http://www.controleng.com/ en http://www.controleng.com/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.controleng.com/ 18 16 TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Mon, 20 May 2013 11:31:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/build-os-neutral-mobile-interfaces-for-automation-monitoring-control-applications/9aa6042db560099898d8bd3c76ebfe7d.html Opto 22 groov is a new system for building simple, effective web-based interfaces to monitor and... “groov” is Opto 22’s new system for building simple, effective Web-based interfaces to monitor and control systems and equipment using computers and mobile devices. Using only a Web browser, groov allows fast design and deployment web-based automation, monitoring, and control applications that work on most computers and mobile devices regardless of operating system (OS). It allows mobile, visible, accessible, and simple screen development.
Opto 22 calls groov a “human device interface” (HDI) instead of a human machine interface (HMI) because it takes the regular HMI in a different direction: towards the tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices that have become part of home and professional lives. Opto 22 developed groov with HMI best practices in mind, including those defined by the “High Performance HMI Handbook,” providing the tools to build high-performance, intelligible information and control screens. The new system is not intended to directly replace an HMI, but to augment HMI systems by making important information easily available on almost any mobile device or large, flat-screen HDTV, mounted high for monitoring key performance metrics (KPIs) or other parameters. Totally new software “This is unlike anything being offered,” Benson Hougland, Opto 22 vice president of marketing and product development, told CFE Media. All software is included, accessible via any browser, without plug-ins, without downloads, no per-user licenses, no tag limits, with nothing else to buy or install, Hougland explained. “This make software as easy as possible to use; groove Build has pre-drawn touch-screen-enabled gadgets,” Hougland said. Screens are distributed via an HTTPS URL with secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption. Prior attempts to mimic operator interface screens in a browser have been poor, Hougland explained, with limited scalability. This system uses HTML5 to scale graphics, buttons, labels, images, live video, trends – everything – to the screen size. The only software needed is a browser. On the development page for the software, another tab allows tweaking or reordering to optimize gadget location with screen shape, but scaling works fine, even without changes, as a demonstration showed. “Application development can be done quickly and is fully scalable, from large-screen high-definition television to an iPod Touch in kiosk mode, operating as a light switch,” Hougland said. It eliminates programming, reprogramming, and server commissioning and deploys changes automatically. App optimizes performance on smart phones and tablets groov View apps for iOS and Android control how groov browser-based operator interfaces are displayed on smartphones, tablets, and other devices. The free groov View apps are an optional part of the larger package. Using the groov View app instead of a browser visually simplifies the interface on a mobile device by displaying it full screen and without browser menus. This option focuses the user's attention on the operator interface screen by removing navigation buttons, favorites, and the URL bar visible in most mobile device web browsers, and makes a groov interface function like a native app for that operating system. The groov View app includes options to leave time and other device information visible at the top of the screen as well as to switch between the views-desktop or handheld-developed for the operator interface. User access to the operator interface can be password protected. The groov View app is ideal for OEMs and system integrators using an iOS or Android device as the operator interface to their systems or equipment. When used on iOS devices like the iPod Touch, iPhone, iPad, and iPad mini, the iOS operating system can be configured to limit the user to using only groov View for iOS. Generally referred to as "kiosk mode," iOS's Guided Access feature lets an administrator restrict the iOS device to a single app, disable the hardware buttons, and keep the device from sleeping, effectively providing a low-power, low-cost, wireless, touchscreen operator interface locked down for an intended use only. Product features The product consists of an Opto 22 groov: - Box – Industrially hardened appliance that interfaces with Opto 22 control systems and runs the groov web application. - Build – Web application’s mode for creating a groov project (the interface). - View – Web application’s mode for running a groov project in any modern web browser. - View for iOS – iOS app for groov View (optional). - View for Android –Android app for groov View (optional). Version 1 will be available in April for use with SNAP PAC controllers, and version 2 with OPC connectivity is expected this summer, Hougland said. Pre-orders will be taken starting March 13. - Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, Plant Engineering, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, mhoske@cfemedia.com. www.groov.com  www.opto22.com  - This article was originally posted Feb. 28, 2013, with information from Opto 22 and updated May 14 by Peter Welander with additional information about groov View apps for iOS and Android.]]> System Integration Information Control Process Control Machine Control Sustainable Engineering Manufacturing IT Slider Homepage Item - CTL HMIs and Operator Interfaces New Products Industrial Networks Tue, 14 May 2013 22:33:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/power-control-systems/e655a88c7d8daba7291f0a261ee94de6.html Russelectric on-site power control systems are equipped with dual programmable logic controls... All Russelectric on-site power control systems are equipped with dual programmable logic controls (PLCs) for automatic generator set starting and stopping, status and alarm annunciation, synchronizing, and priority load control. A primary PLC system operation with a backup PLC running the same program as the primary. If the primary PLC fails, the backup PLC assumes operational control. If both PLCs were to fail, a manual control system allows operating personnel to synchronize and parallel the generators onto the bus, as well as to add and shed load. This built-in redundancy is included in all Russelectric on-site power control systems. The instruments and other devices that facilitate manual operation (including generator main bus volt meter, frequency meter, and synchroscope) are mounted on a hinged panel that can be specified to swing either left or right for easy viewing from adjacent control cubicles during manual operation. Russelectric custom designs and builds power control and synchronizing switchgear systems in low- and medium-voltage ratings for single- and multi-unit on-site power generators.  Russelectric  www.russelectric.com ]]> Products SyndicationType: Product Release SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Syndication: Electrical (distribution generation protection) Syndication: Energy Management (modeling audit tax credits) Syndication: Power (smart grid generation standby power mission critical power mobile on-site transmission) Syndication: Automation & Controls (building automation system building automation controls BACnet energy dashboards energy simulators) PLCs and PACs New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Tue, 14 May 2013 01:20:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/ultrasonic-flowmeter/d3b024bcfe499a2c4b4239e26efacc56.html The Daniel 3818 Liquid Ultrasonic Flowmeter by Emerson Process Management is designed for marine... Emerson Process Management's Daniel 3818 liquid ultrasonic flowmeter for liquefied natural gas applications are specifically designed for reducing flow measurement uncertainty throughout the LNG value chain. This meter is ideal for many marine and offshore applications, including custody transfer and allocation measurement.  The 3818 provides a linearity within ±0.15% and a meter factor uncertainty of ± 0.027% due to its multi-plane British Gas design, fast signal processing, and advanced transducer technology. Improvements in measurement uncertainty equate to a reduction in risk of the financial transaction. Additional metering points on rundown lines can also improve process control.  With a redundant 4-path, multi-plane configuration that is the equivalent of two 4-path meters in a single body, the Daniel 3818 Ultrasonic Meter utilizes two independent transmitters — one for each set of four chordal paths. This ensures complete measurement redundancy and the ability to poll each 4-path meter separately. Acoustic processing is performed by specialized electronics designed to achieve high sampling rates, provide stable ultrasonic signals and optimal low flow response, delivering accurate, stable and reliable measurement.   Each Daniel 3818 Ultrasonic Meter is calibrated at Daniel’s ISO/IEC 17025 certified flow calibration facility using a static zero flow test on liquid nitrogen and a full dynamic test on water. The 3818 offers all the advantages of transit time and inline ultrasonic flow meters. They are full-bore meters with no internal moving parts to wear or drift, providing for low pressure drop and minimizing the risk of LNG flashing. Also available in large sizes, ultrasonic meters are well suited for high volume LNG transfers which equates to faster tanker loading and offloading.  Emerson Process Management www.emersonprocess.com ]]> Process Control New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Mon, 13 May 2013 15:27:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/dual-robot-controller/97ac2b33f124f7d75bbcaa561e8d9e30.html The MLX100 Robot Gateway by Yaskawa Motoman offers a PLC and robot integration that programs... Yaskawa Motoman has enhanced functionality of dual-robot control with its MLX100 Robot Gateway. MLX100 enables controlling and programming of Motoman robots entirely within the ControlLogix platform, eliminating the need for an additional controller or language for robotic application development.  MLX100 offers a seamless PLC and robot integration as robots are programmed through the same PLC ladder logic code that is widely used for controlling peripheral equipment such as filling machines, packaging machines and conveyors. This modular, unified control architecture allows faster robotic application development.  A multitude of applications are possible on the MLX100 platform, including applications requiring vision guidance and line tracking: assembly, part transfer, picking, sorting, kitting, case packing, palletizing and de-palletizing. Select Motoman robots (4-7 axis; 5-300 kg payload) are available with the MLX100 Robot Gateway. Any combination of the available models can be used for dual-robot applications.   Yaskawa Motoman www.motoman.com  See other motion control products from Control Engineering.]]> System Integration Machine Control New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Tue, 07 May 2013 19:33:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/open-frame-monitors-for-lcd-touch-screens/0cf6eae28a84a1affabd8736bae64de2.html American Industrial Systems' open frame monitors with industrial TFT-LCD touch screen are designed... American Industrial Systems Inc's. (AIS) has supplied open frame monitors with industrial TFT-LCD touch screen for industrial OEMs and manufacturers as well as automation control and process systems designed to help simplify all aspects of machine-to-machine interface applications. AIS open frame LCD monitors are fully-integrated, commercially off-the-shelf units that combine high-performance resistive touch screen and projected capacitive touch multi touch screen technologies, long-life lamp/LED unit and easy lamp/LED unit in industrial-grade LCD flat panels, with sleek and flush mount open frame front surface industrial design. The rugged all steel frames and highly-durable glass front surface provide the durability needed for demanding industrial environments. AIS full-range resistive touch open frame monitors are available in screen sizes from 8.4" to 21.5", while projected capacitive multi touch screen open frame monitors are in screen sizes 15" to 21.5". American Industrial Systems, Inc. (AIS) www.aispro.com ]]> Information Control Manufacturing IT New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Mon, 06 May 2013 14:07:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/pcs-for-marine-environments/b75a1739930f3893d723502ea555fb9b.html Marine PCs by American Industrial Systems are designed to comply with marine equipment standards... American Industrial Systems, Inc. (AIS) has supplied and manufactured marine PCs with rugged touch screen interface comply with marine equipment standards to meet the demands of IEC 60945, DNV 2.4, and IACS-E10 (international standard for maritime navigation and radio communications equipment and systems) needed to withstand the harsh maritime environment requiring low EMI or long-term vibration resilience. These units are specifically designed to fully operate under harsh maritime conditions; and suitable for bridge control display, navigation, monitoring and ship automation applications. AIS marine computers are DNV certified for a range of extreme conditions including temperature, humidity, vibration, EMC compatibility and enclosures; with environmental ratings for enclosures based on NEMA 4, 4X, IP65, IP67 type for degree of protection against falling dirt, rain, windblown dust, splashing water, hose-directed water, and corrosion. These marine PC computers also offer a range of industrial features such as optional optical bonding, wide view angles, and full range dimming. The touchscreen panel is fully integrated with the computer to reduce system integration costs. Full support is provided for wide range of panel resolutions in order to meet the specific requirements of many different marine applications. AIS professional high quality design provides marine users with reliable, cost-efficient, and ready to run solutions. AIS COTS rugged marine display computers are offered in screen sizes from 10.4 in" to 24". American Industrial Systems, Inc. (AIS) www.aispro.com ]]> Information Control Manufacturing IT New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Product Release Mon, 06 May 2013 13:57:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/products-used-in-unified-robotics-platform-for-packaging/c006dbcb85d374ae78623fd1448a2bf6.html Rockwell Automation programmable automation controllers (PACs), I/O modules, motors, servo drives,...

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PAC provides an integrated platform for motion and machine control, and one programming environment accessible to operators via an Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface.

Allen-Bradley Kinetix multiaxis servo drives allow easy speed and position adjustments, and fast product changeovers.

Allen-Bradley GuardLogix safety system provides safety and standard control in one package, and simplifies integrating robotics into a production line.

Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays provide compliance with global safety standards when integrating robots into machines.

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network as other components for simplified machine design and production line operation.

The Logix Control Platform manages robot kinematics and synchronizes separate tracking, handling, and vision systems. It includes an Allen-Bradley 1756-L72 ControlLogix controller with a SERCOS (Serial Real-time Communications System) interface motion module. End users can easily share production information across all equipment through one EtherNet/IP network. EtherNet/IP, an ODVA Ethernet protocol, uses the same TCP/IP protocol suite that is used for the Internet, with the open connectivity and global acceptance of standard Ethernet and the real-time performance and security of fieldbus networks. Cama Group engineers can link optical character recognition and optical character verification vision systems to the Rockwell Automation products in the robotic cell via EtherNet/IP. The system uses Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 and Kinetix 6500 servo drives, which help eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network and allow users to support high-performance drives, I/O, smart actuators, and any other EtherNet/IP-connected device on a common network. In addition, Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives with safe-off function reside on the same EtherNet/IP network for simplified machine design and production line operation. The Allen Bradley MP Series Low Inertia servo motors fit compact space requirements while meeting the demands of the high-performance motion system. The Rockwell Automation team conducted a safety risk assessment and implemented an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix integrated safety system, which allows for safety and standard control on one platform, alleviates complicated hardwiring, and reduces engineering time. The system is compliant with global safety standard EN ISO 13849-1. As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the GuardLogix PAC uses the same configuration, networking, and visualization environment. An Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus human-machine interface provides operators and maintenance personnel with visibility to all machine events—including safety events. Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays manage safety on smaller, individual machines with the robot system. Allen-Bradley, ControlLogix, GuardLogix, Guardmaster, Integrated Architecture, Kinetix, MP-Series, PanelView, and PowerFlex are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc. EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA. - Mike Wagner is global segment business manager for packaging at Rockwell Automation. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation Plant Safety and Security May SyndicationType: Product Release Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:02:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/pc-based-control-products-used-on-the-pattyn-machines/0b84637165b0badfadd63030c28ce488.html Application uses Beckhoff CX1010 Embedded PC with directly connected EtherCAT Terminals; Beckhoff... The integrated Pattyn Ceflex-21 bag-in-box packaging machine is controlled by the Beckhoff CX1010 Embedded PC with directly connected EtherCAT Terminals. In addition to the standard I/O terminals, the Beckhoff EL7041 and EL7031 stepper motor terminals control the stepper motors. Beckhoff PC-based control technology allows integration of other vendors’ systems and devices without problems; openness of the PC controller makes it easier to manufacture custom machines, according to Pattyn Packing Lines. Pattyn said it would use Beckhoff control technology for its entire machine portfolio, including future addition of Beckhoff touchscreens.  Pattyn Packing Lines, a family-owned business based in Bruges, Belgium, has more than 30 years of experience in packaging machines based on the bag-in-box principle. The company offers carton erecters, bag placers, fillers, and bag and carton closers. Food products are counted, weighed, filled, and packed in cartons or crates with a made-to-measure inner bag. The company constantly invests in the development of new technologies and machines to ensure a high degree of automation with all-around product protection. - Information from Beckhoff Automation. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager CFE Media, Control Engineering, and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. ONLINE www.pattyn.com  www.beckhoff.com  For more about the Pattyn application, see: PC-based controls help packaging machines, linked below.]]> May SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Syndication: Controllers (PACs PLCs IPCs Loop Controllers DCS Relays Embedded Controllers) Syndication: Machine and Motion Control (Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric) Robotics New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:11:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/programming-software-reduces-engineering-speeds-commissioning/02ff40ffc471ff73d497502799db4ff9.html At the 2013 Hannover Messe, Siemens showed its Simatic Step 7 Professional V12 programming... At the 2013 Hannover Messe, Siemens showed its Simatic Step 7 Professional V12 programming software. The company said its “most comprehensive engineering software shortens time to market.” Siemens Step 7 Professional is “the ultimate engineering tool for configuration and programming for all Simatic controllers,” the company said. Simatic WinCC Basic also is included for simple visualization tasks with Simatic Basic Panels. Step 7 V12 software, serving every phase of the production life cycle, enables:

• Reduced engineering times thanks to innovative programming language innovations, integrated functions and graphical configuration
• Fast commissioning with efficient error localization with integrated system diagnostics, real-time trace and high-performance online functions
• Short downtimes with easy remote maintenance and diagnostics with Web server and teleservice
• Investment security with reusable components, libraries, and compatibility.

With intuitive and efficient features, Siemens Step 7 V12 connect to the Siemens Totally Integrated Automation Portal offering programming transparency, intelligent user navigation, and straightforward workflows with functions such as drag and drop, copy and paste, and AutoCompletion to make work much quicker and easier, the company said. It has IEC-661131-3 programming languages, powerful editors, and high-performance compilers with structured text (SCL), ladder diagram (LAD), function block diagram (FBD), statement list (STL), programming sequence controls (GRAPH). Option packages S7-SCL, S7-GRAPH, S7-PLCSim, system documentation, and TeleService family from Step 7 V5.5 are already integrated in Step 7 Professional V12 and do not require additional licenses. Holders of the software update service Step 7 Professional receive Simatic Step 7 Professional V12 automatically. - Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, and Plant Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. ONLINE See Siemens Step 7, Safety advanced V11 See other Siemens Hannover Fair developments]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation Share on PE New Products SyndicationType: Product Release Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:23:00 -0400 http://www.controleng.com/industry-news/single-article/simulation-and-modeling-software/d670dc2472b1e5b6aad1db58e231395a.html MSC Software’s Adams and Easy5 Simulation software models and simulates motion control systems to... In the past, Armor found it difficult to model the complicated mechanisms and motion control systems involved in roll coating. This challenge was overcome with the use of Adams and Easy5, which enable control systems to be integrated into mechanical system simulations to optimize system performance. Adams, the world’s most widely used multibody dynamics simulation software, automatically formulates and solves the equations of motion for kinematic, static, quasi-static, and dynamic simulations. Easy5 is a graphics-based software tool used to model multi-domain dynamics systems characterized by differential, difference, and algebraic equations such as digital and analog control systems. Integration is accomplished with the Adams interface block in an Easy5 model that provides inputs from Easy5 into Adams and vice versa. An Adams model of a machine defined the rolls as cylinders and added connections between them to represent the gearing in the machine. It included material properties of the PET web and friction between the web and the rolls based on physical measurements. Easy5 simulated the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) closed-loop motion controller. “I found it very easy to define both the physical and control model with Adams and Easy5,” Hubert said. Hubert began his simulation efforts on a machine whose performance he felt left considerable room for improvement. Running virtual experiments with Adams and Easy5 also eliminated the cost of downtime on production machines. Hubert said, “Coupling Adams, MSC’s multibody simulation solution, with Easy5 turned out to be the ideal way to model our roll machines and control systems.” - Chris Baker is the product manager for Adams and Easy5 at MSC Software Corp. Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com. ONLINE Also see related article with more application information and photos below: Simulation software boosts machine productivity]]> New Products HMIs and Operator Interfaces Industrial Networks Motors and Drives PLCs and PACs Sensors Process Instrumentation SyndicationType: Article SyndicationSource: CFE Media (in-house) Syndication: Machine and Motion Control (Pneumatic Hydraulic Electric) Robotics Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:17:00 -0400