Data input

Project screens are often viewed on HMI panels and mobile devices that have touchscreens instead of physical keyboards. Therefore, the user must have some way to input data (that is, numeric values and text) using only the touchscreen. This section describes how to configure the data input options for your project.

The following screen objects, animations, and functions can accept data input from the user:

• Text object with Text Data Link animation (if the Input Enabled option is selected in the object properties)

• Text Box object (if the Input Enabled option is selected in the object properties)

• Combo Box object (if the Input Enabled option is selected in the object properties)

• Alarm/Event Control object (for adding comments and filtering the list)

• Trend Control object (for changing the time and period of the trend graph)

• Grid object (in any column that has input enabled)

• KeyPad function

• ShowInplaceInput function

Also, if you have enabled the security system for your project, the user will occasionally need to type their user name and/or password — for example, to log on to the project, to e-sign an event, to change their password, and so on.

In each of these situations, when data input is required — that is, when an object is tapped or a function is called — you can choose to display a special, on-screen interface in front of the normal project screen. This interface serves two purposes. First, it ensures that the user knows the project is waiting for their input; some project screens are so full of objects that it can be difficult for the user to see a blinking cursor in a particular text box. And second, it provides a touchscreen keyboard or keypad on which the user can actually type their input.

The exact nature of the on-screen interface varies depending on the type of client that the user is using to access your project.