BEIJER-Slides-2-Training HMI iX Basic [en]

iX HMI solution 

The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open.

Contents of course 

• General HW-overview 

• DEMO-application 

• iX Developer Development 

• iX Developer Runtime 

• Handling of: 

− Screens 

− Objects 

• HMI Controls 

• Media Controls 

• Windows Controls 

− Controllers 

− Recipes 

− Alarms 

− Security 

− Data loggers/trends 

− Scripting 

− … 

• Exercises

Beijer Electronics’ ambition 

• We want to provide our customers a brand new product 

experience: 

− Based on modern SW technologies 

• Future proof, lasting for many years ahead 

− Including modern component based architecture 

• High quality - high flexibility 

− Enabling different hardware runtime platforms 

• Runtime on our iX Panel and iX Panel Pro as well as on PC’s 

• No compromises, fully utilizing the resources of the platform 

− Offering backwards compatibility 

• Protect the investments our customer has made in their applications 

− With a truly open systems architecture conforming to standards 

• Utilize third party or user developed components 

• Take advantage of the mainstream wave, don’t reinvent the wheel

And that’s what we have today… 

iX — The world's most graphic HMI solution. Truly open. 

• iX is the innovative HMI solution allowing you to express your ideas with a 

strong combination of state-of-the-art graphics and solid HMI functionality. 

Enjoy the experience of smarter design and engineering tools, and a truly 

open platform. 

• Key messages: 

− State-of-the-art graphics 

− Solid HMI functionality 

− Smarter design and engineering tools 

− Truly open platform

State-of-the-art graphics 

Expressing your ideas and adding 

value to your business

State-of-the-art graphics 

• When we say state-of-the-art graphics, we mean: 

−Vector-based graphics 

• Crystal clear graphics independent of size or 

rotation angle. No jagged edges or inconsistent 

color transitions as in overscaled or rotated 

bitmap images 

−Graphical effects 

• Enhancement of graphical appearance with drop 

shadows, bevels, opacity 

−Windows media objects 

• Powerful HMI solutions incorporating other media 

via Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and 

PDF viewer 

−Dynamics and dynamic objects 

• Draws the attention of an operator to interact 

with an ongoing process by controlling properties 

e.g. position, size, color and visibility of objects 

with data 

−Drawing objects 

• Basic drawing functionality with lines, rectangles, 

circles and poly lines to create background 

graphics 

−Component library 

• Ready made components perfect for 

industrial applications 

−Navigation controls 

• Up-to-date control with thumbnails and 

scrollable rolling, etc. 

−Popup screen 

• Multi-window environment with more 

screens active in the same window 

−Screen carousel 

• Fancy iPod style navigation 

−Button styles 

• The button style function allows 

customization of button shapes providing 

an almost unlimited range of button 

designs

Solid HMI functionality 

Solid, familiar HMI functionality in 

an appealing and user-friendly 

format

Solid HMI functionality 

• When we say solid, familiar HMI functionality, we mean: 

−Alarm management 

• Manage alarms and notify operators via screen, 

printer, SMS or e-mail of events that require 

action 

−Recipes 

• Create recipe libraries containing different sets 

of parameters and re-use large sets of 

parameters 

−Trends 

• Visual representation of historical or real time 

events in a process supports the understanding 

of a process or performance of a machine 

−Data logging 

• Time or event based data logging for 

documentation or other purposes 

−Scheduler 

• Automate control of events at specific 

predefined calendar date and times, for 

example start and stop motors or other 

equipment 

−Audit trail 

• Essential process tracking, user identification 

linked to time and place of interactions or 

events 

−Security 

• Create a security system with different 

authorizations 

Multiple languages 

• Create multiple-language usability for 

user-friendly international applications 

−System tags 

• Access to internal information from both 

hardware and software such as user 

identification, available RAM etc. 

−Internal variables 

• Calculates values without the need for 

representation in the controller 

−Index addressing 

• Control the register from which an object 

is to collect data 

−Cross reference 

• Documents and traces all relations 

between variables, functions, pictures, 

recipes, etc. 

−Remote access 

• Access and operate iX applications from a 

PC. Useful when performing remote 

customer support and troubleshooting 

−Runtime database viewer 

• View data from trends, recipes, alarms, 

etc. or other data base in a runtime 

database viewer.

Smarter design and engineering tools 

Time saving design and engineering 

tools help you create professional 

HMI solutions with the look and feel 

you want

Smarter design and engineering tools 

• When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean: 

−User-friendly environment 

• Create and configure HMI solutions in a 

streamlined user-friendly Windows 

environment with ribbon tabs, tool tips and an 

intuitive work approach. 

−Templates 

• Offers increased brand consistency with 

uniform corporate screens and objects. Time 

saving design, reuse and maintenance 

contribute to design efficiency. 

−Quick styles 

• Easy styling of objects and screens with pre- or 

user defined quick styles 

−Styles 

• Predefined graphical styles as classic, vintage, 

etc. for basic styling 

−Property grid 

• Properties of screens or objects can easily be 

viewed or edited in the property grid 

−Simulation 

• Off- and online line simulation with or without 

live data from controllers provides safe and 

reliable testing 

−Navigation manager 

• Manage screens and relations with respect 

to project navigation with an overview of 

all screens in a project 

−Object browser 

• Rearrange the stacking order of objects on 

a screen, as well as lock/unlock and 

hide/unhide objects 

−Multiple objects editing 

• Select a group of objects, and edit 

common properties such as background 

color, font, security settings, tag, etc. for 

all selected objects simultaneously 

−Format painter tools 

• Copy object properties from one object to 

another 

Multiple actions 

• Configure a series of commands to be 

executed by a single trigger e.g. by 

pressing a button 

−Tag conditions/actions 

• Control a command like e.g. go to screen, 

load recipe, etc. based on the value or 

value range of a tag

… smarter design and engineering tools 

• When we say smarter design and engineering tools, we mean: 

−Multiple displays 

• Work with as large a desktop surface as possible 

by using multiple screens 

− 

−Debugging via MS 

• Activate the link and the debugger automatically 

starts up with the relevant source files loaded 

−Expressions 

• Extract a bit from a tag, add a dynamic offset or 

gain, and use the value for a specific object 

action. 

−Auto Translate 

• Use Google Translate or MS Bing Translator to 

perform auto translation within the design tool 

−Import/Export 

• Incorporate or exchange tag lists, alarm 

definitions, multi languages in Excel data sheet 

format 

−Import tags 

• Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g. 

Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, Beckhoff and 

CoDeSys programming software

Truly open platform 

Truly open with a choice of runtime 

platform, multi controller 

applications, enhanced functionality 

and connectivity

Truly open platform 

• When we say truly open platform, we mean: 

−Choice of hardware platform 

• From compact iX panels to industrial PCs 

−Multi controller applications 

−OPC 

• One tag can be connected to several controllers, 

allowing the same HMI application running against 

different PLC’s 

• iX provides you with an open platform solution 

that is compatible with all major automation 

systems. 

−SQL connectivity 

• iX supports the SQL industry standard letting you 

enjoy quick and easy storage, retrieval and 

management of data in relational database 

management systems. 

−C# scripting 

• Enhanced functionality with C# script to 

customize or enrich objects functionality 

−Import of .net controls 

• iX utilizes Microsofts .NET Framework, a 

software technology compatible with a 

number of Microsoft Windows operating 

systems. 

−3. party components 

• Import predefined, ready-made third party 

graphical components from the Internet or 

order the components you need from the 

suppliers of your choice. 

−Controller data exchange 

• Real-time exchange of data between controllers 

regardless of the brand

Price 

Product position 

SCADA systems 

iX Panel Pro & iX Panel Pro nautic 

iX Panels 

iX Runtime 

Traditional HMI 

Functionality / Performance

A powerful range of software, panels and IPCs 

• iX Panel 

− Keypad: 5.7", 6.5", 10.4“ 

− Touchscreen3.5", 5.7", 6.5", 10.4", 15.0" 

• iX Panel Pro 

− 

12", 15", 17", 19", 19" with stainless steel front, 

Box PC version 

• iX Panel Pro nautic 

− 

15", 17", 19", Box PC version 

• iX Developer and Runtime versions 

− 

− 

iX Developer, iX Developer update, iX Developer 

demo 

iX Runtime 250 tags, iX Runtime 2000 tags, iX 

Runtime 4000 tags

HMI PRODUCTS 

OEM 

Building Automation 

Marine 

Infrastucture 

Water & Waste water 

Delivering customer value in targeted industry segments 

- Concept for growth 

Economy 

Efficiency 

Energy 

Environment 

Ease of use

Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX 

We create solutions for every need 

iX helps Peter Blomberg and his 

automation colleagues create a graphical 

interface that makes decanter 

centrifuges and other sophisticated 

equipment from Alfa Laval as easy to use 

as today's cell phones. The user-friendly 

interface is appreciated by customers, 

as well as the new HMI solution saves 

time and money in installation and 

service. 

Find out the customer needs and 

create the customer benefits!

Alfa Laval sharpens the competitive edge with IX 

• “The goal is to make our machines just as 

intuitive to use as today's personal 

computers and mobile phones.” 

• “HMI solutions with different colored push 

buttons and cryptic text messages on 

oversized screens belong to yesterday.” 

• “No other vendor could offer the same 

features and graphic possibilities within the 

framework of an open architecture.” 

• “With an aesthetically pleasing HMI solution 

that works today and has a modern feel in 

the years to come, we have reached our 

goal”, summarizes Peter Blomberg. 

Screen picture by Alfa Laval ©

References 

• Alfa Laval, Denmark 

• CAT (Caterpillar), USA 

• Marwood Metal Fabrication, Canada 

• Volvo, Sweden

iX Panels 3,5” – 15.0” 

iX Panel T40 

3,5” TFT 

320 x 240 


5.7” TFT 

320 x 240 


6,5” TFT 

640 x 480 


10.4” TFT 

800 x 600 


15.0” TFT 

1024 x 768 

iX Panel K60 



5.7” TFT 

320 x 240 

6,5” TFT 

640 x 480 

10.4” TFT 

800 x 600

iX panel is designed for connectivity 

Expansion possibilities 

e.g. Profibus module 

Ethernet 

Compact Flash slot 

(iX Panel T70 and larger) 

RS232 

RS422/485 

USB Host

Serial communication possibilities 

Standard RS232 serial communication port 

Combined RS422/485 communication port

Ethernet communication possibilities 

Built-in 10/100Mbit twisted pair Ethernet, shielded RJ45

USB communication possibilities 

USB Host port 

• USB version 1.1 (1.1 and 2.0 are fully compatible with each other) 

• Transfer speed: 12Mbit/s 

• Direct connection of: 

− PC type keyboard (US English) 

− Mouse/trackball 

− Printer 

− USB hub (up to 127 USB devices) 

− USB Flash memory disk 

USB Device port built-in for future use

Compact flash slot 

• Standard off-the shelf memory card (industrial grade compliant cards are recommended) 

• One external CF slot for: 

− Storage of pdf-files, movies and local http-pages 

• One internal CF slot for: 

− Operator panel memory expansion

Further expansion slots 

Expansion port 

• Makes it possible to add expansion of other communication protocols and external devices 

• Extra mounting depth about 25 mm 

• The following expansion modules are available: 

Expansion port 

− EM-Profibus DP 

− EM-MPI 

− EM-CAN (J1939)

IPC – iX Panel Pro 

iX Panel Pro T120 PM 

12” TFT 

800 x 600 


iX Panel Pro T150 C2D 

15” TFT 

1024 x 768 



17” TFT 

1024 x 768 



19” TFT 

1280 x 1024 

iX Panel Pro T190 

C2D BOX

iX – system requirements

Create a new project 

• Start iX Developer 

• Intuitive interface with everything you need 

− Create New Project 

− Import old Information designer project 

− List of recent projects 

− Sample application tab 

− Help 

− Browse for old projects


• Select the desired HW-platform (iX Panel or PC)


• Select Controller 

− The DEMO driver is chosen as default, easy to change later 

− Also possible to connect to an OPC-server (localhost or remote)


• Finally, select where the application should be stored

iX Developer – Customizable User interface

iX Developer – Project explorer

The project explorer 

• The Project Explorer shows all screens and 

functions included in the application: 

−Screens 

−Tags 

−Alarms 

−Security 

−Data loggers 

−Recipes 

−Script Modules 

−Function keys 

−Scheduler 

−Audit trail

iX DEVELOPER - RIBBON MENU

Ribbon menu 

• Microsoft explains it: 

− The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to 

complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups, which are collected 

together under tabs. Each tab relates to a type of activity, such as writing or laying out 

a page. To reduce clutter, some tabs are shown only when needed. 

• Ribbons menu is also designed to: 

− Make more use of your wide screen 

− Make use of multiple screens

Ribbon menu – Home/Project tabs 

• Home tab: 

− Paste/copy/cut 

− HMI and Windows objects 

− Visual styles (color, font etc.) 

− Tag, security groups and visibility 

− Name of the object 

• Project tab: 

− Validate, Run, Simulate and Transfer an application 

− Border style 

− Keyboard configuration

Ribbon menu – System/Insert tabs 

• System tab: 

− Time zone 

− Key Beep (iX Panel) 

− Backlight settings (iX Panel) 

− COM1 RS422/RS485 (iX Panel) 

− FTP & VNC (iX Panel) 

• Insert tab: 

− Add Screen, Recipe, Data Logger, Scheduler, Text Library, Alarm Distributor Server, Function keys, 

LEDS or ScriptModule to the application

Ribbon menu – View/Dynamics tabs 

• View tab: 

− Configures if Output, PropertyGrid, Error List, Project Explorer, Component Library and Navigation 

Explorer should be displayed or not 

• Dynamics tab: 

− The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, visibility etc. of an 

object, where the change is dependant on a tag value.

Ribbon menu – General/Actions tabs 

• General tab: 

- Individual settings for the different objects . The settings are used to configure e.g a text object or 

an analog numeric 

• Actions tab: 

- Actions can be triggered in various ways. The Actions tab controls are used to define actions for 

objects and Function keys

iX Developer – Property grid

The property grid 

• A complete overview of all configured 

properties of an object 

−Text 

−Alignment 

−Font 

−IsEnabled 

−Top 

−Etc. 

• Context sensitive 

−If multiple objects are selected only common 

properties are shown 

• The most important properties are 

available in the ribbon menu as well

iX Developer – Component library

The component library 

• Save and re-use components at other 

locations in the project or in other 

projects 

−Groups 

−Objects 

−Scripts 

• Also contains predefined symbols that can 

be used in the application 

• Possible to zoom in/zoom out to get a 

good overview of the objects

iX Developer – Customizable user interface

iX Developer – No clutter

Object Browser 

• An overview of all objects included in a screen can be 

displayed in the Object Browser. 

• It is easy to bring objects that may have been obscured 

by other objects up front, by using the arrows at the top 

left. 

• Clicking the buttons at the right side of each object 

enables simply hiding/showing and locking/unlocking 

objects.

Navigation manager 

• The Navigation Manager provides an overview of all screens in 

the current application 

• New screens can be added directly in the Navigation Manager. 

− Click (and hold) on a screen and drag the mouse pointer to an empty 

location in the Navigation Manager area.

Navigation manager – Zoom/pan 

• The Navigation Overview tool provides an overview of all screens included in the 

project, with zooming facilities.

Zoom in/out 

• The following methods can be used to zoom in to or out from the desktop area: 

− The Zoom drop-down list 

− The Zoom Slider 

− The Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons 

− Put the mouse pointer anywhere in the screen and use the scroll wheel 

• Zoom level: 25% - 800%

Change properties on several objects 

• It’s possible to change properties on several objects at the same time (for an example: 

Background color, font, security settings, tag) 

• Select several objects 

• Change the desired properties 

• All object will be updated with the new (common) property

Format Painter 

• The Format Painter control is used to copy formatted properties from one object to another. 

This is useful to create a uniform appearance for the objects on a screen. 

• To apply formatting to another object: 

− Click on an object with the desired format and font properties. 

− Select the Format Painter control. The mouse pointer changes to a paintbrush. 

− Point to the object to format. 

− The format properties from the first object is applied to the selected object. Format and font 

properties can be copied between objects with different types, for example a Rectangle and an 

Ellipse.

Create series 

• Right click on an object and select Create Series 

• An array of objects will be added to the screen

Show tag info 

• It is possible to show tag connections for objects and shapes in a screen. Right-click on an 

empty area of the current screen and select Show Info from the context menu to show the 

tags. 

• The shortcut command for Show Info is CTRL + D.

Default appearance 

• It is possible to select a style to be used as the default style next time the same kind of 

object is added. 

• Right-click on an object to display the context menu, and select Save Default, to use the 

current appearance of the object as the default style. To make existing objects adopt the 

default style, select Load Default. To return to normal mode, select Clear Default.

Graphical effects 

• Drop shadow – all objects supported 

• Opacity – all object supported 

• Rounded rectangle – Rectangle support 

− only available for PC applications so far

Detailed gradient and color settings 

• Colors (e.g. Start/End Color) and Drop Shadow (e.g. Opacity and Size) can be 

configured in detail

Quick styles 

• The Quick Styles control contains a number of preset visual object color schemes 

that can be applied to screen objects 

• The predefined graphical styles make it possible to achieve a uniform 

appearance on items like meters and trends

Modify quick styles 

• It’s possible to modify the quick styles (the new quick styles will be possible to 

access in all applications -> not application specific)

Controllers 

• Possible to use unlimited number of 

controllers 

• iX Panel – no tag limit 

• EPC/PC – 250, 2000, 4000 tags 

• OPC Client 

• Demo driver (default driver) 

− M0 - M99 

− D0 - D99 

− C0 - C4 (Counters, up/cyclic) 

− M100 - M104 (Pulse)

New tag list structure 

• Globals tags, not tightly connected to controller 

• Tag that is not connected to a controller will be an internal tag 

• Columns in the tag list can be switched on/off (scaling, data exchange, others) for less 

complexity 

• Imports/export of global tag list as well as individual controller import/export

Multi controller application 

• A tag can be connected to more than one controller simultaneously 

• The user can change driver/controller in run-time 

• Allows for having the same HMI-application running against different PLC’s

Multi controller application 

• Perfect for machine builders that have one application running against different PLC system 

• Only one application to maintain -> saves a lot of time/reduces number of mistakes 

• Possible to select both in design-time and run-time which PLC that should be used

Controller data exchange 

• Allows for real-time data exchange between controllers, even of different brands 

• Selectable per tag 

• Exchange can be triggered on event or time

Internal variables – Initial value/Non-volatile 

• It’s possible to define intial values for internal variables 

• An internal variable can be configured to be non-volatile, the values are then 

stored in a compact sql database

Tag conditions 

• One or multiple actions can be executed when the value of a specific tag is 

changed

System tags 

• Access to iX internal data like available RAM, current user, current screen, … 

• Handled as normal tags -> can be used on screens, logged, scripted,…

Filter tags 

• A Filter can be used if the programmer wants to find some specific tags

Cross reference 

• The Cross Reference tool provides an overview of where a specific tag is used in 

the current project. 

• All occurrences of the tag in the current project are listed. Double-clicking on an 

occurrence in the list automatically brings you to the object or function where 

the tag is used. 

• The cross reference tool can be displayed by clicking the button on the Tags tab, 

by right-clicking on a tag in the tags list, or from the View ribbon.

Tag import 

• Import/export supports both excel (*.xls) and text files (*.txt) 

• Improved tag import when using import modules 

• Treeview with good structure (arrays and structs) makes it easy to import the 

necessary tags

Tag import – import module 

• Import and incorporate tag lists directly from e.g. Mitsubishi Electric, Siemens, 

Beckhoff and CoDeSys programming softwares. 

• Select individual tags, arrays or structs that should be imported to the 

application

Configure a controller 

• Click on the Driver-button in order to open the driver’s 

properties 

• In the driver properties it’s possible to configure the 

controller: 

− Driver specific settings (e.g Clock register) 

− Stations 

− COM-port 

− Etc. 

• All drivers have a help file, it contains information about 

addressing, cables, trouble shooting etc.

Simulator 

• A test of the project can be executed directly. Save the project and select Project/Run. This 

will perform a Validation and start a simulation (if the project can be built). 

• A new window will be opened, acting as the operator panel 

• Run -> Online simulation 

• Simulate -> No communication with PLC

Static objects 

• Background graphics 

• Actions can be triggered from the majority of the objects 

− Line 

− Rectangle 

− Ellipse 

− Polyline 

− Picture 

− User-defined grouped objects

Dynamic objects 

• Clock Object 

• Button 

• Analog numeric 

• Text object 

• Slider 

• Circular Meter 

• Linear Meter 

• MultiPicture 

• Trend

Dynamic object styles 

• Styles, general styles that change the look of an application 

− 5 Different styles included in iX 1.20. 

− Configurable with different fonts and colors to give unique look for your 

application 

• Slider 

• Circular Meter 

• Linear Meter 

• Trend 

• Button

Digital clock 

• The digital clock displays date, time and/or day of week. 

• Possible to configure/adjust the object: 

− Date And Time 

− Date 

− Time 

− Show Day of Week 

− Show Seconds

Button 

• The Button tool is used to draw a button with a text/symbol. The button can via Actions or 

Script be set up to perform a specific task in run-time. 

• The displayed text can show a tag value, that can be set from the Dynamics tab using the 

General control.

Button – general settings 

• Alignment of text 

• Possible to display a Symbol inside of the button 

• The button is stylable 

• The text is configurable (it can be multiline) 

• Possible to make the button transparent

Button styles 

• Button styles was introduced in iX Developer 1.20 

− Default, Black, Classic, Chrome, Eclipse, Vintage, Glossy

Button shapes 

• The shape of the buttons can be modified using either the Property Grid or the 

Appearance property

Button - actions 

• The button can be configured to execute an action when the operator presses/clicks on the 

button

Multiple actions 

• It’s possible to execute multiple actions at the same time (without scripting)

Exercise 1 – Menu 

• Create a menu that will be used to access all screens in the application (use the button 

object) 

• Add a Clock Object to the header of the screen 

• Rectangles with rounded corners gives a nice touch to the screen

Background screen 

• Possible to create a common background for several screens 

• The background screen can contain both dynamic and static objects

Background screen 

• It’s possible to have several layers of background screens (e.g footer and header) 

• Easy to configure: 

− Select a screen 

− Open the Home Ribbon and select the desired background screen

Screen templates 

• The installation of iX Developer includes a number of screen templates with 

basic functionality. It is also possible to save your own screens as screen 

templates, by right-clicking on the current screen and selecting Save Screen as 

Template.

Popup screen 

• A screen can easily be configured to act as a popup screen 

• Click on a screen and then select the General ribbon 

• Possible to configure the size of the popup and the starting (x,y)-position 

• The Popup can be Modal/Non Modal 

• It’s also possible to configure the title of the popup


• By clicking on the Modify Screen Size/Position button it’s possible to resize and 

move the popup


• It’s possible to define where the screen should be placed/opened (x, y) 

• This is also possible to script

Slider 

• Object that changes the value of an analog signal 

• Support different styles/skins

Slider – General settings 

• Enable/disable Scale and Transparency 

• Min/max value 

• Number of Major and Minor ticks 

• Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)

Linear meter 

• Object that displays the value of an analog signal 

• Support different styles/skins

Linear meter – General settings 




• Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …)

Circular meter 

• Object that displays the value of an analog signal 

• Supports different styles/skins

Circular meter – General settings 




• Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …) 

• Start/End Angle

Circular meter – Region settings 

• It’s possible to define Low, Medium and High regions. 

• To disable a region set the Min/Max to 0

Analog numeric 

• Read/write numerical/ASCII values 

− Integer 

− Decimal 

− Binary 

− Hex 

− String (ASCII)

Analog numeric – General settings 

• Data/Security 

• Display format 

• Visibility 

• Size and position 

• Alignment 

• Validation 

• Prefix/Suffix

Exercise 2 – Objects. 

• Add a new screen to the application 

• Select a background screen 

• Add a Linear meter and Slider to the screen 

• Add a Circular meter and an Analog numeric to the screen 

• Add an Ellipse object to the screen and control the background color with a dynamic signal

Picture object 

• Picture object can be: 

− Static 

• MultiPicture object can be: 

− Digital (two states/symbols) 

− Analog (several states/symbols)

Symbol object – General settings 

• Configure Symbols are used when you want to create a digital/multiple symbol object 

• An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text

Text object 

• Text object can be: 

− Static 

− Digital (two states/texts) 

− Analog (several states/texts)

Text object – General settings 

• Possible to have multiline 

• Configure Texts is used when you want to create a digital/multiple text object 

• An Action can be triggered when pressing/clicking on the text

Exercise 3 – Digital objects 



• Create a few MultiPicture-objects 

• Add a multiple text object to the screen

Historical trend 

• Object that illustrates values in a time based graph 

• Logs data in a certain (configurable) time interval 

• Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats 

• Can view historical data while the panel still log data in the background 

• The object supports different styles/skins 

• Trend legend available 

• The object is possible to control via dynamics 

− Scales 

− Scaling 

− Control visibility of curves

Historical trend – General settings 

• Number of Logged Rows 

• Enable/disable Scale,Transparency and Grid 

• Style (Simple, Classic, Black, …) 


• Number of Major and Minor ticks

Historical trend – Add curves 

• Click on the Edit Curves button 

• Add curves and connect them to a tag 

• It’s possible to configure both Color and Thickness of the curve 

• Each curve can be scaled (e.g 0 – 4000 -> 0 – 100)

Historical trend – History mode 

• Actions are used to either Enter, Leave or Toggle Historical mode 

• It’s also possible to show a dialog where a start/end time can be defined

Historical trend – Trend legend 

• An action is used to show the trend legend 

• From the legend it’s possible to control which curves that should be visible. It also displays 

the current value from the cursor

Data logger 

• The same function as the Trend but with no object 

• Each logger can be configured to store all or only changed samples 

• Support for bit, 16-bit and 32-bit presentation formats

Data logger 

• Data Loggers are added from the Insert Ribbon 

• In the Home Ribbon it’s possible to configure which 

tags that should be logged

Data logger – General settings 

• Possible to configure 

− Log interval/event 

− Log changes only 

− Number of logged rows

Data logger – General settings 

• Actions can be triggered when: 

− Log item values changed 

− Log values updated

Database viewer 

• New object – database viewer 

• Displays content from compact sql databases (*.sdf) in runtime

Exercise 4 - Trend 



• Add a Trend Object to the screen and create 4 curves 

• Add buttons so that it’s possible to enter/leave History mode 

• Add a button that shows the trend legend window

Alarm handling 

• Alarm handling in the terminal 

− Alarm events are stored in a database (compact SQL) 

− Alarms can be presented in an Alarm Viewer 

− Support for both analog and digital signals 

− Alarm texts can be dynamic showing tags values in the text 

− When the database has reached the configured limit (e.g 100 rows) the oldest inactive alarm will be 

deleted and replaced with the most recent alarm 

− Alarms can be divided in different groups, makes it easier to organize the alarms 

− Alarms can trigger actions

Alarm Groups 


− Alarms are divided in groups 

− Possible to acknowledge all alarms in a specific group remotely 

− Possible to configure unique colors for each alarm group (active, inactive and acknowledged)

Alarm items 


− The alarms are configured in the “Alarm Items”-tab 

− Both digital and analog alarms are supported 

− Alarms can be acknowledged from the PLC using the Remote Acknowledge signal

Alarm items 

• The alarm text can be dynamic

Alarm info event 

• Each alarm item can be assigned to an AlarmInfoEvent 

• Click on the ”…”-button in Action column

Alarm info event 

• Connect the desired action to the Alarm Info Event 

• When the Operator clicks on the Info button in the Alarm Viewer the action will 

be executed

Alarm server – General settings 

• Tags that allows you to: 

− Acknowledge Alarms remotely 

− Clear the alarm list from the PLC 

− Enable/Disable the Alarm server

Alarm server – Action settings 

• Different actions can be triggered when alarms are: 

− Acknowledged 

− Active 

− Inactive 

− Normal 

− …

Alarm import/export 

• Possible to import/export alarm items 

• Supports both text (*.txt) and excel files (*.xls)

Alarm viewer 

• Alarms are presented in an Alarm Viewer with the alarm texts from the Alarm 

server 

• The Alarm Viewer is possible to customize, for an example: 

− Select which buttons that should be visible 

− Select which columns that should be displayed 

− Which alarm groups that should be presented in the viewer

Exercise 5 – Alarms 



• Add a few alarms to the alarm server 

• Connect an Info Screen to at least one of the alarms 

• Add an Alarm Viewer to the screen, also add objects that makes it possible to 

trigger the alarms

Alarm Distribution 

• The Alarm Distributor Server makes it possible to send alarm notification via 

printer, SMS or e-mail. The function can be enabled internally in a project, or in 

another panel/EPC that acts as a server towards several connected clients 

Printout 

SMS 

E-mail

Alarm Distribution - Configuration 

• A route defines a number of filtering rules for distribution of alarms. Multiple 

routes makes it possible to send different kinds of notifications to various 

receivers.

Alarm Distribution - Address book 

• Click on the Address Book button to enter names, e-mail addresses and/or phone 

numbers of the persons that are to be available for selection for distributed 

alarm messages

Alarm Distribution – Receiver selection 

• Click on the Receiver Selection button to set up receivers of each alarm 

distribution route; via e-mail, SMS or Printer (or all)

Alarm Distribution - Scheduler 

• Scheduling of each alarm distribution route can be configured on the Scheduler 

tab. Only alarms that occur between the start and stop times will be distributed. 

• Example: One route per production shift (day, evening, night)

Alarm server – Enable distribution 

• To enable sending alarms to printer, or via SMS or e-mail, the Alarm Distributor 

Server is used. In addition to the settings below, the Enable Distribution option 

for the alarm groups or alarm items also has to be checked.

Security 

• Protect objects, screens, recipes etc. against unauthorized use 

• Users can be divided in different security groups (e.g Administrator and 

Operator) 

• A User can be a member of several security groups

Security – Configure groups 

• Open the Security Manager property page 

• Groups are declared in the Groups tab 

• It’s possible to add/delete security groups as well as 

configuring which users that should belong to which 

group

Security – Configure users 

• Open the Security Manager property page 

• Users are declared in the Users tab 

• It’s possible to add/delete users and assign security 

groups 

• A user can be a member of several groups

Security - Settings 

• Possible to configure if an “Access denied” message should be displayed if an 

operator tries to access an object without the necessary authority 

• Also possible to configure if objects should be e.g hidden

Security – Login/logout. 

• Configure buttons with Login or Logout actions

Security – Add, edit and remove users in runtime 

• The Action “Show Users Dialog” allows an administrator to add, edit and remove 

users in run time.

Security – Import/Export users in runtime 

• It’s possible to export the current user list as well as importing a new list

Security – Object. 

• Right click on an object and select the Security level required for changing 

status of the object (also possible to configure in the Home ribbon):

Exercise 6 – Security. 

• Add a few different security groups/users to the application 



• Connect a few objects to different security groups 

• Hide a few objects if the user is not logged in 

• Add buttons that makes it possible to login, logout and export/import users

Audit trail 

• The Audit Trail function makes it possible to track operator actions. 

• It’s possible to define which actions and tags that should be logged to the Audit 

Trail. 

• The Audit trail is stored in a separate database, and the information can be 

displayed using the Audit Trail Viewer.

Audit trail - Configuration 

• FDA or Cyclic buffering strategy 

• Select the size of the database 

• Possible to select which actions that should be logged 

• Actions on tags can be logged by selecting Log to Audit 

Trail in the Tags configuration window.


• In the tag grid it’s possible to select which tags that should be logged to the 

database 

• It’s also possible to map texts to different value ranges for the tag (e.g 0 = 

”Motor Off”, 1 = ”Motor On”)


• The texts can be either static or dynamic (based on the tag’s new value)

Audit trail viewer - Configuration 

• Possible to define which columns that should be displayed in the object as well 

as the width of each column

Exercise 7 – Audit trail. 

• Add AuditTrail to the application 

• Enable “Log to Audit Trail” for the controller tags 



• Add an Audit Trail Viewer object to the screen

Media objects 

• Media Player 

• PDF Viewer 

• Internet Browser

PDF Viewer. 

• Pdf files can be displayed in 

runtime using the PDF viewer 

object. The viewer can be 

connected to a default PDF-file. 

• It’s possible to add additional PDF:s 

in the project files folder

Media Player. 

• Media files can be added to the 

media player object, which allows 

starting and stopping the files in 

runtime 

• The following file formats are 

supported 

− AVI 

− MPG 

− WMV

Web Browser. 

• Web pages can be displayed using 

the web browser. 

• It is possible to allow showing 

certain defined web pages only, or 

a local htm/html file 

• Possibilites: 

− Internet 

− Local websites 

− VNC 

− Network Camera streaming 

− …

Possibilities with Web browser (PC runtime)

Exercise 8 – Media objects 



• Create a Popup Screen with a Media Player object 

• Add a Script so that the Media Player starts playing the file when the screen is 

Opened

C# Script 

• Script language is C#, Full .NET framework is supported in PC/EPC-applications 

and Compact .Net framework in EXTER-applications 

• MSDN contains a lot of .NET related information 

− http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/67ef8sbd(VS.80).aspx 

• Screen script 

• Controller script 

• Alarm server script 

• Script module 

− Global Script 

− Possible to execute from other scripts 

• The scripts can be debugged with a standard tool from Microsoft (Microsoft CLR 

Debugger). This software is free of charge!

Reuse code – Component library 

• Script code can be dragged/dropped between the Component library and the 

script editor. 

• This way you can build nice script libraries that can be re-used in other 

applications

Event driven programming 

• All scripts in iX are executed when a certain event is fired, for an example 

− ValueChange 

− ScreenOpened 

− AlarmAcknowledge 

− Click 

− … 

• An event can be fired when a user/operator executes an action (e.g Click on a 

button) 

• Events can also be fired when external events occurs. For an example when 

characters are received on the serial port

iX events 

• Change view to Script 

• All objects/events are available in the list

iX events 

• A delegate method is added automatically when double clicking on an event 

(when the text is bold a method is assigned to the event) 

• The code inside of this method will be executed when the user clicks on the 

button

Script module 

• Script module 

− Global Script 

− Possible to execute from other scripts 

− Possible to re-use scripts 

− Easier to maintain

Script module 

• Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code? 

Screen 1 

Function1 


Function1 


Function1 


Function1 


Function1 


Function1 

• If the developer needs to modify the code he has to find all places where the code has been 

duplicated, in this case 6 places 

• In a big application it’s likely that he will forget to modify the code in all places where it’s 

being used -> Unexpected behavior

Script module 

• Why is it easier to maintain a function in the Script module compared to copy/paste code? 

Screen 1 Screen 2 Screen 3 


Script Module 

Function1 



• In this case the developer only needs to modify the function in the script module. This saves 

both time and reduces the likeliness of introducing bugs

Script – Code snippet 

• The Script Editor supports Code snippets. Press CTRL+K+X and select which 

function that should be added:

Access to iX objects 

• In order to access iX objects (e.g Tags, Recipe, Security) start with the keyword 

Globals 

• Example:

Script – Example 1 

• Write a value to a tag and change the text of a button


• Script that shows a message box with a Yes/No 

question:


• Arithmetic operations 

• Service = MaxHours - ActualHours


• Function for sending E-mails

Script – Example 5. 

• Save/load text to a text file

Debug application with Visual Studio 2010 

• Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2010 can be used to debug scripts. It’s available 

free of charge from microsoft’s website. 

• Add the path to visual studio. Then you only need to click on the debug button, 

this means that Visual studio will start automatically preloaded with all source 

files.

Exercise 9 – Scripting 



• Add an Analog Numeric to the screen 

1.Add a button to the screen, when the user clicks on the button a value should be 

written to the tag connected to the Analog Numeric 

2.Add a MessageBox with a Confirm question 

• Add a TextBox object and a button to the screen 

1.Show a MessageBox with the text from the TextBox 

2.Save the text to a text-file on your hard drive

Recipe management 

• Save Analog and Digital signal values to the operator panel memory with a 

simple operation 

• Recipe management enables the operator to quickly and easily change the 

parameter settings when switching from one product to another in the 

production


• Recipes are added from the Insert Ribbon 

• In the Tag Configuration tab it’s possible 

to configure which tags/parameters that 

should be used in the recipe 

• A recipe can consist of maximum 256 

parameters


• Default recipes/values are added in the Runtime Data tab

Recipe management – Load/Save/Delete recipes 

• Use buttons with action 

Load/Save/Delete Recipe 

• It’s also possible to save/load recipes 

from a script:

Exercise 10 – Recipes 

• Add a Recipe to the Application 

• Add a few recipe items 



• Add buttons that makes it possible to load, save and delete the recipes

Multiple language support 

• iX Developer supports multilingual applications 

• Translation of texts and system texts can be performed directly in the 

application, or via export to a text file to be translated in other software 

• Both system texts and user texts can be translated

Add languages 

• Click on MuliLanguage in the Project Explorer 

• Change Tab to Languages and click on the Add button in 

order to add languages to the application

Translate texts 

• Each language has a column where texts can be translated directly in iX 

• It’s also possible to export the texts to a text file and send it to a translator

Auto translation 

• iX Developer includes a translation tool that uses Google Translate or Microsoft 

Bing Translator to offer quick translations of user-defined or system texts free of 

charge.

Change language in designtime 

• It’s possible to change language in design time 

− Select the desired language in the Home ribbon menu

Change language in runtime 

• It’s possible to change the language in run time in two different ways 

− Using Actions 

− Internal variable/PLC tag (each language is connected to an index (Default language = 

0))

Function keys 

• It’s possible to execute actions when function keys are pressed (using either keypanels 

(K60, K70 or K100) or touch panels with an external keyboard connected)

Exercise 11 – Function keys 

• Connect a keyboard to the iX panel (or run the application in the simulator) 

• Add a few different function key actions 

• Test the application

Scheduler 

• Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon 

− With the Scheduler you can set and reset digital signals relative the clock in the 

operator panel 

− Signal, period, start time and duration are configured for each Scheduler event 

PLC 

M10 

Lamp

Scheduler 

• Scheduler service can be added from the Insert ribbon 

− Name: Symbolic name for the event 

− Period: E.g once, every hour, every day, every month 

− Start date/time: The date and time for the first start of the interval. If a period is set 

the defined tag will be set again after the specified time. 

− Duration: The length of the interval 

− Stop date/time: The date and time to reset the defined tag to „0‟. This value is used 

when “Stop Time Enable” is checked

Dynamics 

• The controls under the Dynamics tab are used to change the color, position, and 

visibility of an object, where the change is dependant on a tag value. 

• The properties are not the same for all objects 

• The properties that can be changed with dynamics are: 

− Move 

− Size 

− Fill color 

− Outline color 

− Visible 

− Blink 

− General properties (dependent of the selected object type)

Dynamics - Move 

• The dynamic signal ”Move” changes the location of an object. The change is 

based on a tag value. 

• To move an object vertically when a tag value changes: 

− Connect a tag 

− Move the ”ghost object” in the screen to its final position. The coordinates for the 

object is updated. 

− Press OK to save and close the Move Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics - Size 

• The dynamic signal ”Size” changes the size of an object. The change is based on 

a tag value. 

• To change the size of an object when a tag value changes: 


− Resize the ”ghost object” in the screen. The coordinates for the object is updated. 

− Press OK to save and close the Resize Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics – Fill color 

• The dynamic signal ”Fill color” changes the background color of an object. The 

change is based on a tag value. 

• To change the color of an object when a tag value changes: 


− Add colors for different intervals 

− Press OK to save and close the Fill Color Dynamics Editor

Dynamics – Outline color 

• The dynamic signal ”Outline Color” changes the frame color of an object. The 

change is based on a tag value. 

• To change the frame color of an object when a tag value changes: 


− Add colors for different intervals 

− Press OK to save and close the Outline Color Dynamics Editor.

Dynamics – Blink 

• A dynamic blink function has been implemented in 1.20 

• It’s possible to control the interval and when the object should blink using tags

Dynamics - Visible 

• The control in the Visible group determines if an object appears in the screen or 

not. The visibility control is based on a tag value. 

• Select the tag that should control visibility. The object will be invisible on the 

screen when the tag value is zero.

Dynamics – General dynamics 

• Text 

− Text in for example Button and Text object can be based on values in tags 

• Foreground/Font Color 

− Foreground color can be based on values in tags. For an example a button foreground 

color is the color of the button text 

• IsEnabled 

− Access to objects can be restricted on values in tags. This can for example be used to 

disable a button

Offset/gain calculation 

• The presented value = Tag’s value x Gain + Offset 

• Tag’s value = (Panel value-Offset)/Gain 

Temp: 25° C 

D0 = 1000 

25° C

Offset/gain calculation 

• Offset and Gain are configured in the Tags configuration grid. 

• Don’t forget to change the tags data type to float (otherwise the scaled value 

will be rounded up/down).

Index registers 

• Display value = the value in Register (the Object’s address + the value in the 

Index register) 

• If the value in indexRegister = 2 then the analog numeric (connected to D0 and 

Index register 1) will present the value in D2

Importing an Information Designer application 

• It’s possible to import an Information Designer application (EXTER) and convert 

it to an iX-application

Importing an Information Designer application 

• Select the project that should be imported as well as where the converted 

application should be stored 

• During the import, a log file of unsupported objects and functions is created. It 

can be saved to disk for future reference.

Convert & resize applications 

• It’s possible to convert applications from PC iX Panel as well as changing the 

resolution

Special controls 

• Two PC only Special controls are included 

− Screen Carousel 

• Navigation list box

Special controls – Screen Carousel 

• Screen Carousel 

− High impact object that gives a very nice look for screen navigation 

− Rotating animation for screen selection 

− Easy to configure 

• Number of visible objects 

• Total number of objects 

• Quick connect to existing screens 

• Drop shadow

Special controls – Navigation ListBox 

• Navigation List box 

− Easy menu creation 

− Scroll animation for screen selection 

− Touch friendly interface 

− Easy to configure 

• With or without text 

• Background color with gradients 

• Corner rounding

Text library 

• With the text library function, text tables can be created, where values are 

linked to texts. 

• Possible to have gaps between values/texts 

• Possible to import/export text library items

Expressions 

• The Expressions functionality is used when connecting an object to a tag and the 

purpose is not to use the tag value as it is 

• Expressions enable the user to e.g. extract a bit from an int, add a dynamic 

offset or gain, and then to use this value for a specific object

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