HMI system eases development, deployment for OEMs

InteractX from Parker Hannifin Electromechanical Automation—CTC is an innovative Microsoft Windows-embedded HMI system developed to meet the needs of machine control and OEM applications. InteractX runs on Windows98/2000/ NT/XP and Embedded NT/XP operating systems. InteractX includes an OEM-friendly "Pack and Load" feature that simplifies project management, making it easy to deploy HMI a...

By Staff January 1, 2004

InteractX from Parker Hannifin Electromechanical Automation—CTC is an innovative Microsoft Windows-embedded HMI system developed to meet the needs of machine control and OEM applications. InteractX runs on Windows98/2000/ NT/XP and Embedded NT/XP operating systems. InteractX includes an OEM-friendly “Pack and Load” feature that simplifies project management, making it easy to deploy HMI applications to a CTC PowerStation or industrial PC.

“The OEM can package multiple Windows applications for simple download and installation to runtime hardware in the factory or remotely in the field,” says Jerry Koch, CTC’s product manager. “Our tools are set up so that field service people can use them. You don’t need an IT specialist for lengthy file copying, complicated transfers, and the manual installs typical with Windows systems. Our goal was to make application downloading as easy as for a PLC.”

CTC adds that its software developers gave InteractX advanced and powerful graphics using vector-based, scalable 3-D rendering. “We’ve applied the latest graphic rendering technology to HMI, while greatly simplifying the graphics development environment,” adds Koch. “With InteractX, OEMs can not only meet market demand, but gain a competitive advantage. The graphics let OEMs give a machine’s operator interface a high-tech feel and functionality. The image quality allows graphics to be scaled to larger screen sizes, and still look great, while file sizes remain small.” www.ctcusa.com

Breakthrough graphics technology

Panel tool library for fast, easy screen development

Alarming for real-time and historical review/archiving

ActiveX third-party tool support

EC 2003 Winners

Click here to view the full list of 2002 Editors’ Choice Awards winners Click here to return to the article introduction