Canvas Feature Series - Data Log (Historian Feature)

Summary

The video script outlines a method for capturing and analyzing data using an HMI's data log feature. It introduces the NXT EXT panel and demonstrates configuring data logging within the canvas software. Users can initiate logs at runtime, manually, or based on conditions. Tags are assigned for data capture, and logs can be displayed on a table or exported as CSV files via FTP, USB, or SD card. The script guides viewers through creating data log models, adding tags, and generating CSV files, offering a comprehensive tutorial on HMI data logging.

Takeaways

• 📈 The script discusses capturing data through an HMI's data log feature for later analysis or auditing.
• 🔧 The data log feature is configured within the canvas software of Simon's HMI NXT EXT panel.
• ➕ A data log model is created by pressing a plus sign in the data log editor.
• 📅 Data log models can be initiated at various times, including at runtime start, manually, or when a condition is met.
• 🏷️ Tags are assigned to the data log model through the 'tag list' tab.
• 📊 Data can be presented on a data log table, which is accessible from the menu bar or toolbar.
• 🗓️ Users can customize the data log table's date time format, leading zeros, and column widths.
• 🔗 The data log model must be selected when using the data log table.
• 💾 Data can also be saved as a CSV file through FTP or to an external device like a USB or SD card.
• 🔑 A command is attached to an object to generate a CSV file, which can be done by selecting 'save data log CSV' from the command dropdown.
• 📝 The script recommends choosing FTP, USB, or SD card as storage types for the CSV files.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the HMI's data log feature?

The HMI's data log feature helps capture data during the runtime process of the HMI, which can then be exported through FTP, USB, or SD card for later analysis or auditing.

How is the data log model created in the Simon's HMI NXT EXT panel?

The data log model is created in the data log editor, found in the tools dropdown or toolbar. Users press the plus sign at the top left of the data log editor window to create a new data log model.

What are some options available when formatting the data log model?

Options include initiating the model at the start of runtime, manually through scripts and commands, or when a specific condition is met.

How can users add tags to the data log model?

Users can add tags by navigating to the tag list tab, clicking the add tags icon, selecting the desired tags, and finalizing the choice with the OK button.

What are the two methods for utilizing data log information?

The two methods are presenting the data in a data log table, or generating a CSV file through FTP, USB, or SD card.

How can users insert a data log table into the HMI interface?

Users can insert a data log table by selecting it from the insert dropdown in the menu bar or toolbar and dragging the object into the interface.

What customization options are available for the data log table?

Users can change the date-time format, include leading zeros, or adjust the width of internal columns, but they must remember to select the Data Logger model.

How is a CSV generated from the data log information?

A CSV is generated by attaching a command to an object, such as a button. When pressed, it executes the 'save data log CSV' command, allowing the data to be saved to FTP, USB, or SD card.

What steps are required to assign the 'save data log CSV' command to an object?

First, draw a rectangle or another object. Then, in the actions pane, create a new command for 'onpress' and select 'save data log CSV' from the command dropdown field.

How can users test the data log table and CSV functionality?

Users can run the simulator to observe the behavior of the data log table and ensure the CSV generation process works as expected.

Outlines

00:00

💾 Data Logging in HMI Systems

The script discusses the process of capturing data in historical means using an HMI's data log feature. The feature allows for data capture during the runtime process, which can be exported via FTP or to an external USB or SD card for later analysis or auditing. The Simon's HMI NXT EXT panel is highlighted as a tool that facilitates this process, and it is configured within the canvas software. The data log model is created and configured in the data log editor, which is accessible from the tools menu or toolbar. Users can format the data log model to start at runtime, manually, or based on a condition. Tags are assigned to the model, and the data log information can be presented on a data log table or generated as a CSV file for storage on an external device. The script also includes instructions on how to create a command to save the data log as a CSV file and run a simulator to observe the data log table's behavior.

Keywords

💡HMI (Human-Machine Interface)

HMI refers to the interface that allows human interaction with a machine, system, or process. In the context of the video, it specifically refers to the user interface of a control system that allows operators to interact with industrial equipment. The video discusses capturing data through an HMI's data log feature, which is crucial for monitoring and controlling the runtime process of the HMI.

💡Data Log Feature

The data log feature is a functionality within HMI systems that allows for the recording of data during the runtime process. It is essential for tracking and analyzing operational data, which can be used for audits or performance evaluations. The video explains how to configure this feature within the HMI's software to capture and export data for later analysis.

💡NXT EXT Panel

The NXT EXT panel is a type of HMI panel mentioned in the script, which is designed to facilitate data logging and other advanced functionalities. It is configured within the canvas software and plays a central role in the data logging process discussed in the video.

💡Canvas Software

Canvas software is the platform used to configure and program the HMI. It provides tools for creating and managing the interface, including the data log editor. The video describes how to use the canvas software to set up the data log feature within the HMI.

💡Data Log Editor

The data log editor is a tool within the canvas software that allows users to create and configure data log models. It is accessed through the tools menu or toolbar and is where users can define how and when data is logged. The video provides a step-by-step guide on using the data log editor to initiate data logging.

💡Data Log Model

A data log model is a configuration set up within the data log editor that determines what data is captured and how it is formatted. The video script mentions creating a data log model by selecting various options such as start conditions and tag assignments, which are crucial for tailoring the data logging to specific needs.

💡Tag List

The tag list is a component of the data log model where users assign specific tags to be logged. Tags are identifiers for data points within the system. The video explains how to add tags to the tag list tab, which is a necessary step in the data logging configuration process.

💡Data Log Table

The data log table is a visual representation within the HMI that displays logged data. It can be inserted into the HMI design and allows users to view and analyze the data in a tabular format. The video describes how to utilize the data log table by inserting it into the HMI and customizing its appearance and functionality.

💡CSV (Comma-Separated Values)

CSV is a file format used to store tabular data, separated by commas. In the context of the video, generating a CSV file is one method of exporting data log information for external analysis. The video explains how to set up a command to save the data log as a CSV file, which can then be transferred via FTP or to an external storage device.

💡FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is a standard network protocol used for transferring files from one host to another over a network. The video mentions using FTP as a method to export the data log in CSV format from the HMI to a remote server for storage or further analysis.

💡USB/SD Card

USB and SD cards are external storage devices that can be used to store data. The video discusses how to configure the HMI to save data logs directly to these devices, providing a portable and convenient way to export and analyze logged data.

Highlights

HMI's data log feature is essential for capturing runtime data.

Data can be exported via FTP or to external storage like USB or SD cards for later analysis.

Simon's HMI NXT EXT panel is configured within the Canvas software for data logging.

Data log editor is accessed through the tools dropdown or toolbar for configuration.

Creating a data log model starts with pressing the plus sign in the data log editor window.

Options for data log model initiation include at runtime start, manually, or when a condition is met.

Assigning tags to the data log model is done through the tag list tab.

Data log information can be presented on a data log table or exported as a CSV file.

Data log table can be inserted from the menu bar or toolbar and customized for user needs.

Users can modify the date-time format and adjust column widths in the data log table.

Data Logger model must be selected when setting up the data log table.

Generating a CSV file can be triggered by attaching a command to an object, such as a button press.

The save data log CSV command is used to generate CSV files for data export.

FTP, USB, or SD card are recommended storage types for CSV file export.

A rectangle object can be used to trigger the CSV file generation through an onpress command.

The simulator can be run to observe the behavior of the data log table in action.

A comprehensive guide on configuring and utilizing HMI's data log feature is provided.

Transcripts

foreign

users want to capture data by historical

means one standard practice involves an

hmi's data log feature the data log

feature helps capture data in the

runtime process of the HMI which then

can be exported through FTP or to an

external USB or SD card to be analyzed

or audited later Simon's HMI the NXT EXT

panel helps accomplish this and is

configured within the canvas software

this feature must first be configured

within the data log editor which is

found in the tools drop down of the menu

bar

or within the toolbar

we'll create a data log model by

pressing the plus sign at the top left

of the data log editor window

notice that there are many options to

format the data log model including the

start option the user can choose to have

the model initiate at the start of

runtime manually through scripts and

commands or when a condition is met

next we need to assign a tag to the tag

list tab by clicking the add tags icon

selecting our tags then finalizing our

choice with the OK button

there are two ways to utilize the data

log information one is to present the

data on a data log table which then can

be found in the insert drop down of the

menu bar

or within the toolbar simply click and

drag the object into existence

users can change the date time format

include leading zeros or change the

width of the internal columns however do

not forget to select the Data Logger

model

the other method of using the data log

information is to generate a CSV through

FTP or to an external device such as a

USB or SD card this can be accomplished

by attaching a command to an object when

pressed generates a CSV first let's draw

a rectangle and within the actions pane

I will create a new command for onpress

then we want to select save data log CSV

from the command drop down field

it is recommended to choose FTP USB or

SD card as the storage type

let's run the simulator to witness the

behavior of the data log table

that's it for now thanks for stopping by