November/December 2020

35 www.drivesncontrols.com November/December 2020 CONTROLS AND HMIs n HMI overhaul simplifies automotive testing W orcester-based Dynamometer Services Group (DSG) supplies test systems for vehicle engines, transmissions and components. It specialises in new and remanufactured dynamometers used by the automotive industry to measure the torque and rotational speed of engines, and thus to calculate their power. Its customers range from large-scale engine manufacturers, to small manufacturers and niche projects, such as engines for aerospace and formula race series. Dynamometers need to be accurate. And they must report their measurements to users in an understandable manner – typically via HMIs. DSG used to rely on 28 different HMI screens, some of which were outdated. The company decided to upgrade the displays to improve their user-friendliness, usability and aesthetics, and to standardise on a single platform, thus delivering both visual and ergonomic advantages. Simple improvements, such as a uniform aesthetic design, have made a big difference. By applying standard colour palettes across its HMIs, DSG’s projects now have a consistent look-and- feel. The colour palettes also allow users to customise the HMIs to, for example, match their corporate branding. Although using HMI screens with different styles in different parts of a project may seem like a minor issue, it can be distracting and confusing for end-users. The new style consistency makes it easier for users to perform tasks without becoming confused. Overhauling previously cluttered interfaces has also allowed DSG to save engineering time. For instance, it has created symbols for key components that could reduce the number of changes that customers need to make in the future. Symbols have also been adopted to improve previously cluttered HMI navigation, creating consistent navigation options across multiple screens. The number of dropdown lists has also been reduced. DES has replaced some outdated and difficult-to-use lists with more efficient buttons and pop-ups. Because users are more familiar with these visual elements, it improves their experience. The HMI overhaul has also allowed DSG to futureproof its technology. For instance, it is using layers to cut engineering time. Combined with improved data displays, information is now easier to read. To upgrade its HMIs, DSG turned to Copa-Data’s zenon open software platform and a project management service that it offers spanning everything from concept development, through to coding support and workshops. As well as classic HMI tasks, such as observing and operating processes, the Zenon software also supports more complex actions associated with Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition), such as archiving data and analysing trends. The HMI overhaul was completed in one week, following internal testing of the software platform. “We were already confident in the performance and accuracy of our controllers,” says DSG managing director, Gregg Atkins. “Creating an equally impressive visual element was the final piece of the puzzle to improve our offering.” n A UK dynamometer specialist has overhauled the 28 HMI displays it was previously using to give them a common look-and-feel, and making them easier for customers to use and understand. Before DSG overhauled its HMI screens they were cluttered and relied on dropdown lists (top). The new cleaner displays (bottom) use symbols, buttons and pop-ups and have a consistent look-and-feel. DSG’s dynamometers are used by automotive customers to test engines and other components.