Colyton Industrial Designs Ltd.
design and manufacture custom PC and PLC solutions for industrial control requirements. We are a UK VAR for InstantHMI and can supply either systems or complete solutions for your SCADA requirements.
New Products
News Letter
On this web page you can subscribe to, or unsubscribe from, our mailing list.InstantHMI PDA
| Enjoy all the benefits of a traditional HMI on Windows PC, CE and Mobile. InstantHMI 6.0 is ‘Cloud Ready’ so you can also benefit from Cloud Computing. Use GoToMyHMI: our ‘HMI-Gateway in the Cloud’ from any Browser on any device (iPad, iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Laptop PC, etc.) to access your HMI-Server (InstantHMI 6.0 Runtime installed on Windows PC or Windows CE touch panels). |
Clipboard
Manufacturing still depends on manual data collection involving a 'Clipboard'. The dictionary defines clipboard as a writing board with a spring clip at the top for holding papers or a writing pad. We also know that it is an area of memory in Windows used for copying text and graphics. PDA based InstantHMI is easily adapted as a tool for clipboard replacement. Clipboard may be the only approach available to do things that are unplanned. This is because Man is the most flexible and adaptable element in an enterprise and with a clipboard in hand he can accomplish anything! What can be done to improve manual tasks? Can we use available technology to improve on 'Operator rounds' to collect data in a methodical manner? Yes, we can conceive of a clipboard replacement using a PDA or a tablet that provides for customizable forms for manual data entry (including numeric or alphanumeric data, checklist of items, pull-down list of choices etc.). The PDA HMI can integrate Barcode and RFID information read by the PDA to improve operations. Equipment can be immediately and absolutely identified to check calibration information, repair parts, and other vital information without unnecessary data entry.
A wireless PDA with an RFID reader can be used to pull-up a data entry screen appropriate to the machine where the operator is standing and record/log the operator actions and comments. Sparing the operator from the chore of recording when the data was recorded (time stamp), where it was recorded (GPS location) and what the data source is (RFID or barcode) can make the task more productive and the information more reliable. Clipboard replacement technology is not glamorous but effective while one continues to seek better solutions to bigger problems.
Barcode/RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one of the automatic identification or auto ID systems like bar codes, smart cards, voice recognition etc., used to help machines identify objects. This technology is often coupled with automatic data capture systems to identify objects and capture information and transfer them into computer without data entry. Naturally, the aim of these systems is to increase efficiency and reduce data entry.
An RFID tag consists of a microchip (to store data) and an antenna (to emit/receive RF signals) enclosed by protective packaging. Active tags are powered by internal battery and information written to them can be modified. Passive tags receive operating power from the radio waves emitted by the reader.
An RFID reader consists of a transceiver, decoder, and antenna. The transceiver emits a RF signal at a specified frequency and receives response signals from RFID tags for decoding. Standard frequency bands are low (100-500 kHz), Medium (10-15 MHz) and High (850-950 MHz, 2.4-5.8 GHz).
When the object containing RFID tag comes within the range of radio signals emitted by the reader, the tag is activated and it starts sending the information stored in it in the form of radio signals.
The reader captures the radio signals, decodes it to a byte stream, and sends the information for further processing to the host system connected to it.
Principal areas of applications for RFID include: Transportation and logistics, Manufacturing and processing, and Security. Example applications: Tool Usage in numerically controlled machines, Identification of product variants and process control in manufacturing systems.
No standardization exists for RFID. RFID Readers and tags are fairly expensive but the mandate by US Department of Defense and major department stores is providing the impetus for driving the tag costs down. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is working on standards for tracking goods in the supply chain. Socket Communications, Symbol and Intermec are working hard to provide support and solutions for RFID on Windows CE devices. Socket has announced software development kits to assist in integration of RFID technology in mobile applications on Pocket PC. Symbol Technologies is an active member of EPCglobal, a non-profit organization for developing RFID standards.
more ....
Bluetooth
Bluetooth technology (built in many PDAs) provides RF communications in the 2.45 GHz spectrum (using Frequency Hopping). Class 1 devices have a range of about 30' feet, while class2 devices have range of 300' feet. InstantHMI technology uses socket serial Bluetooth adapters to provide Bluetooth capability to convert serial port on legacy controllers. Such a wireless link eliminates the need for a serial cable link to the controller.
more ......
Rugged
PDAs provide low cost, portable and mobile platforms for InstantHMI runtime. Companies such as Symbol, Intermec Technologies and TDS provide PDAs that trade off some compactness for ruggedness while incorporating additional functionality such as barcode scanning. For application requiring ruggedness we provide InstantHMI bundled with TDS Recon rugged PDAs.
InstantChip
InstantHMI software pre-installed and activated with complete Project (Screens, Tag Database, Scripts, OEM Dll, etc. as necessary) may be provided on memory cards (CF, SD, mini-SD and micro-SD). Please contact us with your customer application requirements, order quantity, etc., so we can provide you with a precise quote. Availability on the memory chip makes for easy field upgradeability of your project and/or InstantHMI software.