The date and time for the first start of the interval. If a period is set
the defined tag will be set again after the specified time.
− Duration: The length of the interval
− Stop date/time: The date and time to reset the defined tag to „0‟. This value is used
when “Stop Time Enable” is checked
Dynamics

 The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, and
visibility of an object, where the change is dependant on a tag value.
 The properties are not the same for all objects
 The properties that can be changed with dynamics are:
− Move
− Size
− Fill color
− Outline color
− Visible
− Blink
− General properties (dependent of the selected object type)
Dynamics - Move

 The dynamic signal ”Move” changes the location of an object. The change is
based on a tag value.
 To move an object vertically when a tag value changes:
− Connect a tag
− Move the ”ghost object” in the screen to its final position. The coordinates for the
object is updated.
− Press OK to save and close the Move Dynamics Editor.
Dynamics - Size

 The dynamic signal ”Size” changes the size of an object. The change is based on
a tag value.
 To change the size of an object when a tag value changes:
− Connect a tag
− Resize the ”ghost object” in the screen. The coordinates for the object is updated.
− Press OK to save and close the Resize Dynamics Editor.
Dynamics – Fill color

 The dynamic signal ”Fill color” changes the background color of an object. The
change is based on a tag value.
 To change the color of an object when a tag value changes:
− Connect a tag
− Add colors for different intervals
− Press OK to save and close the Fill Color Dynamics Editor
Dynamics – Outline color

 The dynamic signal ”Outline Color” changes the frame color of an object. The
change is based on a tag value.
 To change the frame color of an object when a tag value changes:
− Connect a tag
− Add colors for different intervals
− Press OK to save and close the Outline Color Dynamics Editor.
Dynamics – Blink

 A dynamic blink function has been implemented in 1.20

 It’s possible to control the interval and when the object should blink using tags
Dynamics - Visible

 The control in the Visible group determines if an object appears in the screen or
not. The visibility control is based on a tag value.
 Select the tag that should control visibility. The object will be invisible on the
screen when the tag value is zero.
Dynamics – General dynamics

 Text
− Text in for example Button and Text object can be based on values in tags
 Foreground/Font Color
− Foreground color can be based on values in tags. For an example a button foreground
color is the color of the button text
 IsEnabled
− Access to objects can be restricted on values in tags. This can for example be used to
disable a button
Offset/gain calculation

 The presented value = Tag’s value x Gain + Offset

 Tag’s value = (Panel value-Offset)/Gain

Temp: 25° C

D0 = 1000 25° C
Offset/gain calculation

 Offset and Gain are configured in the Tags configuration grid.

 Don’t forget to change the tags data type to float (otherwise the scaled value
will be rounded up/down).
Index registers

 Display value = the value in Register (the Object’s address + the value in the
Index register)

 If the value in indexRegister = 2 then the analog numeric (connected to D0 and

Index register 1) will present the value in D2
Importing an Information Designer application

 It’s possible to import an Information Designer application (EXTER) and convert

it to an iX-application
Importing an Information Designer application

 Select the project that should be imported as well as where the converted
application should be stored
 During the import, a log file of unsupported objects and functions is created. It
can be saved to disk for future reference.
Convert & resize applications

 It’s possible to convert applications from PC <-> iX Panel as well as changing the
resolution
Special controls

 Two PC only Special controls are included

− Screen Carousel

 Navigation list box

Special controls – Screen Carousel

 Screen Carousel
− High impact object that gives a very nice look for screen navigation
− Rotating animation for screen selection
− Easy to configure
 Number of visible objects
 Total number of objects
 Quick connect to existing screens
 Drop shadow
Special controls – Navigation ListBox

 Navigation List box

− Easy menu creation
− Scroll animation for screen selection
− Touch friendly interface
− Easy to configure
 With or without text
 Background color with gradients
 Corner rounding
Text library

 With the text library function, text tables can be created, where values are
linked to texts.
 Possible to have gaps between values/texts
 Possible to import/export text library items
Expressions

 The Expressions functionality is used when connecting an object to a tag and the
purpose is not to use the tag value as it is
 Expressions enable the user to e.g. extract a bit from an int, add a dynamic
offset or gain, and then to use this value for a specific object