iX HMI solution

The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open.

Contents of course
General HW-overview

DEMO-application
iX Developer Development
iX Developer Runtime
Handling of:
Screens
Objects
HMI Controls
Media Controls
Windows Controls
Controllers
Recipes
Alarms
Security
Data loggers/trends
Scripting

Exercises

Beijer Electronics ambition

We want to provide our customers a brand new product
experience:
Based on modern SW technologies
Future proof, lasting for many years ahead

Including modern component based architecture

High quality - high flexibility

Enabling different hardware runtime platforms

Runtime on our iX Panel and iX Panel Pro as well as on PCs
No compromises, fully utilizing the resources of the platform

Offering backwards compatibility

Protect the investments our customer has made in their applications

With a truly open systems architecture conforming to standards

Utilize third party or user developed components
Take advantage of the mainstream wave, dont reinvent the wheel

And thats what we have today

iX The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open.

iX is the innovative HMI solution allowing you to express your ideas with a
strong combination of state-of-the-art graphics and solid HMI functionality.
Enjoy the experience of smarter design and engineering tools, and a truly
open platform.

Key messages:
State-of-the-art graphics
Solid HMI functionality
Smarter design and engineering tools
Truly open platform

State-of-the-art graphics

Expressing your ideas and adding

value to your business

State-of-the-art graphics
When we say state-of-the-art graphics, we mean:
Vector-based graphics

Crystal clear graphics independent of size or

rotation angle. No jagged edges or inconsistent
color transitions as in overscaled or rotated
bitmap images

Component library

Ready made components perfect for

industrial applications

Navigation controls
Graphical effects

Windows media objects

Enhancement of graphical appearance with drop

shadows, bevels, opacity

Powerful HMI solutions incorporating other media

via Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and
PDF viewer

Up-to-date control with thumbnails and

scrollable rolling, etc.

Popup screen

Multi-window environment with more

screens active in the same window

Screen carousel
Dynamics and dynamic objects

Draws the attention of an operator to interact

with an ongoing process by controlling properties
e.g. position, size, color and visibility of objects
with data

Drawing objects

Basic drawing functionality with lines, rectangles,

circles and poly lines to create background
graphics

Fancy iPod style navigation

Button styles

The button style function allows

customization of button shapes providing
an almost unlimited range of button
designs

Solid HMI functionality

Solid, familiar HMI functionality in

an appealing and user-friendly
format

Solid HMI functionality

When we say solid, familiar HMI functionality, we mean:
Alarm management

Manage alarms and notify operators via screen,

printer, SMS or e-mail of events that require
action

Recipes

Create recipe libraries containing different sets

of parameters and re-use large sets of
parameters

Trends

Visual representation of historical or real time

events in a process supports the understanding
of a process or performance of a machine

Data logging

Time or event based data logging for

documentation or other purposes

Multiple languages

Create multiple-language usability for

user-friendly international applications

System tags

Access to internal information from both

hardware and software such as user
identification, available RAM etc.

Internal variables

Calculates values without the need for

representation in the controller

Index addressing

Control the register from which an object

is to collect data

Scheduler

Automate control of events at specific

predefined calendar date and times, for
example start and stop motors or other
equipment

Audit trail

Essential process tracking, user identification

linked to time and place of interactions or
events

Documents and traces all relations

between variables, functions, pictures,
recipes, etc.

Remote access

Access and operate iX applications from a

PC. Useful when performing remote
customer support and troubleshooting

Runtime database viewer

Security

Cross reference

Create a security system with different

authorizations

View data from trends, recipes, alarms,

etc. or other data base in a runtime
database viewer.

Smarter design and engineering tools

Time saving design and engineering

tools help you create professional
HMI solutions with the look and feel
you want

Smarter design and engineering tools

When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean:
User-friendly environment

Create and configure HMI solutions in a

streamlined user-friendly Windows
environment with ribbon tabs, tool tips and an
intuitive work approach.

Templates

Offers increased brand consistency with

uniform corporate screens and objects. Time
saving design, reuse and maintenance
contribute to design efficiency.

Quick styles

Object browser

Rearrange the stacking order of objects on

a screen, as well as lock/unlock and
hide/unhide objects

Multiple objects editing

Predefined graphical styles as classic, vintage,

etc. for basic styling

Select a group of objects, and edit

common properties such as background
color, font, security settings, tag, etc. for
all selected objects simultaneously

Off- and online line simulation with or without

live data from controllers provides safe and
reliable testing

Copy object properties from one object to

another

Multiple actions

Properties of screens or objects can easily be

viewed or edited in the property grid

Simulation

Manage screens and relations with respect

to project navigation with an overview of
all screens in a project

Format painter tools

Property grid

Easy styling of objects and screens with pre- or

user defined quick styles

Styles

Navigation manager

Configure a series of commands to be

executed by a single trigger e.g. by
pressing a button

Tag conditions/actions

Control a command like e.g. go to screen,

load recipe, etc. based on the value or
value range of a tag

 smarter design and engineering tools

When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean:
Multiple displays

Work with as large a desktop surface as possible

by using multiple screens

Debugging via MS

Activate the link and the debugger automatically

starts up with the relevant source files loaded

Expressions

Extract a bit from a tag, add a dynamic offset or

gain, and use the value for a specific object
action.

Auto Translate

Use Google Translate or MS Bing Translator to

perform auto translation within the design tool

Import/Export

Incorporate or exchange tag lists, alarm

definitions, multi languages in Excel data sheet
format

Import tags

Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g.

Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, Beckhoff and
CoDeSys programming software

Truly open platform

Truly open with a choice of runtime

platform, multi controller
applications, enhanced functionality
and connectivity

Truly open platform

When we say truly open platform, we mean:
Choice of hardware platform

From compact iX panels to industrial PCs

Multi controller applications

One tag can be connected to several controllers,

allowing the same HMI application running against
different PLCs

iX provides you with an open platform solution

that is compatible with all major automation
systems.

C# scripting

Import of .net controls

OPC

SQL connectivity

iX supports the SQL industry standard letting you

enjoy quick and easy storage, retrieval and
management of data in relational database
management systems.

Controller data exchange

Real-time exchange of data between controllers

regardless of the brand

Enhanced functionality with C# script to

customize or enrich objects functionality

iX utilizes Microsofts .NET Framework, a

software technology compatible with a
number of Microsoft Windows operating
systems.

3. party components

Import predefined, ready-made third party

graphical components from the Internet or
order the components you need from the
suppliers of your choice.

Product position

Price

SCADA systems

iX Panel Pro & iX Panel Pro nautic

iX Panels

iX Runtime

Traditional HMI

Functionality / Performance

A powerful range of software, panels and IPCs

iX Panel
Keypad: 5.7", 6.5", 10.4
Touchscreen3.5", 5.7", 6.5", 10.4", 15.0"

iX Panel Pro
12", 15", 17", 19", 19" with stainless steel front,
Box PC version

iX Panel Pro nautic

15", 17", 19", Box PC version

iX Developer and Runtime versions

iX Developer, iX Developer update, iX Developer
demo
iX Runtime 250 tags, iX Runtime 2000 tags, iX
Runtime 4000 tags

Delivering customer value in targeted industry segments

- Concept for growth

Ease of use

Infrastucture

Water & Waste water

Environment

Marine

Energy

OEM

HMI PRODUCTS

Efficiency

Building Automation

Economy

Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX

We
create
solutions
forand
every
iX helps
Peter
Blomberg
his need

automation colleagues create a graphical

interface that makes decanter
centrifuges
other sophisticated
Find
out theand
customer
needs and
equipment
from
Alfa
Laval
as easy to use
create the customer benefits!
as today's cell phones. The user-friendly
interface is appreciated by customers,
as well as the new HMI solution saves
time and money in installation and
service.

Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX

The goal is to make our machines just as
intuitive to use as today's personal
computers and mobile phones.
HMI solutions with different colored push
buttons and cryptic text messages on
oversized screens belong to yesterday.

No other vendor could offer the same

features and graphic possibilities within the
framework of an open architecture.
With an aesthetically pleasing HMI solution
that works today and has a modern feel in
the years to come, we have reached our
goal, summarizes Peter Blomberg.
Screen picture by Alfa Laval

References
Alfa Laval, Denmark
CAT (Caterpillar), USA
Marwood Metal Fabrication, Canada
Volvo, Sweden

iX Panels 3,5 15.0

iX Panel T40
3,5 TFT
320 x 240

iX Panel T60
5.7 TFT
320 x 240

iX Panel T70
6,5 TFT
640 x 480

iX Panel T100
10.4 TFT
800 x 600

iX Panel K60

iX Panel K70

iX Panel K100

5.7 TFT
320 x 240

6,5 TFT
640 x 480

10.4 TFT
800 x 600

iX Panel T150
15.0 TFT
1024 x 768

iX panel is designed for connectivity

Expansion possibilities
e.g. Profibus module
Ethernet

Compact Flash slot

(iX Panel T70 and larger)

RS232
RS422/485

USB Host

Serial communication possibilities

Standard RS232 serial communication port

Combined RS422/485 communication port

Ethernet communication possibilities

Built-in 10/100Mbit twisted pair Ethernet, shielded RJ45

USB communication possibilities

USB Host port
USB version 1.1 (1.1 and 2.0 are fully compatible with each other)
Transfer speed: 12Mbit/s
Direct connection of:
PC type keyboard (US English)
Mouse/trackball
Printer
USB hub (up to 127 USB devices)
USB Flash memory disk

USB Device port built-in for future use

Compact flash slot

Standard off-the shelf memory card (industrial grade compliant cards are recommended)
One external CF slot for:
Storage of pdf-files, movies and local http-pages

One internal CF slot for:

Operator panel memory expansion

Further expansion slots

Expansion port
Makes it possible to add expansion of other communication protocols and external devices
Extra mounting depth about 25 mm
The following expansion modules are available:
EM-Profibus DP
EM-MPI
EM-CAN (J1939)

Expansion port

IPC iX Panel Pro

iX Panel Pro T120 PM

12 TFT
800 x 600

iX Panel Pro T150 PM

iX Panel Pro T150 C2D
15 TFT
1024 x 768

iX Panel Pro T190 PM

iX Panel Pro T190 C2D
19 TFT
1280 x 1024

iX Panel Pro T170 PM

iX Panel Pro T170 C2D
17 TFT
1024 x 768

iX Panel Pro T190

C2D BOX

iX system requirements

Create a new project

Start iX Developer
Intuitive interface with everything you need
Create New Project
Import old Information designer project
List of recent projects

Sample application tab

Help
Browse for old projects

Create a new project

Select the desired HW-platform (iX Panel or PC)

Create a new project

Select Controller
The DEMO driver is chosen as default, easy to change later
Also possible to connect to an OPC-server (localhost or remote)

Create a new project

Finally, select where the application should be stored

iX Developer Customizable User interface

iX Developer Project explorer

The project explorer

The Project Explorer shows all screens and
functions included in the application:
Screens
Tags
Alarms
Security
Data loggers
Recipes
Script Modules
Function keys

Scheduler
Audit trail

iX DEVELOPER - RIBBON MENU

Ribbon menu

Microsoft explains it:

The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to
complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups, which are collected
together under tabs. Each tab relates to a type of activity, such as writing or laying out
a page. To reduce clutter, some tabs are shown only when needed.
Ribbons menu is also designed to:
Make more use of your wide screen
Make use of multiple screens

Ribbon menu Home/Project tabs

Home tab:
Paste/copy/cut
HMI and Windows objects
Visual styles (color, font etc.)
Tag, security groups and visibility
Name of the object

Project tab:
Validate, Run, Simulate and Transfer an application
Border style
Keyboard configuration

Ribbon menu System/Insert tabs

System tab:
Time zone
Key Beep (iX Panel)
Backlight settings (iX Panel)
COM1 RS422/RS485 (iX Panel)
FTP & VNC (iX Panel)

Insert tab:
Add Screen, Recipe, Data Logger, Scheduler, Text Library, Alarm Distributor Server, Function keys,
LEDS or ScriptModule to the application

Ribbon menu View/Dynamics tabs

View tab:
Configures if Output, PropertyGrid, Error List, Project Explorer, Component Library and Navigation
Explorer should be displayed or not

Dynamics tab:
The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, visibility etc. of an
object, where the change is dependant on a tag value.

Ribbon menu General/Actions tabs

General tab:
- Individual settings for the different objects . The settings are used to configure e.g a text object or
an analog numeric

Actions tab:
- Actions can be triggered in various ways. The Actions tab controls are used to define actions for
objects and Function keys

iX Developer Property grid

The property grid

A complete overview of all configured
properties of an object
Text
Alignment
Font
IsEnabled

Top
Etc.

Context sensitive
If multiple objects are selected only common
properties are shown

The most important properties are

available in the ribbon menu as well

iX Developer Component library

The component library

Save and re-use components at other
locations in the project or in other
projects
Groups
Objects
Scripts
Also contains predefined symbols that can
be used in the application

Possible to zoom in/zoom out to get a

good overview of the objects

iX Developer Customizable user interface

iX Developer No clutter

Object Browser
An overview of all objects included in a screen can be
displayed in the Object Browser.
It is easy to bring objects that may have been obscured
by other objects up front, by using the arrows at the top
left.
Clicking the buttons at the right side of each object
enables simply hiding/showing and locking/unlocking
objects.

Navigation manager
The Navigation Manager provides an overview of all screens in
the current application
New screens can be added directly in the Navigation Manager.
Click (and hold) on a screen and drag the mouse pointer to an empty
location in the Navigation Manager area.

Navigation manager Zoom/pan

The Navigation Overview tool provides an overview of all screens included in the
project, with zooming facilities.

Zoom in/out
The following methods can be used to zoom in to or out from the desktop area:
The Zoom drop-down list
The Zoom Slider
The Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons
Put the mouse pointer anywhere in the screen and use the scroll wheel

Zoom level: 25% - 800%

Change properties on several objects

Its possible to change properties on several objects at the same time (for an example:
Background color, font, security settings, tag)
Select several objects
Change the desired properties
All object will be updated with the new (common) property

Format Painter
The Format Painter control is used to copy formatted properties from one object to another.
This is useful to create a uniform appearance for the objects on a screen.
To apply formatting to another object:
Click on an object with the desired format and font properties.
Select the Format Painter control. The mouse pointer changes to a paintbrush.
Point to the object to format.

The format properties from the first object is applied to the selected object. Format and font
properties can be copied between objects with different types, for example a Rectangle and an
Ellipse.

Create series
Right click on an object and select Create Series
An array of objects will be added to the screen

Show tag info

It is possible to show tag connections for objects and shapes in a screen. Right-click on an
empty area of the current screen and select Show Info from the context menu to show the
tags.
The shortcut command for Show Info is CTRL + D.

Default appearance
It is possible to select a style to be used as the default style next time the same kind of
object is added.
Right-click on an object to display the context menu, and select Save Default, to use the
current appearance of the object as the default style. To make existing objects adopt the
default style, select Load Default. To return to normal mode, select Clear Default.

Graphical effects
Drop shadow all objects supported
Opacity all object supported
Rounded rectangle Rectangle support
only available for PC applications so far

Detailed gradient and color settings

Colors (e.g. Start/End Color) and Drop Shadow (e.g. Opacity and Size) can be
configured in detail

Quick styles
The Quick Styles control contains a number of preset visual object color schemes
that can be applied to screen objects
The predefined graphical styles make it possible to achieve a uniform
appearance on items like meters and trends

Modify quick styles

Its possible to modify the quick styles (the new quick styles will be possible to
access in all applications -> not application specific)

Controllers
Possible to use unlimited number of
controllers
iX Panel no tag limit
EPC/PC 250, 2000, 4000 tags
OPC Client

Demo driver (default driver)

M0 - M99
D0 - D99
C0 - C4 (Counters, up/cyclic)
M100 - M104 (Pulse)

New tag list structure

Globals tags, not tightly connected to controller
Tag that is not connected to a controller will be an internal tag
Columns in the tag list can be switched on/off (scaling, data exchange, others) for less
complexity
Imports/export of global tag list as well as individual controller import/export

Multi controller application

A tag can be connected to more than one controller simultaneously
The user can change driver/controller in run-time
Allows for having the same HMI-application running against different PLCs

Multi controller application

Perfect for machine builders that have one application running against different PLC system
Only one application to maintain -> saves a lot of time/reduces number of mistakes
Possible to select both in design-time and run-time which PLC that should be used

Controller data exchange

Allows for real-time data exchange between controllers, even of different brands
Selectable per tag
Exchange can be triggered on event or time

Internal variables Initial value/Non-volatile

Its possible to define intial values for internal variables
An internal variable can be configured to be non-volatile, the values are then
stored in a compact sql database

Tag conditions
One or multiple actions can be executed when the value of a specific tag is
changed

System tags
Access to iX internal data like available RAM, current user, current screen,
Handled as normal tags -> can be used on screens, logged, scripted,

Filter tags
A Filter can be used if the programmer wants to find some specific tags

Cross reference
The Cross Reference tool provides an overview of where a specific tag is used in
the current project.
All occurrences of the tag in the current project are listed. Double-clicking on an
occurrence in the list automatically brings you to the object or function where
the tag is used.
The cross reference tool can be displayed by clicking the button on the Tags tab,
by right-clicking on a tag in the tags list, or from the View ribbon.

Tag import
Import/export supports both excel (*.xls) and text files (*.txt)
Improved tag import when using import modules
Treeview with good structure (arrays and structs) makes it easy to import the
necessary tags

Tag import import module

Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g. Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens,
Beckhoff and CoDeSys programming softwares.

Select individual tags, arrays or structs that should be imported to the

application

Configure a controller
Click on the Driver-button in order to open the drivers
properties
In the driver properties its possible to configure the
controller:
Driver specific settings (e.g Clock register)
Stations

COM-port
Etc.

All drivers have a help file, it contains information about

addressing, cables, trouble shooting etc.

Simulator
A test of the project can be executed directly. Save the project and select Project/Run. This
will perform a Validation and start a simulation (if the project can be built).
A new window will be opened, acting as the operator panel
Run -> Online simulation
Simulate -> No communication with PLC

Static objects
Background graphics
Actions can be triggered from the majority of the objects
Line
Rectangle
Ellipse
Polyline
Picture
User-defined grouped objects

Dynamic objects
Clock Object
Button
Analog numeric
Text object
Slider

Circular Meter
Linear Meter
MultiPicture
Trend

Dynamic object styles

Styles, general styles that change the look of an application
5 Different styles included in iX 1.20.
Configurable with different fonts and colors to give unique look for your
application

Slider
Circular Meter
Linear Meter
Trend
Button

Digital clock
The digital clock displays date, time and/or day of week.
Possible to configure/adjust the object:
Date And Time
Date
Time
Show Day of Week
Show Seconds

Button
The Button tool is used to draw a button with a text/symbol. The button can via Actions or
Script be set up to perform a specific task in run-time.
The displayed text can show a tag value, that can be set from the Dynamics tab using the
General control.

Button general settings

Alignment of text
Possible to display a Symbol inside of the button
The button is stylable
The text is configurable (it can be multiline)
Possible to make the button transparent

Button styles
Button styles was introduced in iX Developer 1.20
Default, Black, Classic, Chrome, Eclipse, Vintage, Glossy

Button shapes
The shape of the buttons can be modified using either the Property Grid or the
Appearance property

Button - actions
The button can be configured to execute an action when the operator presses/clicks on the
button

Multiple actions
Its possible to execute multiple actions at the same time (without scripting)

Exercise 1 Menu
Create a menu that will be used to access all screens in the application (use the button
object)
Add a Clock Object to the header of the screen
Rectangles with rounded corners gives a nice touch to the screen

Background screen
Possible to create a common background for several screens

The background screen can contain both dynamic and static objects

Background screen
Its possible to have several layers of background screens (e.g footer and header)

Easy to configure:
Select a screen
Open the Home Ribbon and select the desired background screen

Screen templates
The installation of iX Developer includes a number of screen templates with
basic functionality. It is also possible to save your own screens as screen
templates, by right-clicking on the current screen and selecting Save Screen as
Template.

Popup screen
A screen can easily be configured to act as a popup screen
Click on a screen and then select the General ribbon
Possible to configure the size of the popup and the starting (x,y)-position
The Popup can be Modal/Non Modal
Its also possible to configure the title of the popup

Popup screen
By clicking on the Modify Screen Size/Position button its possible to resize and
move the popup

Popup screen
Its possible to define where the screen should be placed/opened (x, y)
This is also possible to script

Slider
Object that changes the value of an analog signal
Support different styles/skins

Slider General settings

Enable/disable Scale and Transparency
Min/max value
Number of Major and Minor ticks
Style (Simple, Classic, Black, )

Linear meter
Object that displays the value of an analog signal
Support different styles/skins

Linear meter General settings

Enable/disable Scale and Transparency
Min/max value
Number of Major and Minor ticks
Style (Simple, Classic, Black, )

Circular meter
Object that displays the value of an analog signal
Supports different styles/skins

Circular meter General settings

Enable/disable Scale and Transparency
Min/max value
Number of Major and Minor ticks
Style (Simple, Classic, Black, )
Start/End Angle

Circular meter Region settings

Its possible to define Low, Medium and High regions.
To disable a region set the Min/Max to 0

Analog numeric
Read/write numerical/ASCII values
Integer
Decimal
Binary
Hex
String (ASCII)

Analog numeric General settings

Data/Security
Display format
Visibility
Size and position

Alignment

Validation
Prefix/Suffix

Exercise 2 Objects.
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add a Linear meter and Slider to the screen
Add a Circular meter and an Analog numeric to the screen
Add an Ellipse object to the screen and control the background color with a dynamic signal

Picture object
Picture object can be:
Static

MultiPicture object can be:

Digital (two states/symbols)
Analog (several states/symbols)

Symbol object General settings

Configure Symbols are used when you want to create a digital/multiple symbol object
An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text

Text object
Text object can be:
Static
Digital (two states/texts)
Analog (several states/texts)

Text object General settings

Possible to have multiline

Configure Texts is used when you want to create a digital/multiple text object

An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text

Exercise 3 Digital objects

Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Create a few MultiPicture-objects
Add a multiple text object to the screen

Historical trend
Object that illustrates values in a time based graph
Logs data in a certain (configurable) time interval
Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats
Can view historical data while the panel still log data in the background
The object supports different styles/skins

Trend legend available

The object is possible to control via dynamics
Scales
Scaling
Control visibility of curves

Historical trend General settings

Number of Logged Rows
Enable/disable Scale,Transparency and Grid
Style (Simple, Classic, Black, )
Min/max value
Number of Major and Minor ticks

Historical trend Add curves

Click on the Edit Curves button
Add curves and connect them to a tag
Its possible to configure both Color and Thickness of the curve
Each curve can be scaled (e.g 0 4000 -> 0 100)

Historical trend History mode

Actions are used to either Enter, Leave or Toggle Historical mode
Its also possible to show a dialog where a start/end time can be defined

Historical trend Trend legend

An action is used to show the trend legend
From the legend its possible to control which curves that should be visible. It also displays
the current value from the cursor

Data logger
The same function as the Trend but with no object
Each logger can be configured to store all or only changed samples
Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats

Data logger
Data Loggers are added from the Insert Ribbon
In the Home Ribbon its possible to configure which
tags that should be logged

Data logger General settings

Possible to configure
Log interval/event
Log changes only
Number of logged rows

Data logger General settings

Actions can be triggered when:
Log item values changed
Log values updated

Database viewer
New object database viewer
Displays content from compact sql databases (*.sdf) in runtime

Exercise 4 - Trend
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add a Trend Object to the screen and create 4 curves
Add buttons so that its possible to enter/leave History mode
Add a button that shows the trend legend window

Alarm handling
Alarm handling in the terminal

Alarm events are stored in a database (compact SQL)

Alarms can be presented in an Alarm Viewer
Support for both analog and digital signals
Alarm texts can be dynamic showing tags values in the text
When the database has reached the configured limit (e.g 100 rows) the oldest inactive alarm will be
deleted and replaced with the most recent alarm
Alarms can be divided in different groups, makes it easier to organize the alarms
Alarms can trigger actions

Alarm Groups
Alarm handling in the terminal
Alarms are divided in groups
Possible to acknowledge all alarms in a specific group remotely
Possible to configure unique colors for each alarm group (active, inactive and acknowledged)

Alarm items
Alarm handling in the terminal
The alarms are configured in the Alarm Items-tab
Both digital and analog alarms are supported
Alarms can be acknowledged from the PLC using the Remote Acknowledge signal

Alarm items
The alarm text can be dynamic

Alarm info event

Each alarm item can be assigned to an AlarmInfoEvent
Click on the -button in Action column

Alarm info event

Connect the desired action to the Alarm Info Event
When the Operator clicks on the Info button in the Alarm Viewer the action will
be executed

Alarm server General settings

Tags that allows you to:
Acknowledge Alarms remotely
Clear the alarm list from the PLC
Enable/Disable the Alarm server

Alarm server Action settings

Different actions can be triggered when alarms are:
Acknowledged
Active
Inactive
Normal

Alarm import/export
Possible to import/export alarm items
Supports both text (*.txt) and excel files (*.xls)

Alarm viewer
Alarms are presented in an Alarm Viewer with the alarm texts from the Alarm
server
The Alarm Viewer is possible to customize, for an example:
Select which buttons that should be visible
Select which columns that should be displayed

Which alarm groups that should be presented in the viewer

Exercise 5 Alarms
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add a few alarms to the alarm server
Connect an Info Screen to at least one of the alarms
Add an Alarm Viewer to the screen, also add objects that makes it possible to
trigger the alarms

Alarm Distribution
The Alarm Distributor Server makes it possible to send alarm notification via
printer, SMS or e-mail. The function can be enabled internally in a project, or in
another panel/EPC that acts as a server towards several connected clients

Printout
SMS
E-mail

Alarm Distribution - Configuration

A route defines a number of filtering rules for distribution of alarms. Multiple
routes makes it possible to send different kinds of notifications to various
receivers.

Alarm Distribution - Address book

Click on the Address Book button to enter names, e-mail addresses and/or phone
numbers of the persons that are to be available for selection for distributed
alarm messages

Alarm Distribution Receiver selection

Click on the Receiver Selection button to set up receivers of each alarm
distribution route; via e-mail, SMS or Printer (or all)

Alarm Distribution - Scheduler

Scheduling of each alarm distribution route can be configured on the Scheduler
tab. Only alarms that occur between the start and stop times will be distributed.
Example: One route per production shift (day, evening, night)

Alarm server Enable distribution

To enable sending alarms to printer, or via SMS or e-mail, the Alarm Distributor
Server is used. In addition to the settings below, the Enable Distribution option
for the alarm groups or alarm items also has to be checked.

Security
Protect objects, screens, recipes etc. against unauthorized use
Users can be divided in different security groups (e.g Administrator and
Operator)
A User can be a member of several security groups

Security Configure groups

Open the Security Manager property page
Groups are declared in the Groups tab
Its possible to add/delete security groups as well as
configuring which users that should belong to which
group

Security Configure users

Open the Security Manager property page
Users are declared in the Users tab
Its possible to add/delete users and assign security
groups
A user can be a member of several groups

Security - Settings
Possible to configure if an Access denied message should be displayed if an
operator tries to access an object without the necessary authority
Also possible to configure if objects should be e.g hidden

Security Login/logout.
Configure buttons with Login or Logout actions

Security Add, edit and remove users in runtime

The Action Show Users Dialog allows an administrator to add, edit and remove
users in run time.

Security Import/Export users in runtime

Its possible to export the current user list as well as importing a new list

Security Object.
Right click on an object and select the Security level required for changing
status of the object (also possible to configure in the Home ribbon):

Exercise 6 Security.
Add a few different security groups/users to the application
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Connect a few objects to different security groups
Hide a few objects if the user is not logged in
Add buttons that makes it possible to login, logout and export/import users

Audit trail
The Audit Trail function makes it possible to track operator actions.
Its possible to define which actions and tags that should be logged to the Audit
Trail.
The Audit trail is stored in a separate database, and the information can be
displayed using the Audit Trail Viewer.

Audit trail - Configuration

FDA or Cyclic buffering strategy
Select the size of the database
Possible to select which actions that should be logged
Actions on tags can be logged by selecting Log to Audit
Trail in the Tags configuration window.

Audit trail - Configuration

In the tag grid its possible to select which tags that should be logged to the
database
Its also possible to map texts to different value ranges for the tag (e.g 0 =
Motor Off, 1 = Motor On)

Audit trail - Configuration

The texts can be either static or dynamic (based on the tags new value)

Audit trail viewer - Configuration

Possible to define which columns that should be displayed in the object as well
as the width of each column

Exercise 7 Audit trail.

Add AuditTrail to the application
Enable Log to Audit Trail for the controller tags
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add an Audit Trail Viewer object to the screen

Media objects
Media Player
PDF Viewer
Internet Browser

PDF Viewer.
Pdf files can be displayed in
runtime using the PDF viewer
object. The viewer can be
connected to a default PDF-file.
Its possible to add additional PDF:s
in the project files folder

Media Player.
Media files can be added to the
media player object, which allows
starting and stopping the files in
runtime
The following file formats are
supported
AVI
MPG
WMV

Web Browser.
Web pages can be displayed using
the web browser.
It is possible to allow showing
certain defined web pages only, or
a local htm/html file
Possibilites:
Internet
Local websites
VNC
Network Camera streaming

Possibilities with Web browser (PC runtime)

Exercise 8 Media objects

Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Create a Popup Screen with a Media Player object
Add a Script so that the Media Player starts playing the file when the screen is
Opened

C# Script
Script language is C#, Full .NET framework is supported in PC/EPC-applications
and Compact .Net framework in EXTER-applications
MSDN contains a lot of .NET related information
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/67ef8sbd(VS.80).aspx

Screen script
Controller script
Alarm server script
Script module
Global Script
Possible to execute from other scripts

The scripts can be debugged with a standard tool from Microsoft (Microsoft CLR
Debugger). This software is free of charge!

Reuse code Component library

Script code can be dragged/dropped between the Component library and the
script editor.
This way you can build nice script libraries that can be re-used in other
applications

Event driven programming

All scripts in iX are executed when a certain event is fired, for an example
ValueChange
ScreenOpened
AlarmAcknowledge
Click

An event can be fired when a user/operator executes an action (e.g Click on a

button)
Events can also be fired when external events occurs. For an example when
characters are received on the serial port

iX events
Change view to Script

All objects/events are available in the list

iX events
A delegate method is added automatically when double clicking on an event
(when the text is bold a method is assigned to the event)

The code inside of this method will be executed when the user clicks on the
button

Script module
Script module
Global Script
Possible to execute from other scripts
Possible to re-use scripts
Easier to maintain

Script module
Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code?

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3

Function1

Function1

Function1

Screen 4

Screen 5

Screen 6

Function1

Function1

Function1

If the developer needs to modify the code he has to find all places where the code has been
duplicated, in this case 6 places
In a big application its likely that he will forget to modify the code in all places where its
being used -> Unexpected behavior

Script module
Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code?

Screen 1

Screen 2

Screen 3

Screen 4

Script Module

Screen 5

Function1

Screen 6

In this case the developer only needs to modify the function in the script module. This saves
both time and reduces the likeliness of introducing bugs

Script Code snippet

The Script Editor supports Code snippets. Press CTRL+K+X and select which
function that should be added:

Access to iX objects

In order to access iX objects (e.g Tags, Recipe, Security) start with the keyword
Globals

Example:

Script Example 1
Write a value to a tag and change the text of a button

Script Example 2
Script that shows a message box with a Yes/No
question:

Script Example 3
Arithmetic operations
Service = MaxHours - ActualHours

Script Example 4
Function for sending E-mails

Script Example 5.
Save/load text to a text file

Debug application with Visual Studio 2010

Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2010 can be used to debug scripts. Its available
free of charge from microsofts website.
Add the path to visual studio. Then you only need to click on the debug button,
this means that Visual studio will start automatically preloaded with all source
files.

Exercise 9 Scripting
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add an Analog Numeric to the screen
1. Add a button to the screen, when the user clicks on the button a value should be
written to the tag connected to the Analog Numeric

2. Add a MessageBox with a Confirm question

Add a TextBox object and a button to the screen

1. Show a MessageBox with the text from the TextBox
2. Save the text to a text-file on your hard drive

Recipe management
Save Analog and Digital signal values to the operator panel memory with a
simple operation
Recipe management enables the operator to quickly and easily change the
parameter settings when switching from one product to another in the
production

Recipe management
Recipes are added from the Insert Ribbon
In the Tag Configuration tab its possible
to configure which tags/parameters that
should be used in the recipe
A recipe can consist of maximum 256
parameters

Recipe management
Default recipes/values are added in the Runtime Data tab

Recipe management Load/Save/Delete recipes

Use buttons with action
Load/Save/Delete Recipe
Its also possible to save/load recipes
from a script:

Exercise 10 Recipes
Add a Recipe to the Application
Add a few recipe items
Add a new screen to the application
Select a background screen
Add buttons that makes it possible to load, save and delete the recipes

Multiple language support

iX Developer supports multilingual applications
Translation of texts and system texts can be performed directly in the
application, or via export to a text file to be translated in other software
Both system texts and user texts can be translated

Add languages
Click on MuliLanguage in the Project Explorer
Change Tab to Languages and click on the Add button in
order to add languages to the application

Translate texts
Each language has a column where texts can be translated directly in iX
Its also possible to export the texts to a text file and send it to a translator

Auto translation
iX Developer includes a translation tool that uses Google Translate or Microsoft
Bing Translator to offer quick translations of user-defined or system texts free of
charge.

Change language in designtime

Its possible to change language in design time
Select the desired language in the Home ribbon menu

Change language in runtime

Its possible to change the language in run time in two different ways
Using Actions

Internal variable/PLC tag (each language is connected to an index (Default language =

0))

Function keys
Its possible to execute actions when function keys are pressed (using either keypanels (K60, K70 or K100) or touch panels with an external keyboard connected)

Exercise 11 Function keys

Connect a keyboard to the iX panel (or run the application in the simulator)
Add a few different function key actions
Test the application

Scheduler
Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon
With the Scheduler you can set and reset digital signals relative the clock in the
operator panel
Signal, period, start time and duration are configured for each Scheduler event

PLC
M10

Lamp

Scheduler
Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon
Name: Symbolic name for the event
Period: E.g once, every hour, every day, every month
Start date/time: The date and time for the first start of the interval. If a period is set
the defined tag will be set again after the specified time.

Duration: The length of the interval

Stop date/time: The date and time to reset the defined tag to 0. This value is used
when Stop Time Enable is checked

Dynamics
The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, and
visibility of an object, where the change is dependant on a tag value.
The properties are not the same for all objects
The properties that can be changed with dynamics are:
Move
Size
Fill color
Outline color
Visible

Blink
General properties (dependent of the selected object type)

Dynamics - Move
The dynamic signal Move changes the location of an object. The change is
based on a tag value.
To move an object vertically when a tag value changes:
Connect a tag
Move the ghost object in the screen to its final position. The coordinates for the
object is updated.
Press OK to save and close the Move Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics - Size
The dynamic signal Size changes the size of an object. The change is based on
a tag value.
To change the size of an object when a tag value changes:
Connect a tag
Resize the ghost object in the screen. The coordinates for the object is updated.

Press OK to save and close the Resize Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics Fill color

The dynamic signal Fill color changes the background color of an object. The
change is based on a tag value.
To change the color of an object when a tag value changes:
Connect a tag
Add colors for different intervals

Press OK to save and close the Fill Color Dynamics Editor

Dynamics Outline color

The dynamic signal Outline Color changes the frame color of an object. The
change is based on a tag value.
To change the frame color of an object when a tag value changes:
Connect a tag
Add colors for different intervals

Press OK to save and close the Outline Color Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics Blink
A dynamic blink function has been implemented in 1.20
Its possible to control the interval and when the object should blink using tags

Dynamics - Visible
The control in the Visible group determines if an object appears in the screen or
not. The visibility control is based on a tag value.
Select the tag that should control visibility. The object will be invisible on the
screen when the tag value is zero.

Dynamics General dynamics

Text
Text in for example Button and Text object can be based on values in tags

Foreground/Font Color
Foreground color can be based on values in tags. For an example a button foreground
color is the color of the button text

IsEnabled
Access to objects can be restricted on values in tags. This can for example be used to
disable a button

Offset/gain calculation
The presented value = Tags value x Gain + Offset
Tags value = (Panel value-Offset)/Gain

Temp: 25 C

D0 = 1000

25 C

Offset/gain calculation
Offset and Gain are configured in the Tags configuration grid.
Dont forget to change the tags data type to float (otherwise the scaled value
will be rounded up/down).

Index registers
Display value = the value in Register (the Objects address + the value in the
Index register)

If the value in indexRegister = 2 then the analog numeric (connected to D0 and

Index register 1) will present the value in D2

Importing an Information Designer application

Its possible to import an Information Designer application (EXTER) and convert
it to an iX-application

Importing an Information Designer application

Select the project that should be imported as well as where the converted
application should be stored
During the import, a log file of unsupported objects and functions is created. It
can be saved to disk for future reference.

Convert & resize applications

Its possible to convert applications from PC <-> iX Panel as well as changing the
resolution

Special controls
Two PC only Special controls are included
Screen Carousel

Navigation list box

Special controls Screen Carousel

Screen Carousel
High impact object that gives a very nice look for screen navigation
Rotating animation for screen selection
Easy to configure

Number of visible objects

Total number of objects
Quick connect to existing screens
Drop shadow

Special controls Navigation ListBox

Navigation List box
Easy menu creation
Scroll animation for screen selection
Touch friendly interface
Easy to configure
With or without text
Background color with gradients
Corner rounding

Text library
With the text library function, text tables can be created, where values are
linked to texts.

Possible to have gaps between values/texts

Possible to import/export text library items

Expressions
The Expressions functionality is used when connecting an object to a tag and the
purpose is not to use the tag value as it is
Expressions enable the user to e.g. extract a bit from an int, add a dynamic
offset or gain, and then to use this value for a specific object