DC Systems

RTscada: User Interface

One of the most powerful features of RTscada is the user interface. The user interface is implemented as a native Win32 application that features full graphics and a host of advanced capabilities. Multiple, resizable windows display real-time data for users. Views may be linked together for easy traversal between related views. Views may be panned and zoomed to focus individual view sections.

A standard Windows toolbar provides fast access to often used functions such as view selections and navigation, screen printing, window control, and access to historical data. A status bar provides information on view names, command help, and error messages.

All control is done via pop-up dialogs. Accessing the control functions requires a simple point and click. Object colors are determined by configurable color tables. This allows objects to reflect more than simple position information. Via colors, objects can impart information such as  communication failure, alarm inhibit, tag, etc.

Since RTscada uses a distributed publish and subscribe real-time database, screen refresh rates are a thing of the past. As data changes, it is sent to the user interfaces that require it, so data changes are reflected on view as they happen, rather than at a rigid refresh interval.

Views are stored in the central memory-resident configuration database until accessed at workstations. They are then sent via the network and displayed in about one second. The views are then stored in the memory of the workstation, providing instantaneous recall.

Views may contain tabular data, graphical drawings using symbols, real-time graphs. Objects, with attached dynamics, are driven by real-time data. The system supports 22 types of dynamics and over 70 graph types.