HMI (Human Machine Interface) Guide
Table of Contents
What is an HMI?
Kinco HMIs
Kinco HMIs
"HMI" stands for Human Machine Interface. These devices are also known as Man Machine Interface (MMI), Operator Interface Terminal (OIT), Local Operator Interface (LOI), Operator Terminal (OT), but for the purposes of this guide we will refer to them as HMIs.
An HMI is exactly what the name implies: a graphical interface that allows human users to interact with a system's machinery. As technology develops, HMIs are becoming more abundant in everyday tasks for consumers. Gas station pumps, self-service kiosks, ATM machines, and self checkout lines all use HMIs to process user inputs, convert them to machine readable code, and perform tasks without the need for an attendant, teller, or other employee. In the context of manufacturing and process control systems, an HMI provides a visual representation of the control system, and provides real time data acquisition. An HMI can increase productivity by providing a centralized display of the control process that is extremely user-friendly. Check out on HMI Repair
In manufacturing lines, HMIs have can monitor and control processes outside of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), and may be equipped with data recipes, event logging, video feed, and event triggering, so that users can update system processes without changing any of the hardware. For a manufacturing line to be integrated with an HMI, it must first be working with a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which acts as the CPU. The PLC takes the information from inputs (physical sensors or commands from the HMI) and transforms it to processes for manufacturing. While these inputs and processes are being performed, the HMI provides a display of received inputs, control process outputs, and defined user variables being leveraged to perform the tasks.
How Does an HMI Work?
HMIs are typically used in conjunction with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) to monitor and control processes in an automated system. In general terms, the HMI allows the user to communicate with the PLC via a graphical interface (typically a touchscreen). This interface allows commands to be given, and also receives and translates feedback data from the PLC, which is then presented in an easily accessible visualization on the screen. This provides the operator with much-needed flexibility and control over a given system. An excellent example of a common HMI would be a tablet or smartphone, which have built-in touchscreens that allow users to interact directly with the machine's programming.
History of the HMI
HMI products were originally designed to meet the need for easily operational machinery, while producing optimal outputs. Predecessors of the HMI include the Batch Interface (1945-1968), Command-Line User Interface (1969-Present), and the Graphical User Interface (1981-Present).