INSIDE PHENIX
THE ENGINEERING BEHIND THE INTERFACE.
THE TABLET ISN’T THE CONTROLLER.
The Android device is the HMI — the window into the machine. It allows the operator to see, operate and communicate. The actual machine-control intelligence resides in the Phenix controller inside the control panel.
ANDROID HMI
Craig Webster has used Android-based HMI technology since 2012. Suitable Android devices are widely available and ruggedised options exist for industrial environments. If an HMI device fails, the objective is to avoid making that single device the future of the complete machine.
THE PHENIX MACHINE CONTROLLER
The controller is designed as a purpose-built, self-contained machine-control environment using high-performance bare-metal microcontrollers rather than Windows or Linux. HDMI video output and USB keyboard/mouse support allow engineering access without making an external laptop fundamental to the machine.
YOUR MACHINE HAS A DIGITAL MEMORY.™
Part data, machine parameters and important production information should not depend on one vulnerable screen. The architecture is designed with resilient storage and appropriate backup in mind.
DESIGNED AGAINST UNNECESSARY VENDOR LOCK-IN
Phenix uses commonly available components where practicable and is being developed around documented, maintainable architecture so qualified support need not depend forever on one proprietary device.
REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
The HMI can support remote communication using suitable support applications, camera and audio. The person at the machine becomes our eyes and hands while specialist knowledge can be brought to the problem remotely.
OBSOLETING OBSOLESCENCE.
We cannot stop technology changing. We can design Phenix so that change doesn’t unnecessarily condemn the machine.