New GP-Pro EX 2.2 features enhanced security and traceability; direct interface to devices like PLCs, motion controllers, vision systems, and bar-code scanners; smart simulation; and expanded object animation. From Pro-face America, subsidiary of Japan-based Digital Electronics Corp., this new software features such HMI functions as multimedia capability, remote PC access, high-speed device linking, and built-in control logic editor. The software speeds application development for OEMs and end-users who need an HMI package that supports both Windows-based systems and dedicated operator interfaces.
‚“Pro-face helps end-users and OEMs better understand manufacturing processes by providing a single, integrated HMI software package that increases factory security and operator safety, protects OEM intellectual property, and cuts machine costs by combining HMI development plus logic control,‚†Pro-face announced.
Security and traceability: New security features in GP-Pro EX reduce system tampering and provide a safe machine environment by managing access to both the local machine and remote maintenance and control tools. Object-based security at the HMI screen level means key individuals have access to critical controls, greatly reducing development time. Tampering and accountability are reduced using an operation log that tracks operator changes that have occurred via data entry or with the editing of any object on the screen.
Smart simulation, object animation: New feature allows developers to test entire projects on their laptops…at their desk or on a plane. No external hardware or cabling is required. The software
simulates HMI screens, ladder logic, and external devices. Once complete, a tested project can then be emailed to a customer or team-member.
The Object Animation feature changes the appearance of objects on the screen based on plant conditions or the security clearance of the operator. To simplify operator interaction, objects on the screen can disappear when not needed, moving or rotating parts can be animated, and tank colors can change in accordance with temperatures.
Remote access reduces on-site support: The expanded set of remote connectivity tools let you monitor, control, upgrade, diagnose, and upload logged information on machines around the world without going on-site, thus providing fast support using remote machine diagnostics. The software‚’s remote tools also minimize field upgrades. Alternate methods are allowed, like using an application transfer utility, using a compact flash card or USB device, or performing the upgrade over an Ethernet connection.
HMI connectivity: This package introduces new communication protocols, adding to the 100+ protocols now available, allowing connections to almost every industry-standard factory-floor
device. New support is provided for vision systems (Banner and Cognex), motion and drive controllers, and wired or wireless bar-code-scanning devices. The direct connectivity uses up to four simultaneous protocols, which removes the communication burden from the PLC and eliminates costly specialty cards.
Flexible hardware support: Version 2.2 supports multi-platform HMI applications. The same HMI application created in GP-Pro EX can be used on a Window-based operator interface, such as an APL3000 industrial PC, or on a dedicated non-Windows-based operator interface. The software includes full control-logic and can be used with products that include an operator interface plus control as an all-in-one package.
Pro-face America
www.profaceamerica.com
::Design World::
Filed Under: Displays • HMIs • operator interfaces • monitors, ENGINEERING SOFTWARE, PCs