InstantHMI incorporates several new and exciting features that enable your compatible handheld computer to easily configure, diagnose and trouble-shoot your controller.  The following features are available for both Palm OS and Pocket PC.

InstantHMI Features and Benefits

Wireless IR/RF Connectivity:

InstantHMI is capable of communicating via Infrared (IR) or Radio Frequency (RF) to your PLC / Controller.   With our IR and RF Connectivity Kits you can convert almost any PLC / Controller into a wireless solution.

Database and Setup

Tag Manager:

The InstantHMI Tag Manager allows for quick and easy creation and editing of tags (controller data).  Using the Tag Manager you can setup tags to monitor (or Data Log) relevant process information from your controller.

Messages:

Messages allow you to assign meaningful text to numeric data that is acquired from your controller.  For example, if you have a pump that is controlled and monitored by your controller, you could assign value 0 to be "OFF" and 1 to be "ON".   Messages aren't limited to simple ON/OFF situations either, you can use messages to define your own descriptive Process Status or Error Messages.

Password Protected Tag and Message database:

Passwords may be assigned to view and modify databases if the database is password protected. You will be asked to 'Enter Password'. Depending on your password you will be allowed to view and/or modify the database.

Monitoring and Configuration

Data Table:

The Data Monitor screen allows you to monitor and/or modify data values for tag groups or any tags from the <All Tags> group. This process, however, requires that tags be pre-defined. The Data Table function in InstantHMI allows you to monitor/modify memory locations in your controller without the need for any Tag Definition.

Data Logging:

Data Logging enables InstantHMI users to save data in the handheld for later review. Data Logged information can be transferred to a desktop pc and used for a variety of purposes including trending, reporting and analysis.

Real Time / Historic Trending:

Any tag variables of interest may be viewed on a Real Time trend and automatically logged in the handheld. Selected logged data may be viewed in a trend history.  

Recipe & Configuration:

Recipes in InstantHMI are useful for repeatable and quick batch process setup.  Configuration parameters from one controller may also be saved and reused to setup other similar controllers instantly.  InstantHMI allows you to define recipes, download recipes in the handheld from your controller registers, preview recipes on screen and upload any selected recipe from the handheld to the controller registers.

Troubleshooting and Security

Troubleshooting:

The Troubleshooting scripts can be customized for your application. It allows you to interactively select System Components (Display, Communication, Outputs, Alarm, Control and Errors) and the Observed Symptoms (Indications). This displays a small subset of Probable Causes for you to choose from and then focus on the selected Corrective Action.

Login Security:

A valid User Name and Password are required to access any of the functions on the menu screen. To prevent unauthorized access you may logout if you are leaving the Palm/Pocket PC handheld unattended; this will permit the data logging and other background activity to continue uninterrupted.

IHMI Secure™ Interface - Resume Screen:

If there is no user activity detected for a specified time (30 sec - 10 min) the system will automatically enter the Logout state where data entry and monitor screens are hidden from unauthorized users by a Resume screen.

IHMI Secure™ Interface - Trapping Special Function handheld buttons:

InstantHMI traps the silk screened buttons on the Palm/Pocket PC (such as Home, Calculator, etc.) and prevents their use while executing InstantHMI application program. The power button (on the Palm) is trapped by InstantHMI and turning off power is allowed only after exiting InstantHMI application to ensure that on going data logging and Trending functions are not interrupted un-intentionally. (You may however turn the back light 'ON' using the Power button on the Palm handheld).

Graphics and Barcoding

Graphic Widgets and Bar Graph:

Using graphics in InstantHMI allows you to quickly and easily view and change data points using intuitive OI-Widgets™.  Tag variable data may also be displayed as  bar graphs.

Ruggedized platform and Barcoding:

Ruggedized platform (sealed to IP54 standards with 4ft drop to concrete) allows operation in business and harsh factory floor environments.  Barcoding interface allows scanned barcode data entry which can be logged using Instant HMI's Data Logging feature.

Customized Applications

Customized Tag database and screens for OEM:

Software Horizons Inc. offers its services to enhance InstantHMI (for Palm, Pocket PC or other hardware platforms) to provide additional functionality for OEMs and other customers with special requirements. Such customized versions may include customized database (Tag, Message, Troubleshoot etc.) and/or additional screens including a startup Menu Screen with buttons tailored to provide the end users easy access to the functions provided by the OEM's product.

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Copyright © 2000-2005 Software Horizons Inc.  Last modified: May 3, 2004