The Impact of Man-Machine Interfaces on Programmable Controller-Based Systems

Sizes of programmable controller-based control system have grown at a near expotential rate over the last decade. This growth rate coupled with related cost reductions of electronics has produced a shift in the devices used for MAN MACHINE INTERFACES (MMI). MMI devices are more sophisticated and thus require more careful planning to obtain satisfactory solutions. This paper illustrates trends in MMI use and defines types of interfaces currently used in industry. The paper then summarizes with some guidelines for designing MAN MACHINE INTERFACES for industrial applications. Included in the paper are actual displays of a colorgraphic touch screen used for a control application.