Expanding a Free HMI Software and Looking for help with drawing HMI components

Archie

Member
Join Date
May 2002
Location
Orangeburg, SC
Posts
1,944
I'm in the process of creating some controls to be used with the DF1Comm open source project that works with SLC's and MicroLogix:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/abdf1/

These controls (buttons, gages, tanks, etc.) will link to the communication component without the need to write any VB code. Here is what I've created so far:

HMIButtonsSmall.PNG


I want some very good quality graphics, but the problem is that my artistic talent is very limited. I'm wondering if there is anyone with good computer graphic art skills that would be willing to help draw the controls. I just need the graphics and I will take it from there and add the associated code.

When it is done, you will be able to create basic HMI's using all free software without writing a single line of code. The controls will be put on sourceforge with the current DF1Comm component where it will be available for free.

I know I'm asking a lot to get volunteer work, but you will get a useful piece of software back for the effort.

Anyone not familiar with this project can learn a little about it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPzqc5jDlE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-5STcYWQ7k
 
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Archie,

What format are they in? jpeg, bmp, etc. Are you looking for specific ones, or data input, etc.? What resolution?

George
 
I'm thinking "artistically retarded" is a good description for my skills too. Just that simple mushroom button took me about 3 hours to do.

George.... I drew those buttons in CorelDraw, then exported as PNG format to use in the final application. I found that to be the smallest files and still keep the resolution.
 
Siemener said:
I would like to help you, I have quite experience, luckily in Corel Draw.
let me know what you need and I'll try to send you something on it, if you approve the quality, we can proceed, otherwise, atleast I can pray for you!
Siemener

I don't have anything very specific in mind, just some general gauges. Maybe similar to these:

http://www.uniworkstech.com/unigauge.htm
http://www.industrialgadgets.com/html/analog.html


I would like to start with things that others would find most useful. If you have any particular digital/analog devices you would use for an HMI, then start with that.

To everyone else, can you offer some suggestions of what you would find useful.... e.g. LED type readouts, analog needle gauges, etc.
 
The object library is growing, but I'm still look for contributors. Whether it be graphics, suggestions, or requests anything would be helpful.
I hope to have a first version released in the next couple weeks for testing. All of these objects are active and link to PLC values through the DF1 open source driver. I'm even considering a version of them that gets their values through RSLinx.

ScreenShotAll.PNG
 
A 10+ years ago I was in art class and got suspended from school for drawing a pocket knife. Does that count as artistically retarded.
I will try to help out and find some of the stuff I had created several years ago.

The only suggestion that I have is to keep doing what you are doing.

In 2~3 weeks my lab will be up and running. AB 5, SLC, MLX, CPT maybe a CLX and all the fixens to go along. So I will offer to try out what ever I can to help you.
 
Hey Archie, I don't know much about how those graphics work. I mean, they must have some kind of animation to them right? Could you send me them so I can pick them apart. If I can toy with them, then maybe I can figure out how to contribute.

That's pretty much how I started out with VB.
 
Gages without needles would be very helpful (needles can added by the VB or C codes). would be nice if there was a picture gallery that forum members could upload or download them as needed. (I say this for selfish reasons, I'm working on a VB HMI with touch screen monitor now).

greenbutton.jpg

Thanks! Very helpful.

Tommy
 
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