STONE HMI TFT LCD Arduino Development Project Ideas

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TFT LCD screens combined with Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology result in exciting project ideas applicable to a wide variety of industries. STONE HMI TFT LCD Arduino Project Ideas. After all, HMI is a smart technology that uses touch to draw out information from both the human user and the display machine.

And when high-quality display screen modules such as STONE Tech’s TFT LCD products are laden with HMI technology, the result is outstanding machine performance capable of bringing out the best in every customer and business.

Now, this article will feature STONE HMI. Furthermore, we will also present some exciting project development initiatives carried out by the company using its vast range of TFT LCD modules paired with HMI technology, and the TFT LCD Arduino Project.

A Brief Overview Of What HMI Is

Human Machine Interface (HMI) is an interface or dashboard that lets human users interact with a machine. HMI allows users to monitor and control a machine through the use of different touch technologies.

The interface with which HMI works consists of both hardware and software. These two work together to let users input signals using direct or indirect touch (such as by using a special screen stylus) on the machine display. Once the touch signals have been inputted, the machine recognizes them and sends them to the software to begin interpretation. The machine then responds by showing the desired information to the human user.

Information that a user can get from an HMI machine greatly varies depending on the setting with which the machine is used. Here are some examples of common HMI machines and the data it presents to its daily users:

•   An HMI in the form of a bank ATM can provide a user with financial information such as his bank account balance, withdrawals, deposits, bills payments, phone credit loading, and similar data.

•   Medical equipment in hospital settings uses HMI to display pertinent information regarding a patient. For instance, a ventilator machine can display data such as vital signs and a selection of possible breathing patterns for the patient. It can also alert medical practitioners when there is a problem with the patient or the machine through alarms and sounds.

•   Another HMI machine used in daily life is the car dashboard. An on-board car control panel using an intelligent touch screen can be used to display important car information like speed, gas levels, and time. The screen dashboard can also be used to toggle many functions like turning the AC and beam on or off using a single touch.

Benefits Of HMI Technology

What makes HMI displays beneficial for several industries? We’ll enumerate them here:

A. User-Friendliness

HMIs are user-friendly by nature. Graphics and colors can easily be added to the display to communicate with the end-users. Any problems arising from the HMI screen can also be detected easily using color codes, alarms, and sounds. Furthermore, you’ll need only a few touches to fix any issues detected by an HMI device.

B. Improved Productivity And Efficiency

HMI greatly improves productivity when used in industrial settings. These interactive screens and machines help automate several tasks. While these tasks could be carried out by a human worker, using an HMI machine gets the job done in less time, translating to more work finished by the day’s end.

C. Data Gathering Capability

Several HMI machines have the innate ability to record data. This is especially useful in adjusting machine settings or troubleshooting any mechanical issues. Automatic data gathering can be programmed into the HMI software, allowing the machine’s screen and hardware to capture data through a series of commands.

D. Heightened Worker Satisfaction

Using HMI machines in workplaces such as factories and corporate offices increases worker satisfaction. This is because the HMI technology allows workers to interact easily with the machine, automating some of their work and providing them more efficiency.

E. Customizable Hardware And Software

What makes HMI a good choice for industrial use is that it is fully flexible and customizable to fit several industrial needs. The TFT LCD screen sizes can be tailor-made to suit the HMI’s application. Furthermore, the software that comes with the machines can be adjusted as well.

Another exciting opportunity for HMIs is their ability to connect with the Internet, much like an Internet of Things (IoT) device. This allows greater opportunities for productivity such as remote controlling and network monitoring.

STONE HMI Technology

STONE Technologies is a proud manufacturer of superior quality TFT LCD modules and LCD screens. The company also provides intelligent HMI solutions that perfectly fit in with its excellent hardware offerings.

STONE offers complete modules that can be transformed into an HMI unit. The module kits typically include these components:

•   TFT drive
•   Microcontroller unit with attached CPU
•   UART port
•   Flash memory
•   Power supply

There is also a downloadable design software called STONE TOOLBox. This is a completely free GUI design software you can use to create responsive digital module-ready user interfaces.

STONE TFT LCD modules come with a microcontroller unit that has a cortex-m4 32-bit CPU. Such a module can easily be transformed into an HMI screen. Simple hexadecimal instructions can be used to control the module through the UART port. Furthermore, you can seamlessly develop STONE TFT LCD color user interface modules and add touch control, features to it.

You can also use a peripheral MCU to serially connect STONE’s HMI display via TTL. This way, your HMI display can supply event notifications and the peripheral MCU can then execute them. Moreover, this TTL-connected HMI display can further be linked to microcontrollers such as:

•   Raspberry Pi
•   Arduino
•   RAM MCU
•   STM
•   Serial port systems

STONE TOOLBox GUI Design Software

Each customizable TFT-LCD HMI display module comes with free access to STONE’s dedicated design software. STONE TOOLBox software is an easy-to-use program that allows you to set up graphical user interface functions such as:

•   Text
•   Images
•   Curves
•   Image switching
•   Dials
•   Sliders
•   Progress bars
•   Keyboards
•   Touch and clock buttons
•   Video and audio

STONE software can also be used to configure data storage specifications and USB download.

STONE TOOLBox features a drag-and-drop mechanism and comes with simple instructions. Hence, even beginning engineers can quickly and seamlessly create an impressive user interface within minutes.

For instance, you can create a basic GUI by following these two simple steps:

•   Add a static image as the background
•   Define component functionalities

Intricate and intuitive interfaces will require a bit more steps. Nevertheless, using the TOOLBox program allows you to save time on developing HMI projects due to its ease of use.

The STONE LCD Advantage

You get several advantages when you use STONE’s TFT LCD modules for your next HMI project:

1. Reduced Development Time

HMI projects can quickly be done with Stone’s HMI-ready display modules. As previously mentioned, STONEprovides complete modules that include hardware and a free downloadable GUI design software – everything you need to get started on your HMI concept.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

With faster project timelines comes greater production savings. Stone’s modules are cost-effective and since they have superior quality, you’re assured of a quick return-on-investment (ROI) with fewer costs on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

3. Ease Of Use

STONE creates modules that are easy to assemble if you’re doing an HMI project. Add to that its user-friendly GUI software that lets you seamlessly create GUIs for your new HMI device.

4. Several Choices

STONE classified its modules into three categories, namely:

•   Civil Type Series– Recommended modules for basic HMI devices and project demos. This series also carries the lowest price tag.

•   Advanced Series– Can be used for medical equipment and beauty machines.

•   Industrial Series– Heavy-duty lineup of modules that are suitable for industrial applications.

Also, STONE manufactures several TFT LCD touch screen sizes that range from 3.5 to 15.1 inches. Customized options are also available depending on your needs. There are also plenty of options and models for each screen size.

Indeed, STONE produces a plethora of HMI-ready TFT LCD screens. You won’t have a hard time finding the right display module compatible with your microcontroller projects.

TFT LCD Project Ideas Using STONE HMI Modules

Useful TFT LCD Arduino Projects

Over the years, Stone’s modules have been used to create numerous projects featuring its reputable HMI technology. These project ideas cater to a wide variety of fields and industries.

In this part, we’ll highlight some of the projects conceived using STONE Tech’s HMI-ready TFT LCD display modules:

1. Medical Beauty Applications

Several products in the medical and beauty fields have been created using STONE products. Here are three of them:

a. Oxygen Tank Monitor

Click to see the whole project: 

STONE developed an oxygen monitor for an Italian customer. The monitor uses Stone’s 7-inch TFT LCD screen and was connected to an oxygen tank for medical use.

The finished product displays information about the connected oxygen tank such as concentration levels and other advanced data. All these data are displayed on a streamlined interface developed using TOOLBox software.

b. Fan Control Using an STM32 Board

Click to see the whole project: 

Another project used an STM32 board to control an electrically-driven fan. It also utilized a STONE module STVC101WT-01.

Communication between the module and the device was established via an MCU connected to a serial port. The device also used the UART interface and TTL.

The end-product featured a touch screen display where fan functions such as speed, dose, and RF are controlled. Moreover, the resulting fan control board can operate at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C, making it a simple yet heavy-duty device.

c. Heart Rate Display and Blood Oxygen Monitor with Arduino

Click to see the whole project: 

This particular medical device project makes use of four hardware parts, namely:

•  STONE TFT LCD screen module, STVI070WT-01 model
•   Arduino Mini Pro development board
•   MAX30100 Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen Sensor
•   MAX3232

STONE’s display screen was connected to the Arduino development board through UART. But this required a level conversion achieved by the MAX3232. Meanwhile, the same Arduino board was wired to the MAX30100 module through an IIC interface.

After the wiring process, the device’s TFT LCD user interface was created. This was done through Stone’s TOOLBox software.

Some modifications to the MAX30100 module were made, specifically to the IIC pull-up resistor. The remainder of the project was finished using Arduino codes to finally create a responsive display for heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring.

2. Civil Electricity

Here are five projects in the field of consumer electronics and home improvement:

A. Fingerprint Door Lock

Click to see the whole project: 

This project aims to create a fingerprint door lock that can enter, scan, compare, and delete fingerprints. It utilized an STM32 development board, fingerprint identification module, and Stone’s STVC050WT-01 LCD display.

STONE LCD screen’s role here is to display the fingerprint module’s status. As with all other projects, STONE TOOLBox software was used to generate the user interface flashed on the screen. Meanwhile, Stone’s LCD screen was connected to the development board and fingerprint identification module with MCU through UART-TTL signals.

B. Connecting A Camera Module To A Display Module

Click to see the whole project: 

The idea for this project is a real-time display of pictures collected by the camera on the LCD display screen. The TFT LCD STONE module used for this project is a 7-inch serial display module with 800×480 resolution. A camera module, development board, and some wires are needed to complete the project.

The user interface was designed using STONE TOOLBox and Adobe Photoshop. Then, the hardware parts were wired together; some parts needed welding. After that, a simple program was written following MCU to the command control TFT-LCD module.

1. Coffee Machine Display Screen

Click to see the whole project: 

This particular project used a STONE serial LCD touch display screen. This functions as the main display for the coffee machine. With the screen installed, you can:

•   See the current date and time
•   Check the remaining amount of milk, sugar, and coffee beans
•   Display the current coffee machine state
•   Choose the type of coffee to be made (Latte, Espresso, Americano, or Cappuccino)

STONE TOOLBox was utilized again to create the touch user interface. Meanwhile, an MCU code was written to connect the screen to the coffee machine.

D. RGB Lamp Control

Click to see the whole project: 

RGB lamps that can be controlled through a touch display – this is the aim of this project idea. STONE’s 7-inch TFT LCD display module in STVC070WT-01 was used to connect and control an RGB lamp.

The result of this project demo was that the touch display:

•   Controlled the lamp’s brightness
•   Changed the light colors
•   Shuffled between the four lamp modes

Technologies used to connect the screen module and lamp were MCU and UART.

E. Appliance Controller With Arduino

Click to see the whole project: 

Last but not least is a basic appliance controller made using STONE’s 7-inch TFT LCD touch screen and an STM32 development board. The touch screen controls lights for various parts of the house. The finished product also collects data about humidity, temperature (indoor and outdoor), and air quality.

3. Precision Instruments

Click to see the whole project: 

This project resulted in a simple electronic scale made by connecting STONE’s 5-inch touch screen to a development board, an ADC conversion module, and a pressure acquisition module. The finished product can:

•   Display item weights placed on the tray through the STONE display screen
•   Perform zeroing, peeling, and changing units

STONE TOOLBox and graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop was used to design the user interface. Meanwhile, the hardware pieces were wired together and an MCU code was written for the electronic scale to be functional.

4. Arduino Automation

Click to see the whole project: 

STONE’s TFT LCD intelligent touch modules can be paired with Arduino technology to automate a variety of processes. This project clearly demonstrates this.

Here, a sensor directly connected to Arduino Uno is monitored by the display screen in real-time. Moreover, two light bulbs connected to Arduino are directly controlled by the display screen as well.

This project utilized a 10.1-inch HMI Display under Stone’s Civil Type Series.

5. Public Transfer

Click to see the whole project: 

We mentioned the car dashboard example earlier in this article, and now it’s an actual project idea created by STONETech.

This project is all about making a car display dashboard using a 10.1-inch STONE LCD touch screen. The on-board display interface for a used car contains the following:

•   Speedometer
•   Pressure
•   Battery level sensor
•   AC and bean toggles (on and off)

The car dashboard project is great for learning the vehicle state while driving in real-time.

6. Energy Project

Click to see the whole project:

STONE’s HMI displays are also used in energy field solar charging. In this project, the display screen used displays the following:

•   Lithium battery voltage
•   Solar charging panel’s power generation voltage
•   Charging efficiency rate

The solar energy project was accomplished by using five hardware pieces, namely:

•    The STONE’sSTVI070WT-01 serial touch display module
•   Arduino Uno development board
•   Solar charging panels
•   ​​​​​​​Lithium battery
•   ​​​​​​​Battery charging board

The project’s result is an HMI screen that lets you monitor the solar charging of lithium batteries in real-time.

Conclusion

We presented an overview of what HMI technology is, how it works, and which applications use it. Also, we covered Stone’s range of HMI-capable TFT LCD display modules. Furthermore, we discussed a lengthy list of exciting project ideas made using Stone’s superior quality HMI displays.

STONE Technologies is truly your best bet for powering your HMI-driven development ideas(projects based on TFT LCD Arduino, STM32, ESP, etc.). Take inspiration from the actual examples we’ve shown you and build your very own HMI display device today.