Automatic switching from displays to alarms

Paul Boughton

Where just a moment ago a large-screen visualisation of the plant's process management system was displayed, individually controlled alarm messages are suddenly and automatically displayed in the form of direct live video imagery.

Elma provides this innovative visualisation solution with a cluster of 16 monitors arranged in a 4 x 4 matrix. The modular elements of the cluster consist of screens with a diagonal dimension starting at 19-inch and presently ending at an upper limit of 55-inch, which corresponds to a diagonal size of around 5.6 metres.

One of the principal application focuses has presently led to development of a product composed of 16 TFT displays in 19-inch format. This corresponds to an impressive total screen diagonal of two metres. The individual screens of the cluster are mounted with minimal intervening spacing in an extruded aluminium profile enclosure with IP54 protection rating. Whisper-quiet fans with the same protection rating are fitted at the rear to keep everything cool enough to achieve an anticipated service life of more than 100,000 operating hours (MTBF). This large-screen monitor can be wall mounted and has adjustable tilt.

An important prerequisite for switching between large-screen display mode and individual live video imagery was the ability to drive the system with VGA as well as CVBS signals, which are input to a 16-way patch panel. For control purposes, the RS232 serial interfaces of the display controller are also routed to the patch panel. This allows the on-screen display (OSD) effect to be realised in the large-screen display. A simple program, which for example can run on an attached laptop computer, enables individual and collective configuration of all 16 display units.

In a more convenient version of the product, which supports automatic switching and individual imagery display - such as the previously mentioned alarms - the manual patch panel is replaced by an industrial PC. This machine runs under Linux and has four splitters with 16 VGA outputs. With this approach, all possible cluster configurations in the 4 x 4 matrix can be realised under remote control. Switching between or combining CVBS (camera) and VGA signals also takes place here.

In addition to the previously described 'large-screen clusters', Elma also offers other innovative visualisation solutions. They include models designed for traditional 19" rack mounting, models designed for mounting on the front panels of switch cabinets and electronics enclosures, and stand-alone models with their own enclosures.

Man machine interface (MMI) aspects are addressed by an extensive range of accessories, including options for wall mounting and support-arm mounting systems. A variety of material options - aluminium, steel and stainless steel - and finishing in any standard RAL colour, as well as application of any desired company logo, ensure unmistakeable individuality and a high recognition factor for company-specific solutions.

Users in harsh environments, by contrast, will be pleased with the optional increased protection grade - IP65 - in place of the standard IP54 grade. The special anti-vandalism protective glass panel also contributes its share here. The screen size is selectable in a range extending from 8.4-inch to an impressive 65-inch. In addition, many models are optionally available as touch-screen panels for direct command entry.

With its new line of large-format clusters and TFT panels, ELMA boosts its impact in the important industrial PC sector. In addition to the traditional IPC chassis, which can be supplied at various integration levels according to the wishes of the customer, and IPCs implemented as fully customised solutions, the product line includes a variety of keyboards, panel PCs, MMI solutions, and a corresponding range of accessories.

For specific selections and project support, users can rely on the excellent professional competence of the team and its readiness to consider special wishes. Another major strength of the Pforzheim-based specialists is rapid project execution, which is repeatedly praised by their business associates.

ELMA Electronic

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