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 are vector-based graphical elements representing components within engineering solutions. Their purpose is to visually represent devices, processes, and functions, facilitating understanding and communication. Symbols act as graphical stand-ins for real-world components, dynamically 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.
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.
Local Symbols Library
The Local Symbols 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 Collections
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 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 to different industrial application requirements.
HPG Collections
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, 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.
Properties Reference
The Properties References present a reference that describes and explains the Symbols properties. The table lists all properties available for the configuration item. However, not all properties described in the documentation are displayed in the data grids by default. Right-click column headers to see which property columns are currently displaying. The displayed properties appear with a check mark.
The data grids allow users to manage and organize information by showing or hiding properties in tables within configuration interfaces. Users can view and select properties via column headers, enable multiple selections, add or remove columns, or reset grid settings. These features are available in all configuration interfaces using a table for data management. To use them showing properties on the data grid, right-click column headers to select properties or use the reset button to return to default settings. Check out Working with DataGrids for detailed info.
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. |
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