Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)

Maple Systems Graphic HMIs offer powerful alarm design features to monitor processes and notify the operator of abnormal operating conditions. Critical alarm notifications can be sent to key personnel via SMS or e-mail.

Alarm/event displays can be configured to show specific categories based on processes or priorities.

If a monitored process goes out-of-bounds, the displayed message can contain the actual value that triggered the alarm.

A triggered alarm/event can generate an audio alert over a PA system.

Critical alarm notifications can be sent from the HMI to key personnel via SMS text messages or e-mail. An e-mail can include a picture of an HMI window showing the process data.

Alarm data can be saved to HMI memory or USB/SD card and displayed in a History Event Display.

Alarm log files can be backed up to a PC on the local area network (Basic and Advanced) or accessed directly by logging on to the HMI as an FTP server.

When an alarm occurs, the date and time of the alarm can be stored in an event log file that is saved to HMI memory. This alarm/event data can be backed up to USB, SD card, or to a PC on the network (Basic and Advanced). Event log files can be imported back into the HMI if they are inadvertently erased.

On models with a HDMI video output, you can connect to a touch monitor to enable full control over the application, or to a large-screen television for displaying KPIs, trends, or other process data in your facility. Supports full HD resolution (1080p).

This feature is only available on select models, refer to product datasheets for more information, the EBPro Programming Manual.

To animate an object on the HMI screen to indicate motion or bring the operator's attention to a certain area of the screen is helpful. EBPro provides several methods of moving an object or indicating movement on the HMI screen.

The Flow Block is a special object that can be used to indicate movement or flow in a pipe. The speed and direction of the flow is controlled by a register in the PLC.

As an example, in a water/wastewater treatment plant, a water tank level may drop below a certain threshold causing a pump to turn on. A picture of a pump on the screen can be animated to indicate that the pump is turned on by rotating an impeller. In addition, water pipes leading from the pump to the tank on the HMI screen can be animated to look like water is moving through the pipes to the tank using the Flow Block.

To animate an object on the HMI screen to indicate motion or bring the operator's attention to a certain area of the screen is helpful. EBPro provides several methods of moving an object or indicating movement on the HMI screen.

Assign a picture or shape to the Animation object and have it move to predefined positions on the HMI screen. The movement and appearance can be controlled by the PLC based on values in registers, or the movement can be based on a predefined time interval.

Assign a picture or shape to the Moving Shape object and have it move anywhere on the screen under PLC control. The movement and appearance can be controlled by changing values in three consecutive registers (state, x-axis, y-axis).

A Word Lamp object can change states based on the value in a PLC register. Create three pictures where each picture rotates 120 degrees for each state. Changing the value in the register will make the picture appear to rotate.

Animated GIFs can be saved into the Picture Library and assigned to objects on the HMI screen. A standard library of 46 animated GIFs is included with EBPro.

As an example, in a water/wastewater treatment plant, a water tank level may drop below a certain threshold causing a pump to turn on. A picture of a pump on the screen can be animated to indicate that the pump is turned on by rotating an impeller. In addition, water pipes leading from the pump to the tank on the HMI screen can be animated to look like water is moving through the pipes to the tank using the Flow Block.

Provide feedback to the HMI operator with audio alerts for alarms and button presses. Audio alerts can also be controlled by the PLC or with the macro function.

An alarm can be configured to not only display a message on the HMI screen in an Alarm Display, but also playback an audio alert to notify the operator of the alarm condition.

Configure a button to beep once when the button is pressed to provide an audible indication of the action being initiated.

Configure an alarm, a button, or PLC Control to play an audio WAV file to notify the operator when an alarm or event occurs. Refer to specific product datasheets for more information on the models that support this feature.

Refer to our Controller Information Sheets for supported BACnet drivers or refer to the EBPro Programming Manual.

Maple Systems EBPro software provides options to easily create simple bar graphs to represent complex data, as well as support for multiple formats including floating point.

A bar graph can be configured to move up, down, left, or right, and can even be configured as a circular graph.

• Customizable colors
• Floating point support
• Tank level representation
• Dynamic alarms
• Target indicator
• High/Low color indicators for out-of-range conditions

How to create an HMI Application with Bar Graphs using EZware-5000 for Maple Systems HMIs.

EBPro has a built-in barcode scanner driver that can be used for connecting a serial or USB barcode scanner. Scanned data can be displayed on the HMI screen and transferred to a PLC.

The 2D Barcode object converts ASCII characters in a series of registers (up to 1024 registers) into a QR Code or Aztec code that displays on the HMI screen. The code can then be read by a scanning device (e.g., a mobile phone) to display text or go to a website.

Connect an Android phone or tablet equipped with a camera and the cMT Viewer app to a cMT Series HMI. The Android camera can scan 1D or 2D barcodes and the data will be written to the designated addresses.

Refer to specific product datasheets for more information on the models that support this feature.

Speed: CAN data transfer speeds far outperform traditional analog wiring since multiple messages can be sent simultaneously to all connected devices, sensors or actuators.

Flexibility: Because of its single cable, two-wire structure, CANbus offers enhanced installation and maintenance flexibility. CAN-connected systems not only contain significantly less wire, making them easier to install, but adding new components to a system requires far less development while also greatly reducing complications in diagnosing and addressing signal problems.

Reliability: In addition to being far less sensitive to magnetic interference than analog wiring, CAN communication also requires fewer cables and connectors, drastically cutting down on points of failure.

Cost: The lower hardware costs and minimal signal processing requirements make CAN an ideal solution for embedded applications requiring multi-processor communication on a budget.

Refer to specific product datasheets for more information on the models that support this feature.

Capacitive Screens Offer:

• Single/Multi-finger swipe, multi-finger tap, multi-finger hold, zoom, or pinch with all five fingers.
• Zoom in on pictures/video taken by inspection cameras right there on the screen. No need to get a mouse or keyboard to get a closer look.
• Scroll through on-screen operator instructions, documents, help files, websites, and other computer programs naturally.
• Use sliders to control analog outputs.
• Touch gestures can trigger various actions such as change window, set bit, set word, execute macro, popup window, keyboard input, and screen hardcopy. Triggering a sequence of actions using a single gesture is also possible.

This feature is only available on select Smart X Series models. Refer to product datasheets for more information or the EBPro Programming Manual.

• When cMT Diagnoser connects to an HMI, it immediately begins to monitor objects in the current window; furthermore, it can make the HMI screen change to another page.
• cMT Diagnoser can show not only connection status with other devices, but also the status of individual communication packets.
• When using MQTT, cMT Diagnoser can show details of messages published or subscribed.
• When debugging a macro, cMT Diagnoser provides line-by-line debugging and displays the values of the trace function output as well as all the declared variables.

This feature is only available in the Smart X Series, refer to the EBPro Programming Manual for more information.

cMT Viewer is a client application that enables users to view and control cMT devices and screens, quickly and easily. cMT Viewer runs the HMI project on the client device (PC, smartphone, or tablet). Only application data is exchanged between the cMT hardware, acting as a server, and the client device. This client/server architecture offloads CPU intensive tasks such as rendering project graphics from the cMT hardware to whatever client platform is used to connect to it. The cMT hardware's CPU is freed up for tasks such as PLC communication. This enables multiple client devices to connect to a single cMT server with each client device providing an interactive and responsive user experience.

Visit our cMT Viewer page for more information on how this feature works. Or the Support Center to download cMT Viewer app.

Data logging files can be created for a batch process (multiple files throughout the day), daily run (one file for the entire day) or multiple days (logged data from multiple days in one file).

• Capture data based upon time or triggered events
• Store data and/or screen shots in the HMI, then send them to a networked computer
• Display sampled data in a Trend Display or in a spreadsheet format (History Data Display)

Data log files can be backed up from the HMI to a networked server (Basic and Advanced), sent directly from the HMI to key personnel via email, uploaded via the built-in FTP server on the HMI, or saved to an attached USB disk or SD card.

Data log files can be displayed on a Trend Display in the same way that an electromechanical chart recorder was used to record data on a paper graph. There are two types of Trend Displays:

We are all familiar with the simple data management an industrial interface can offer: process data delivered visually on a screen as a number, bar graph, dial meter, etc. But Maple Systems Graphic HMIs offer many additional features that will take your process data off the factory floor, delivering it to your enterprise systems.

Data logging files can be created for a batch process (multiple files throughout the day), daily run (one file for the entire day) or multiple days (logged data from multiple days in one file).

Data log files can be backed up from the HMI to a networked server (Basic and Advanced), sent directly from the HMI to key personnel via email, uploaded via the built-in FTP server on the HMI, or saved to an attached USB disk or SD card.

Data log files can be displayed on a Trend Display in either a:

• Standard Trend Display (X=time; Y=recorded data)
• Circular Trend Display (circumference=time; radius=recorded data)

Historical data stored in HMI memory can be displayed in a tabular format with the History Data Display. The date and time for each data sample is displayed along with the sampled data value.

The MQTT feature allows the HMI to publish data to an MQTT broker for inspection and analysis.

Data log files and Event log files can be sent to a SQL server (MySQL or MS SQL) where it can be managed and analyzed.

When configured as an OPC UA Client, the HMI can read tags from an OPC UA Server and display them on the screen. When configured as an OPC UA Server (cMT Series), a SCADA application running as an OPC UA Client can access data on the HMI including PLC data by subscribing to tags created.

This feature is available in the Smart X Series.

Refer to our Real-Time Clock (RTC) Synchronization Tech Note or the EBPro Programming Manual for more information.

A critical process at a remote location requires attention. The HMI can send an email to key personnel to let them know of the situation. A screenshot of an HMI window showing relevant data can be attached to the email if desired.

Configure individual alarms to send an email to a specified group of recipients when the alarm is triggered. Create different groups (up to 16 groups) with various combinations of recipients for each group.

You use data sampling in the HMI to record process data. Once the process has completed, the HMI can send an email with the data log files attached, to a list of recipients for examination or archiving.

Configure the Backup Object to send an email with files attached to a specified group of recipients. It can send data log files, event log files, operation log files, or recipe files. The email can be triggered with the press of a button by the operator or by a bit or integer in the PLC. The data files or event log files can be sent in their native binary format (*.dtl or *.evt) or automatically converted to a *.csv file format, which can be opened directly in Excel or other spreadsheet application.

Configure the Email Settings in the System Parameters Email tab in EBPro along with a list of recipients. Email settings and contacts can be updated in the HMI from a USB flash drive or SD card containing the updated information.

In addition, contacts can be added or deleted from the HMI's contact list directly on an HMI window using the Contact Editor.

With our Graphic HMIs, bitmap images can be imported into EBPro, giving you control over the look and feel of your touchscreen application.

You are not limited to the images that come with your EBPro graphics library. You can import custom versatile color graphics to enhance your application and indicate various states of objects such as pumps, valves, motors, among others.

Imported graphics can be stored in a custom library that you create or stored directly in the project you are working on. A custom library can be accessed by other projects that you create, but the custom library must be copied to another computer if you wish to use it elsewhere. If the imported graphic is stored in the project, it will travel with the project to any other computer.

Expand your library to include custom project imagery including bitmap photographs, logos, photos, drawings, diagrams, and so on. Accepted file formats include bmp, jpg, gif, and png.

Utilize images for custom start-up screens, buttons, objects, or combined objects to perform any function assigned.

Graphics Library – EBPro comes with a well-stocked graphics library. Before importing a bitmap from some other source, explore the library first.

Customize – Import bitmaps into EBPro from a variety of sources, or create them in a drawing program, then import them.

Startup Screens – Import bitmaps to create custom startup screens with your company logo or a photo of your factory headquarters.

Vector Graphics – Create vector graphics using EBPro's drawing tools to augment bitmap graphics.

Training Screens – Use bitmaps to create training tutorials.

Create Groups – Bitmaps can be grouped with other bitmaps to create a new object.

Integrated Graphics – Combine bitmaps with data display items, such as meters and graphs, or combine bitmaps with active touch objects.

Simulation – Integrate bitmaps with objects. Group objects to simulate a running machine or other animated process. Don't forget to save your new creation in the user library for use on other pages or projects.

Status & States – Utilize bitmaps to show equipment status. For example, a process could be shown in green during operation, and red when stopped or paused.

The Multi-Language feature is a great resource for OEMs wanting to market to different countries.

• Change the language displayed on the HMI with the push of a button
• Create a table in the Label Library for objects you wish to assign multiple languages
• Configure multiple languages for each object in the table
• Up to eight languages can be selected and used at one time
• Create projects that can be easily changed to different languages for international markets

• Up to 24 languages are supported
• Each label in the Label Library can contain up to 24 languages

Read more about the Tag Library features in the EBPro Programming Manual.

Anyone familiar with C or Visual Basic programming will feel right at home writing macros in EBPro. An API editor makes formatting function calls a snap. Use drop-down list to select the function and parameters, then click OK. The code is written for you, avoiding typing and syntax errors.

If there is an operation you want to call repeatedly in one macro, in several macros, or across different projects, the code doesn't have to be re-entered every time. Instead, add a function to the macro library. Once added, the function can be called from a regular macro and will be visible to select from the API window. You can also (1) create a new project and the function will still be there (2) export the function for the rest of your team to use. Comments added in the function library automatically appear in the API window.

Once a macro is written, the question becomes how and when to run it. The HMI offers different ways to trigger macros. Run the macro when a button is pressed, when the HMI powers up, when a specific window opens or closes, or run the macro on a periodic basis. The PLC can trigger a macro to start or specify a logic condition that triggers execution.

Sometimes the data you get from the PLC isn't in the format you want. And sometimes a simple linear scaling operation just won't cut it. The HMI can deal with any scaling operation you can think of and more. When a tag is created in the tag library, it can be tied to a custom macro. Wherever the tag is used in the project you see the result of the scaling operation, not the raw PLC data. If you update the macro, the scaling operation is updated everywhere the tag is used.

For example, if the PLC gave you a temperature in Celsius but you wanted to display the value on the HMI in Fahrenheit during the week and Kelvin on weekends, you could do that.

Want to connect to a device that has a custom ASCII interface? The free protocol is a generic device driver that can use any of the HMI's com ports (RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet, USB). Then you can use the INPORT and OUTPORT functions in a macro to read and write ASCII strings directly to and from the selected port. Built-in string manipulation functions help you parse the incoming string and convert it to any data format.

The Media Player object available on select models allows playback of media files on the HMI screen. The media file is stored on a USB flash drive or SD card connected to the HMI. This is ideal for displaying maintenance instruction videos to operators. The media player supports the following formats: avi, flv, mov, mp3, mp4, mpg/mpeg, wav.

Maple Systems meters and gauges simulate easy-to-read analog controls. They can be customized to suit your unique application, allowing you to present relevant data in a visual manner such as temperature, current, pressure, speed, etc.

Important features include:

• 0 to 360 degrees of start-stop ranges on circular types of gauges and meters
• Select Clockwise or Counterclockwise rotation
• Customize colors for background, frame, needle, and tick mark
• Optional tick marks show calibration or measurement
• Different needle styles - choose from six needles types
• High-Low-Normal range limits can be set
• Displays all numeric formats
• Meter background can be set to transparent to incorporate custom background

Sample project: Meter – Counter Clockwise rotation

Use a macro and conversion tag to implement a counterclockwise rotation of the Meter Display in EBPro.

To access the data of the PLC connected to HMI with SCADA software (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), the former way was to transfer PLC data to the HMI's local address first, and then use MODBUS TCP/IP protocol on PC to read HMI local address to get PLC data.

Now by using MODBUS TCP/IP Gateway provided by EBPro, the mapping of MODBUS address to PLC address can be defined first, and then one can directly use MODBUS TCP/IP protocol to access PLC data.

Watch our "Using a Maple Systems HMI as a Modbus Gateway" Video to learn how to implement this feature.

Read more about the Modbus feature in the EBPro Programming Manual. Or refer to our Controller Information sheets in our Support Center.

Maple Systems Advanced HMIs and Smart X Series HMIs support the MQTT standard version 3.1.1. This allows them to act as either MQTT Brokers (Servers) or MQTT Clients. Typically, HMIs are used as MQTT Clients to publish process data to a central MQTT Server. Commonly used MQTT Brokers, which are supported by both the Advanced and cMT Series include, for example: Mosquitto, HiveMQ, RabbitMQ, and EMQX.

The Smart cMT Series also supports Public Cloud Provider Integrations for MQTT, including those of Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Additionally, the Smart cMT Series supports the Sparkplug B MQTT specification, which is designed to make it easier to track the state of sessions (connections) between the Client and Server. Various SCADA systems, such as Ignition by Inductive Automation, include built-in support for Sparkplug B, as does RabbitMQ via the MQTT plugin.

Maple Systems Industrial PCs, Box PCs, and Panel PCs are the perfect host system for SCADA software and MQTT Server software. MQTT is supported in AVEVA^™ Edge SCADA software, the license for which can be bundled with your purchase of any Industrial PC by Maple Systems.

Data is organized into Topics in MQTT. Maple Systems HMIs can publish data either periodically (Time-based) or whenever a value changes (Trigger-based; a.k.a. "Report by Exception").

Data are separated into individual Tags (values) and then published under a given Topic.

Any MQTT Client can subscribe to Topics via the MQTT Broker, whether that Broker is running on another HMI, or, as is more often the case, on another PC, Cloud-based Server, or SCADA System. Clients can subscribe to all topics, or just specific topics, from the Broker.

With Offline Simulation, you do not need to have the PC connected to the PLC. A simulated HMI screen will run on the PC that shows you how things will look on the HMI as you develop your project. All PLC values displayed in the project will revert to zero or off.

With Online Simulation, connect your PC to the PLC over either Ethernet or a serial port (a USB-to-serial converter can be used with the PC). The simulator will interact with your PLC program and display data just as if the HMI were connected to the PLC. This can save development time since you don't have to download to the HMI every time you make a change to your project in order to test it with the PLC.

Note: The Online Simulator will time out after 10 minutes and stop communicating with the PLC. Simply close the simulator and restart it to begin another 10 minute session.

Watch our video Using Simulation Mode or read more about Off-line and On-line Simulation in the EBPro Programming Manual.

Maple Systems cMT HMIs, Gateways, and Servers support both Client and Server Roles in OPC UA. Our Advanced HMIs support the OPC UA Client role.

Our cMT HMIs and cMT Gateways come with a pre-activated OPC UA license, as does our cMT-SVR-OPCUA model. (An OPC UA license can be purchased separately for other models of cMT-SVR, including the cMT-SVR-202 with Wi-Fi.)

In OPC UA applications typically Maple Systems customers deploy cMT HMIs, Gateways and Servers as OPC UA Clients, and connect to an OPC UA Server hosted on a PC or Cloud-based Server. Our Industrial PC, Box PC, and Panel PC product lines may be used as the host system for a SCADA platform, such as AVEVA^™ Edge, which has OPC UA Server built-in functionality.

Having established communication with a SCADA System or OPC UA Server, our Advanced and cMT HMIs can publish process variables from all connected PLCs and controllers.

When used as an OPC UA Server, our cMT Products can make data available to any connecting client, such as another cMT HMI, a SCADA system, or any of a number of freely available 3rd party OPC UA Viewer programs meant for testing and debugging, such as OPC UA Explorer by Matrikon OPC or OPC UA Viewer by CommServer.

Learn more about OPC UA

This can eliminate the need to disconnect the PLC from the HMI when it is necessary to configure either the HMI or the PLC. Pass-through mode is only available on HMIs with an Ethernet port. An Ethernet connection from the PC to the HMI is required to initiate pass-through mode, even when using serial pass-through mode.

• PDF Reader cannot be opened using simulation mode or cMT Viewer.
• The PDF files protected by passwords or restrictions cannot be read using PDF Reader.
• CPU loading may rise when multiple PDF Reader objects are opened simultaneously.
• When entering a page number in the Page Control register under multi-page view mode, the specified page will be opened in single-page view.

This feature does not work remotely on cMT Viewer.

The Smart Series HMI support combo setting for Pie Chart, which allows setting of multiple related objects at a time. Pie chart can be set with Background and Legend.

A recipe is used to store data in internal HMI non-volatile memory for multiple batch operations or control processes that require a different set of data depending on the batch or process being run. Simply select the batch or process you wish to run by name in the Recipe View and download the corresponding set of data to the PLC with the press of a button.

The recipe feature is used to create preset variables in the HMI for different batch operations. Manage batch processes and easily select different batch variables to download to the PLC.

The values in the recipe registers are stored in non-volatile memory in the HMI and can be modified by the operator in the Recipe View. and acted upon by the HMI program. They are then sent to the PLC to attain a desired result – all with one click of a button.

• Upload and Download Recipe files via USB, SD Card, or Ethernet
• Modify Recipes using the Recipe View or Recipe Database Editor

• Use the Recipe View object to select individual recipes to download to the PLC
• Add, delete, or modify recipe records in the recipe view.

• Open and edit the recipe database file in the Recipe Database Editor

If recipe data is changed in the PLC, it can be uploaded to the HMI and saved in the recipe database in the HMI.

• Export recipe data from the HMI to a USB flash drive or SD card as a CSV file, edit it in an external text editor, and import it back into the HMI.

Import recipe data from a cMT Series connected as a remote HMI.

The cMT Server stores the recipes used by all on-site machines in a recipe database.

The cMT Server stores the recipes used by all on-site machines in a recipe database. When the user changes the data in the recipe database, the new recipe data will automatically be downloaded from the Server to the Clients. Similarly, when the user would like to change recipe on the Client HMI, the most recent data can be obtained from the Server.

This video covers the configuration of recipes and creation of a project that uses recipes.

In today's IIoT world, security is a top priority. Demands for instantaneous data from all levels of production have put increased pressure on OEMs and systems integrators to provide remote access to the manufacturing plant. Just as important though, is ensuring that the safety of employees and protection of company equipment and intellectual property is not compromised. Maple Systems HMIs provide several layers of security features that keep your control system safe, yet still accessible to personnel located outside the plant.

Represent complex related data in a simple format using a Trend Display.

• Display data in real-time with a Trend Display, plotting sampled data (Y-axis) vs. time (X-axis) in graphical format
• Display data in real-time with a Circular Trend Display, plotting sampled data (radius) vs. time (circumference) in a graphical format (Advanced HMIs)
• Display historical data with a Trend Display or in table format using the History Data Display

• Up to 64 channels
• Time reference on X axis (circumference for Circular Trend Display)
• Data values on Y axis (radius for Circular Trend Display)
• Display real-time or historical data
• Hold feature
• Watch Line feature
• Save data in CSV format for later retrieval
• Pause, playback, rewind, fast forward
• Pixel or time-based layout
• Time and/or Date options
• Hide scroll buttons

• Up to 64 channels
• Data displayed in columnar format
• Each row is one time-stamped data sample
• Each column contains the sampled data
• Displays historical data but updates in real-time

Select Model Select your HMI model. Please note that if the model is incorrect, certain features may not work correctly.

USB and IP camera video support is included on select HMI models.* This feature allows you to connect a USB or IP video camera to the HMI to monitor your control system on the HMI screen.

• Monitor Process Status – video for remote operational viewing. Or stream live video of your process to help the operator see areas that are hidden from normal view.
• Security – Use video as an added surveillance feature for your process or operation.
• Quality Control – Use video as a quality control inspection tool for your process.
• Safety – Utilize video to help you observe adherence to safety protocols or to monitor hazardous operations.
• Record Events – Capture images at specified times and save images from video when viewing Windows® are closed. You can capture still images up to 10 seconds before and after an event is triggered for event analysis.
• General Viewing or Playback – You may also upload video files to the HMI via USB for playback and training purposes.

The Media Player object is a powerful audio-visual addition, use it to play videos, show important messages, exhibit crucial warnings, and display advertising. It can also be used an analysis tool for your quality assurance program.

Play sound, video, and animations in your HMI application.

• Media Player supports the following actions: forward, reverse, play, pause, zoom, next, previous, volume.

In recent years, there has been a vast improvement in HMI remote monitoring abilities. Remote control of the HMI means remote control of the PLCs and controllers that command the automation process. This opens a new universe of logistical improvements in the control process.*

Monitoring your automation process from a remote location has never been easier and offers many process control benefits.* What does that mean for the everyday operation of your plant?

• The grounds keeper at the golf course can operate several water sprinkling systems at the same time
• The manager at the packaging plant can monitor his shrink-wrap machine from his office
• The head custodian can adjust the air conditioning in his office complex even though he's across town

Product video: VNC Control [ 2 min. 28 sec. ]
This video covers the basic VNC setup for a Maple Systems HMI. Maple Systems HMIs have a VNC Server that allows remote communication with remote laptop, desktop PC, cell phone, or other remote device.

* Please note: While some HMI and RMI products enable users to monitor and control processes remotely, Maple Systems advises against remotely controlling any system/process which could potentially cause injury/death to the machine operator, other persons, equipment, or the facility itself. If any Maple Systems product is used in said manner, Maple Systems does not assume any liability for damages which may occur as a result.

Note: The cMT-SVR does not support the VNC Viewer and VNC Viewer cannot be simulated in on-line simulation mode. Read more about the VNC Viewer feature in the EBPro Programming Manual.

Many products today include simple web interfaces that allow operators to see important info or to control the device. This is especially true of new IoT devices. Examples include:

• Any device with a built-in web server interface, including PLCs
• AI cameras or vision system used for quality control
• Robot arm programming interfaces
• Custom weather recorder stations

In the past integrating this type of equipment with an existing HMI project would mean using complicated protocols and recreating the device's user interface. Or finding another screen to show the interface on. Now, simply place the PLC Web Browser object and configure it with the device's IP address. The device interface (or dashboard) is visible on the HMI, seamlessly incorporated into your larger HMI project.

Now you can display information like an OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) dashboard, phone lists, schedules, training manuals or inventory status. Operators now have the information they need right where they need it. Simply point the Web Browser Object to your intranet url or IP address.

Use the HMIs System Keyboard or add an external keyboard to the X Series HMI to allow the user to fill in incident reports, forms, or workorders right from the HMI using the Web Browser feature.

Companies can use their company website, or any website, as the Smart X Series HMI screen saver. This would allow the X Series HMI to become an advertisement for new machines, allowing people who are currently using your machine to see ads for new product offerings.

Not only would they see your company logo, but they would be able to view all the features they are missing out on by not upgrading to the latest model. Because you can create your own webpage, you would be able to determine what pages and information is available to view.

You can set-up multiple windows in the HMI project that display specific web pages or web servers, and choose to show or hide the navigation bar and add additional security (passwords) to restrict user access to web pages.

Read our Case Study about how an OEM used the PLC Web Browser feature to allow the operator to view a VideoJet printer HTML page.

Wi-Fi creates the opportunity to implement high-speed communications with a low investment. The HMI5103L has the ability to connect to an existing Wi-Fi network and send information to the network without requiring new Ethernet cabling, network drops, etc. This portability means that there is now added flexibility that comes with the monitoring. The HMI connects securely to the Wi-Fi network and uses it to forward requested PLC data.

Additionally, a Wi-Fi enabled HMI lets the organization keep its bandwidth requirements low because they can choose the extent of the HMI's imprint on their network. Other methods require the HMI and PLC to be on the same network, which can increase overall bandwidth usage exponentially. Keeping the HMI and PLC on separate subnets allows for full bandwidth usage on the wired Ethernet connection, while maintaining low bandwidth usage via the wireless.

Security is paramount in today's technologically advanced times. But so is connectivity. Many PLCs take advantage of Ethernet communication to transmit data to a monitoring device such as an HMI. Plant corporate networks, of course, can also run via Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking. But how do you get data from the PLC to your corporate network without the bandwidth or security sacrifices entailed by placing your PLC on the same network?

Maple Systems Wi-Fi HMI can connect via Ethernet or serial to your PLC on a local control network, and use its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to send pertinent information to users via the plant network. The PLC can transmit everything to the HMI without having to deal with slowdowns or network traffic, and the HMI can maintain a connection to the plant network for VNC monitoring, sending status reports, data log files, and email alarms. In the event of a catastrophic issue causing the main company network to go down, the HMI maintains its PLC connection, which means the machine stays up and running.

For the industrial communications network side, an extensive library of industrial protocol drivers allow the HMI to connect to nearly any PLC on the market. Multiple protocols for different devices and different manufacturers can be used simultaneously, gathering massive amounts of data in real-time, displaying it in a digestible, intuitive way to the plant floor operator.

On the Wi-Fi network side, when exposed to the Internet, the HMI offers many user-friendly tools to satisfy end-user remote connectivity demands:

• Send emails when an alarm occurs, embedding process data and images in the message to alert responsible parties located anywhere in the world.
• Log data in the HMI and access it remotely via a built-in FTP server. Log data directly to a computer on one of the LAN ports or send data or alarm logs to a remote location via email.
• VNC or EasyAccess 2.0 allows for remote viewing and control of the HMI screens from an offsite location.
• Modbus TCP/IP gateway aggregates data from multiple PLCs using different protocols and serves the aggregated data on the second Ethernet port to an enterprise wide SCADA system.

• Refer to product landing pages or individual product pages to learn more about which products support Wi-Fi.