Create a Multi-state Indicator using FT Optix

Summary

In this tutorial, Hayden Ireland, an automation specialist with Electric Supply and Equipment, demonstrates how to create a multi-state indicator using FactoryTalk Optix. The video walks through adding a label to the screen, adjusting font size, and configuring a key value converter for text color to indicate different states. Ireland sets up a multi-state indicator with three states, assigning colors and text values for each. The project is then tested with an emulation to display different states like low, medium, and high. Viewers are encouraged to contact local representatives for further assistance.

Takeaways

• 🖥️ The video demonstrates how to create a multi-state indicator in FactoryTalk Optics.
• 🆕 The process starts by selecting a new screen and base control.
• 🏷️ A label object is dragged onto the screen, and the font size is adjusted to 24 for visibility.
• 🎨 The next step is to add a dynamic link to the text color by selecting the 'Advanced' option and a key value converter.
• 🔑 The key value converter is used to configure the multi-state indicator with color representing different states.
• 🎛️ Three states are set up for the indicator, with blue for state 0, green for state 1, and red for state 2.
• ⚙️ The corresponding keys (0, 1, 2) are assigned to each color in the multi-state table.
• 🔄 A second multi-state indicator is created to show text values based on the same tag, with states labeled 'Low', 'Medium', and 'High'.
• 🖱️ After configuration, the project is tested using the 'emulate' function inside FactoryTalk Optics.
• 🏗️ The project is run by switching to the CompactLogix program, where changing the tag value updates the state display.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The video demonstrates how to create a multi-state indicator in FactoryTalk Optics using key-value converters and dynamic links for both color and text.

What is the first step after opening FactoryTalk Optics?

The first step is to select the screen and then choose 'New' and 'Base Control.'

Why is the font size of the label changed to 24?

The font size is changed to 24 to make the label easily visible on the screen.

What function is added to the text color of the label?

A dynamic link is added to the text color using the key-value converter.

How many states are created in the multi-state indicator example?

Three states are created in the example.

What colors are assigned to each state in the multi-state indicator?

State 0 is assigned blue, State 1 is assigned green, and State 2 is assigned red.

How are the values for each state set in the key-value converter?

The values are set by selecting keys for each state, with 0 for blue, 1 for green, and 2 for red.

What additional multi-state indicator is added after the color indicator?

A second multi-state indicator is added to display text corresponding to the same tag, showing 'low', 'medium', and 'high' based on the state.

How is the project tested in the video?

The project is run using the emulate function in FactoryTalk Optics, where different tag values (0, 1, 2) are used to test the states.

What should viewers do if they have questions after watching the video?

Viewers are encouraged to contact their local ES&E account manager or automation specialist if they have any questions.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Introduction to Multi-State Indicator Creation

In this introduction, Hayden Ireland, an automation specialist at Electric Supply and Equipment, provides an overview of the video’s purpose, which is to create a multi-state indicator in FactoryTalk Optics. The speaker begins by preparing to open the application and setting up the initial steps for the project.

🔧 Setting Up Label and Font Properties

This section focuses on creating a label object on the screen and adjusting its properties. The font size is increased to 24 for better visibility, and then a dynamic link is added to the text color. This is the start of configuring the multi-state indicator.

🔄 Configuring Multi-State Indicator with Key Value Converter

The speaker explains how to configure the key value converter, which will serve as the multi-state indicator. They guide the user through selecting the tag called 'this is my state tag' and setting up the table for the multi-state indicator using different color states.

🎨 Choosing Colors for Multi-State Indicator

Here, the process of assigning colors to different states of the multi-state indicator is described. Three states are defined: blue for state 0, green for state 1, and red for state 2. The values for each state are also assigned.

➕ Adding a Second Multi-State Indicator

A second multi-state indicator is added to show text from the same tag used for the first indicator. The speaker demonstrates how to set up the key value converter and define text states such as 'low,' 'medium,' and 'high.'

🚀 Running and Testing the Project

In this final section, the speaker runs the project using the emulate function in FactoryTalk Optics. The screen is centered, and tag values are changed to display different text states ('low,' 'medium,' 'high') in the multi-state indicator. The video concludes by inviting viewers to reach out to their local account manager or automation specialist for further questions.

Keywords

💡Automation

Automation refers to the use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human intervention in the production of goods and services. In the video, the speaker, an automation specialist, discusses creating a multi-state indicator, which is an example of automating the display of process states in an industrial setting.

💡FactoryTalk

FactoryTalk is a software suite from Rockwell Automation that provides solutions for managing and optimizing industrial automation and information. In the script, FactoryTalk is the platform where the multi-state indicator is being created, indicating its role in industrial automation processes.

💡Multi-state Indicator

A multi-state indicator is a device or system that shows different states or conditions, often used in industrial automation to visually represent the status of a process or equipment. In the video, creating a multi-state indicator is the main task, which involves setting up different colors to represent different states.

💡Optics

In the context of the video, Optics likely refers to FactoryTalk Optics, a component of the FactoryTalk suite that allows users to create and manage HMI (Human-Machine Interface) screens. The script describes using Optics to open a screen and create a new label for the indicator.

💡Label Object

A label object in HMI design is a UI element used to display text or identifiers. In the script, the label object is dragged onto the screen to serve as a placeholder for the multi-state indicator's textual representation.

💡Dynamic Link

A dynamic link in HMI design connects a UI element to a data source, allowing the element to update automatically based on the data. The script mentions adding a dynamic link for the text color, which means the color will change based on the data from the linked tag.

💡Key Value Converter

A key value converter is a tool used in programming and HMI design to map data values to specific properties or actions. In the video, a key value converter is used to set up the multi-state indicator, mapping different tag values to different colors.

💡Tag

In industrial automation, a tag represents a variable or point in a process control system. The script mentions setting up a table for the multi-state indicator using a tag called 'this is my state tag,' which holds the values that determine the indicator's state.

💡State

In the context of the video, a state refers to a condition or mode of the process represented by the multi-state indicator. The script describes setting up three states with corresponding colors: blue for state zero (low), green for state one (medium), and red for state two (high).

💡Emulate Function

The emulate function is used in FactoryTalk to simulate the behavior of a control system. In the script, the emulate function is used to test the multi-state indicator by changing the tag value in the program and observing the indicator's response.

💡CompactLogix

CompactLogix is a family of Allen-Bradley PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) used in industrial automation. The script mentions changing the tag value in a CompactLogix program to test the multi-state indicator, showing its integration with the automation system.

Highlights

Introduction by Hayden Ireland, an automation specialist with Electric Supply and Equipment, explaining the creation of a multi-state indicator in FactoryTalk Optics.

First step: Opening FactoryTalk Optics and selecting a screen, followed by creating a new base control and label.

Label properties are adjusted by changing the font size to 24 for better visibility.

A dynamic link is added to the text color, initiating the multi-state indicator setup.

Key Value Converter is chosen to configure the multi-state indicator, allowing for state-based color changes.

A tag is created and named 'This is my state tag,' which will be linked to the multi-state indicator.

Table for the multi-state indicator is set up, with color states corresponding to different tag values.

Number of states is increased to three, with colors blue for state 0, green for state 1, and red for state 2.

Keys are assigned to match states with their corresponding colors, setting values to 1 and 2 for green and red states.

A second multi-state indicator is created, linked to the same tag but displaying text values (low, medium, high) instead of colors.

Text values for the second indicator are configured using Key Value Converter to represent different states.

The second label object is added to the screen, and the project is ready for emulation.

The project is run in FactoryTalk Optics' emulation mode, demonstrating how the state values dynamically change the color and text.

Tag values in CompactLogix are altered to test the multi-state indicator—state 0 shows 'low,' state 1 shows 'medium,' and state 2 shows 'high.'

Conclusion of the tutorial with an invitation to contact the local Electric Supply and Equipment account manager or automation specialist for further questions.

Transcripts

hello I'm Hayden Ireland an automation

specialist with electric supply and

equipment and in this video we'll create

a multi-state indicator in Factory talk

[Music]

Optics after Optics opens select the

screen then select new and base control

next select label we're going to drag

the label object down on to the screen

and then we're going to select

properties and change the font size to

24 so we can see it then we're going to

go up to text color and select add

Dynamic link select the advanced button

and then select the plus button next to

the text color we're going to go in and

select key value converter that's going

to be our multi-state indicator once

it's configured name the tag and in this

case the tag is called this is my state

tag once we select that we're going to

set up the table for the multi-state

indicator select the key value converter

and then select the configure icon then

go to select string and select show all

now scroll down to the color and select

it and then color becomes the main

property of our Multistate indicator in

this example we're going to increase the

number of states to three now select the

color for each state go up to the light

dark and select dark then pick your

color and for this video we're going to

pick blue blue for state zero and then

green for State one and finally we're

going to go with red for state two to

set the values for each state go under

key and select one and then two for each

of the corresponding colors with that

set let's add a second multi-state

indicator which will show the text from

the same tag so go back to screen four

and select the label object now we're

going to go to the next text property

for the label object and select Advanced

once the window opens select the key

value converter find your create tag and

select it now we're going to set up the

table for the text click the plus sign

to add your state and number them then

add the text values to the next Keys

here we will add low medium and high

close the key value converter and then

go back to screen four again select that

label object and move it down onto the

black box now we're going to run the

project using the emulate function

inside a factory top Optics Center the

runtime window and then select screen

four switch back over to the compact

logixs program with a tag in it change

that tag value to zero which will be low

then change it to one which will appear

as medium and finally go change it to

two which will appear as high thanks for

watching and if you have any questions

please contact your local es& account

manager or automation

specialist

[Music]