Graphic toolchain enables users to create advanced HMIs

This means that it is far more accessible to graphic designers who are concerned primarily with the look and feel of the HMI.

Using this software tool on a purely visual level, superior quality, highly intuitive HMIs can be derived via primitive objects (such as circles and squares), as well as EVE’s array of more complex built-in widgets (including buttons, dials, clocks, gauges, sliders, scroll bars, text boxes, etc.) which are made up of multiple objects. Designers can specify an EVE hardware platform and set the resolution required. Then by choosing and subsequently placing particular EVE objects on the screen they can rapidly begin constructing a HMI. Objects can be moved from one place to another using the cut and paste function. They can be pushed back or pulled forward. An adjustable grid aids their screen positioning and alignment.

Provision is given for editing widget properties (colours, sizes, text fonts, etc.), with objects being locked/unlocked as needed. It is also possible to zoom in/out on objects and group them together. UI designers can consult the display list when necessary or make use of the step-by-step display list debug function. Finally they can export the completed screen to the display list via text file.

Fred Dart, CEO and Founder, FTDI Chip, commented: “Utilisation of widgets and images allows us to replace the conventional, and rather complex, full range graph method of HMI design. This means that the need for any programming is eliminated and the creative vision of UI designers is maximised.”