Sunday, June 1, 2014

Basic Overview Of Siemens HMI Software

By Marci Glover


Human-machine interface (HMI) refers to the layer that separates a human being who is using a computer from the machine itself. An example of a human-machine interface is the hardware and Siemens HMI software of a computer, which makes it possible for a single operator to control a machine. The user interface comprises the flow of information to support decision-making, through visual messages - generally provided by a screen or monitor; sound messages - speakers, headphones; control actions - keyboards, buttons, switches.

Human-machine interaction (HMI) is a parent field which deals with similar issues but generalizes the interaction between humans and the machine. An important aspect in this field involves the usability of software and hardware. The standard EN ISO 9241 (especially Part 110 and 11) defines which requirements are placed on the usability of software or hardware.

In any case, in this context of human-machine interfaces, usability and accessibility aspects are of primary importance. With the advent of digital instrument clusters, it is becoming increasingly important to conduct in-depth study of HMIs in the automotive industry. In computer science, the term GUI (Graphical User Interface or GUI) indicates the layer of modern operating systems that allows interaction with the user through graphics rather than with keyboard commands (command line interface, CLI).

The computer has evolved very quickly since its debut in 1940. The first computers used punched cards, punched tapes or tapes. There were a keyboards for interacting with the system (console). Personal computers then began using floppy disks and a mouse before moving to touchscreens. The mouse allows you to use a computer with the WIMP paradigm that relies on graphical interfaces to organize the presentation of information to the user.

As an example, when driving the driver uses the steering wheel and accelerator to determine direction and speed. The steering, throttle and dashboard instruments in this example, are the human-machine interface. The vehicle reacts to the interaction. An important aspect of human-computer interaction entails ensuring user satisfaction.

Industrial computers, PLCs are still largely equipped with pushbuttons and LEDs. In the car, people first interacted with simple mechanical means and the evolution of computing and robotics led to more sensors and information available to the driver who has to choose the action to perform via the steering wheel, brake pedal and various switches (lights, cruise control).

One can observe that the HMI are increasingly disconnected from the actual implementation of controlled mechanisms. Alan Cooper distinguishes three interface paradigms: technological paradigm - the interface reflects how the controlled mechanism is built. The paradigm of metaphor that can mimic the behavior of an interface as an object of everyday life and thus already controlled by the user. Idiomatic paradigm that uses interface elements in stereotyped behavior, consistent and therefore easy to learn but not necessarily modeled on real-life objects.

Researchers are involved in the development of new methods of design, experimentation with new hardware devices, prototyping new software systems, exploring new paradigms for interaction and the development of theories and models of interaction. In a study of Personal Information Manager (PIM), human-computer interaction makes it an expansive information environment - people can work with various forms of information to understand and effectively influence the desired changes.




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