Operator Interfaces

Description

Operating interfaces are the interface terminals that provide the users or operators with flexible means to interact with the computer system or any other machine. Operator interfaces permits the operator to manipulate a system as well as allows the system to indicate the effects of operator’s manipulation. They are also known as human machine interfaces (HMI) or man machine interfaces (MMI) or simply, user interfaces. Operating systems have alphanumeric or graphical displays such as flat panel displays (FPDs) that make use of liquid crystal display (LCD) or gas plasma technology. Operator interfaces vary in terms of the performance specifications such as random access memory (RAM), processor type, hard drive capacity, drive options as well as I/O ports.

Types

The different types of operator interfaces are given below:

Touch screen operator interfaces
Command line operator interfaces
Tactile operator interfaces
Web based user interfaces (WUI)
Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

Specifications

The main specifications needed for operator interfaces are given below:

Devices supported
Device dimensions
Operating temperature
Operating humidity
Vibration and shock ratings

Features

Some of the important features of operator interfaces are:

High performance
Web server enabled
Programmable
Data logging
Multi port connectivity
Protocol conversion ability
Enclosures for protection against dust and water

Applications

Some of the major applications of operator interfaces are given below:

Operator interfaces are extremely beneficial in remote PLC reprogramming and remote alarms maintenance
Mobile operator interfaces are used in industrial applications that require flexible machine operation and monitoring
Touch screen operator interfaces are used for interchange and display of graphics, animation and data to and from a PLC, by simply touching the screen
Operator interfaces are also used in diverse applications such as factory floor automation and reporting, water treatment, conveyor systems, tank gauging, etc
Operator interfaces are used in robotic applications