Sunday, 1 June 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.

Some techniques which attempt to make the interaction more natural include automatic speech recognition or gestures used to send information to a computer. TTS allows you to send audio signal understandable by humans. Data gloves offer a more direct option to the mouse interaction. The HMIs try to immerse users in a virtual reality or augment reality. Interactive tables provide a strong coupling between the direct manipulation by users on a device and feedback.

On the computer side, technology design of computer graphics, operating systems, programming languages and development environments is important. On the human side, communication theory, linguistics, sociology and cognitive psychology are critical aspects. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of human-computer interaction, people with different levels of training contribute to its success.

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.

From an organic point of view, it is possible to distinguish three types of HMI: The acquisition interfaces: buttons, knobs, joysticks, computer keyboard, MIDI keyboard, remote control, motion sensor, microphone with voice recognition. The combined interfaces: touch screens, multi-touch control feedback. Games and virtual worlds such as Second Life, Everquest or Wolfenstein, where several players or users enjoy overall immersion in a common landscape, provide insight into new relationships that can be implemented through realistic interfaces.




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