Overview
SmartSymbols
In engineering solutions, symbols are graphical representations that serve as a standardized language across various industries to depict devices, processes, or functions within a system. They are powerful features for representing equipment or processes in industrial control systems. On the software platform, they refer to the graphical objects pre-built for customization and reuse in applications. They enable users to create displays that are consistent and professional-looking. Symbols contain multiple data references or "input parameters," allowing for easy replication and use across various purposes. They easily link to data-driven actions, such as displaying color or indicating running/off states.
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Understanding Symbols
Symbols, especially when smart and synchronized, improve efficiency by updating universally across all instances where they appear, ensuring that changes do not need to be made manually in each display. Their vector-based nature ensures that they maintain clarity at any scale, which for displays that might be viewed on different devices and resolutions. The support for .NET and HTML5 ensures compatibility across different platforms, making them versatile tools for UI design in engineering solutions.
Definition
Symbolsare vector-based graphical elements
representing components within engineering solutions.
Purpose
The primary purpose of Symbols is to provide a visual representation ofTheir purpose is to visually represent devices, processes, and functions
, facilitating understanding and communication
.
Function
Symbols
act as graphical stand-ins for real-world components,
Operation
Symbols operate by mapping directly to tags ordynamically reflecting system states by mapping to data points within a display.
To use symbols, integrate them into display panels via Displays → Draw or manage them through Displays → Symbols for creating, renaming, or deleting.
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SmartSymbols Libraries And Collections
They adjust their appearance based on the data they receive, such as changing color or indicating different states. This mapping ensures that symbols provide real-time feedback on the system's performance or status.Application
Symbols find application across diverse industries where there is a need to visualize and control engineering processes. This includes manufacturing, energy production, building management systems, and any other domain that relies on process visualization for operation and monitoring.
Usage
The use of Symbols involves integrating them into display panels or control interfaces where monitoring and interaction with various system components are necessary. They provide a consistent and scalable way to represent different elements, ensuring clarity and uniformity across different displays and devices. To use or customize symbols navigate to Displays → Draw. To manage symbols navigate to Displays → Symbols. To create, rename, delete symbols you can use both.
Symbols Libraries And Collections
The Symbols Libraries and Collections comprise graphical elements for software interfaces. The Local Symbols Library allows symbol creation and management. The Symbol Factory Library offers a range of symbols for use. HMI Collections provide symbols for Human-Machine Interfaces, and HPG Collections deliver graphics for advanced visualizations. These resources support interface development with dynamic, data-responsive features.
The Symbols Libraries is composed by around 2000 symbols organized in the following collections.
Local
Symbols LibrarySolution
The Local Symbols Library Solution library stores user-defined and default symbols, reflecting the Smart Symbols concept. It allows users to create symbols with dynamic properties and tag mappings, tailored for specific software solutions. Any change to these symbols impacts all solutions on the computer, highlighting their adaptability and system-wide integration.
Symbol Factory Library
The Symbol Factory Library stores a wide range of pre-built, reusable symbols, suitable for various applications. It likely offers symbols that users can integrate and customize in different solutions, serving as a foundational resource for building specific functionalities.
HMI CollectionsHMI Collection
The HMI Collections consist of graphical elements for Human-Machine Interface systems. These collections include symbols and controls for building displays in industrial and automation control environments. They organize are organized into categories that match equipment and components like blowers, conveyors, and pumps. Each category breaks down into subcategories for specific equipment types, enabling detailed customization. These symbols help represent machinery states and conditions and provide an interface for controlling and monitoring industrial processes. The HMI Collections support interface development to enhance operational efficiency and safety and adapt while adapting to different industrial application requirements.
HPG
CollectionsCollection
The HPG Symbols Collections offer graphical elements optimized for high-performance displays in line with the ISA 101 HMI Design Standard. These symbols include a range of visuals for alarms, motors, and valves, which are essential for clear and efficient operator interfaces. Organized into specific categories, they enable consistency and standardization across HMI systems. HPG Symbols allow for varying levels of detail, accommodating the ISA 101 emphasis on effective information hierarchy. They aid in developing displays that improve operational control, safety, and adaptability to the unique demands of industrial environments.
Working With Symbols
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For more information on High-Performance HMI Graphics, see High Performance HMI
Displays Symbols Table
You use symbols directly from the Draw interface, therefore usually is not necessary to visit this table, unless for export Symbol Images, importing, or changing names and descriptions.
Displays Symbols Table |
Properties Reference
Symbols properties
The following table provides a reference for the Symbols properties.
Symbols Properties | |
ID | Identifies the symbol uniquely. |
VersionID | Marks the symbol's version. |
Name | Names the symbol. |
Preview | Shows the symbol's appearance. |
Version | Indicates the symbol's release number. |
Size | Specifies the symbol's dimensions. |
Length | Measures the symbol in units or represents data size. |
AllowBreak | Determines if the symbol can split. |
HasDynamics | Indicates dynamic behavior presence. |
EditSecurity | Sets permissions for symbol editing. |
Engine | Processes or renders the symbol. |
Level | Places the symbol within a hierarchy. |
Category | Groups the symbol with others. |
LockState | Shows if the symbol is editable. |
LockOwner | Identifies who has locked the symbol. |
DateCreated | Records when someone created the symbol. |
DateModified | Records when someone last modified the symbol. |
Description | Explains the symbol's purpose and usage. |
→ See Smart Symbols for more information.
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