Visualization - OverviewΒΆ
A visualization is a graphical representation of the project variables which allows inputs to the PLC program in online mode via mouse and keypad. The IEC 61131-3 editor for visualization, which is part of the programming system provides graphic elements which can be arranged as desired and can be connected with project variables. Thereupon in online mode the look of the graphical elements will change depending on the variables values.
Simple example: In order to represent a fill level, which is calculated by the PLC program, draw a bar and connect it to the corresponding project variable, so that the length and color of the bar will show the current fill level value. Add a text field which will display the current value in a text string and a button for starting and stopping the program.
The properties of a single visualization element as well as of the whole visualization object will be defined in appropriate configuration dialogs and in the Object Properties dialog. There it is possible to set basic parameters by activating options as well as to define a dynamic parameterizing by entering project variables.
Additional special possibilities for configuring are given by the programmability of element properties via structure variables.
Using placeholders in the configuration dialogs may save a lot of effort in case you want to use the same visualization object several times with different configurations.
The visualization which is created in the programming system will in many cases be used as the only user interface available for controlling and watching the associated PLC program in online mode. For this purpose it must be possible to give inputs to the program solely by activating visualization elements. To reach this you can use special input possibilities during the configuration of the visualization and you have the option to define special hotkeys for each particular visualization.
A visualization can later be used in different ways:
- It can be made available on IEC 61131-3 editor HMI, a special runtime system for operating the visualization in full screen mode on a PLC computer.
- It can be made available as a web visualization, which allows to call and operate it via the Internet (useful for remote maintenance purposes)
Example of a visualization: