How to create a Standard Object Library

This chapter provides an example for the Standard Object Library. It contains an example for how to build up an object library based on the Standard Library.

This example shows a symbol that displays two states of a boolean data point. You can of course create also symbols for other data point types. For the symbol a Standard Object Library symbol template is used. Depending on what a symbol should display, a symbol template of a boolean, enum or num data type can be used. Also a faceplate that displays the symbol is created in this example. The created library is also exported for reuse. Below you can find the naming conventions of the Standard Object Library and the single steps of this example.

Two Example Options

Note that this example contains two options for creating the standard library data point type as well as for creating a symbol and a faceplate. You can use the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel and do not need to complete all the steps listed below. If you choose to create the data point type, a symbol and a faceplate manually, complete all the steps below. If you decided to use the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel, read, however, the steps "Consider the naming conventions of the Standard Object Library" and "Create a Library Project". The step after creating a library project describes the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel.

Consider the naming conventions of the Standard Object Library:

  • The project name is your library name
  • The stdlib_hook.ctl is saved under <library name>_hook.ctl. The „hook_std

  • lib_“ in the script is replaced by „hook_<libraryname_in_small_letters>_“ e.g. hook_gas_displayInfoAreaIcon(). If you do not use the Startpanel of the Standard Library, complete this step manually, see the steps Create Library HOOK Functions and

    Load Library HOOK Functions.

  • The Stdlib data point type name must contain the prefix „<LIBRARYNAME_IN_CAPITAL_LETTERS>_“ e.g. GAS_Valve. If you do not use the Startpanel of the Standard Library, complete this step manually, see the steps Create a Data Point Type for the Symbol and Create a Master Data Point.

  • In this documentation the Standard Object Library is often referred to as Stdlib

Create a Library Project

  • In the WinCC OA project administration, create a new standard WinCC OA project. Specify a name that is later the name of your library. Consider the WinCC OA naming conventions and that _ (underscores) may not be used. All names of the library data point types must use the project name as prefix.

Figure 1. create standard project
Figure 2. create standard project

  • Select the created WinCC OA project and click on the option "Change project settings". In the "Edit project" window, click on the "Integrate subproject" button.

Figure 3. Integrate the Stdlib_3.18 project

  • Start the project

Create a Symbol via the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel

This section describes how to use the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel. If you want to create the data point type and a symbol manually, continue with the step "Import the Stdlib Data Point Types".

Open the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel via the System Management panel -> Settings -> Stdlib Development Tool.

Create a Data Point Type for the Symbol

Figure 4. Standard Object Library Setup

  • Create a data point type for the symbol. The data point type name must contain the prefix <LIBRARY NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS>. The panel automatically adds the prefix to the data point type (see figure above). Add a data point type name to the text field "Name" and click on "Create".

Figure 5. The data point type "GAS_Valve" and a master data point are created

If you have created several standard library data point types, you can select the data point type from the combo box "Datapoint type". Adjust the data point type according to your requirements. In the following you can see how to adjust the type:

Adjust the Data Point Type for the Symbol

  • The data point nodes: state, alarm, command, para, general and the notes [_STDLIB_note] and operationMode [_STDLIB_OMD] are automatically added to the data point type.

    Specific elements must, however, be added to the data point type nodes. In this example elements were added to the state, alarm, command and general nodes. The elements "open" and "runMode", for example, were added to the node "state" . The "alarm" node again contains all numerical alert, warning and/or error alert elements. For the description of the nodes - see chapter How to Create Data point Types for the Standard Object Library.

Figure 6. PARA module: create data point type

Select a Symbol Template

This example comprises a symbol that displays the two states of a boolean data point. For the symbol a Standard Object Library symbol template is used. Depending on what a symbol should display, a symbol template of a boolean, enum or num data type can be used.

  • Create a symbol by selecting a Symbol template from the combo box. For this example the template template_bool_m.pnl was selected. The templates are located in the Standard library sub project under Stdlib_[3.18]/panels/objects/STDLIB_template/.

Figure 7. Select a Symbol Template

Click on Create.

Figure 8. Create a Symbol

A symbol is created in you project under Panels/objects/GAS_Valve/GAS_Valve_bool_m.pnl

Figure 9. Symbol "GAS_Valve_bool_m.pnl"

Import the Stdlib Data Point Types

If you use the "Standard Object Library Setup" Panel of the Standard Library to create a symbol, proceed to step Define a Symbol representation.

  • Import the standard library data points via the ASCII manager (System Management -> Database -> ASCII Manager) in order to use the standard object library.

Figure 10. ASCII manager and import the standard library data point types stdlib.dpl

Create Library HOOK Functions

You can find the script stdlib_hook.ctl in the sub project directory \scripts\libs of the Stdlib. This script must be available in every WinCC OA Library project since it contains default settings! The script stdlib_hook.ctl contains the Library HOOK functions. The script stdlib_hook_project.ctl again contains the Project HOOK functions.

The code in these scripts is the default implementation. In order to overwrite the functions, proceed as follows:

  • Copy the stdlib_hook.ctl (wincc_oa_path/Stdlib_3.18/scripts/libs/stdlib_hook.ctl ) by saving it under

    <<library name in small letters>_hook.ctl. In this case the name is "gas_hook.ctl":

Figure 11. Create library hook functions - hook_gas_

  • Replace „hook_stdlib_“ by „hook_<library name in small letters>_“. In this case the name hook_gas is being used:

Figure 12. Replace function names

Load Library HOOK Functions

In order to use the HOOK functions in your project, load the functions:

  • Load library hook functions by creating a config.level file in your project. Load the library functions:

Figure 13. config.level file in the project

Create a Data Point Type for the Symbol

  • Create a data point type for the symbol. The data point type name must contain the prefix <LIBRARY NAME IN CAPITAL LETTERS>. Specific nodes must be added to the data point type. In this example the nodes: state, alarm, command, para and general are added. The "alarm" node e.g. contains all numerical alert, warning and/or error alert elements. For the description of the nodes - see chapter How to Create Data point Types for the StdLib.

Figure 14. PARA module: create data point type

  • Add text notes on objects as follows: add reference type „_STDLIB_Note“ under „general.note“ :

Figure 15. PARA module: create data point type - „_STDLIB_Note“

  • Add Operation mode (local, remote, auto, manual) as follows: add reference type „_STDLIB_OMD“ under „operationMode “

Create a Master Data Point

It is recommended to use master data points wherever several devices of the same type are modeled by using data points.

  • Create a master data point.

Figure 16. Create master data point

  • Configure alerts by configuring a sum alert directly on the alert node. Use the pattern "{_mp_GAS_Valve.alarm.**,_mp_GAS_Valve.state.**}".

Figure 17. Create a sum alert handling by using a pattern

Select a Symbol Template and Create a Symbol Manually

This example comprises a symbol that displays the two states of a boolean data point. For the symbol a Standard Object Library symbol template is used. Depending on what a symbol should display, a symbol template of a boolean, enum or num data type can be used.

  • Create symbol by saving the Stdlib/panels/objects/STDLIB_template/template_bool_m.pnl panel under panels/objects/GAS_Valve/GAS_Valve_m.pnl

Do not add the template to a panel via drag&drop. An instance of the symbol (reference) is created via drag&drop.

Figure 18. Create symbol by saving a panel

Define a Symbol Representation

The symbol representation specifies the graphical representation for the symbol meaning the colors that are shown via the symbol are defined as well as the data point type and the data point element for the symbol are selected.

  • Specify the symbol representation. Select the symbol and open the reference via right-click. Then select an object for your symbol via the View menu of GEDI -> Shape/Group Selector. Note that you have to select the symbol and not the frame. In order to select the green symbol, hide the layer 8 of the symbol.

Figure 19. Specify the symbol representation

  • Double-click on the symbol. The reference defining window is opened. Assigne state.open to $DPE.

Figure 20. Assign a data point element to $DPE

  • Define colors for 0/1 state of the element "state.open".

Figure 21. Define colors for 0/1 state

Create Data Points

Create new data points of the data point type created earlier. The data points are created in order to display the symbol.

  • Create new DP instances of the data point type GAS_Valve via the PARA module.

Figure 22. create new DP instances

Create a Test Panel and use the Symbol for the Test Panel

Create a test panel in order to display the created symbol.

  • Open the symbol catalog via the View menu of GEDI -.> catalog -> GAS.

  • Drag and Drop "GAS_Valve_m" from the project catalog to the test panel and assign your DP to the dollar parameter (double-click on the symbol).

Figure 23. Drag&Drop "GAS_Valve_m"

Run the Panel and test the Symbol

Now you can open the panel and test it.

  • Open the panel in the quick test module. Open the PARA module via a right-click and set the value of state.open to 1.

Figure 24. Set the value of state.open to 1

Create a Main Faceplate

A faceplate displays the extended operation dialog of a symbol. This means that in addition to values and states of a data point that are displayed in a symbol, the faceplate panel informs of further values and states. The faceplate can be created either by saving it in the right directory via the "Standard Object Library Setup panel" or manually. This chapter describes both options.

Create a Main Faceplate via the "Standard Object Library Setup panel"

  • To create a faceplate via the "Standard Object Library Setup panel", open the panel via the System Management panel -> Settings -> Stdlib Development Tool

Figure 25. Standard Object Library Setup Panel

  • Create a data point type by entering the data point name into the text field and clicking on "Create". You can also use an existing type.

  • Select the data point type from the "Datapoint type" combo box.

  • Select a symbol template from the "Symbol template" combo box.

  • Create a main faceplate by entering the name "main" to the text field "Tab name" and by clicking "Create". The faceplate is saved in the project directory /objects_parts/faceplates/[data point type].

  • Proceed with the Step 2 of the Manual Creation of a faceplate.

Create a Main Faceplate Manually

  • Save a new panel under panels/objects_parts/faceplates/GAS_Valve/main.pnl.

  • Set the reference point of the panel to x=1, y=1.

  • Open the Stdlib catalog via GEDI menu „View -> catalog -> Stdlib“.

  • From Stdlib catalog Drag&Drop to your main faceplate:

      • panelSymbols_other/stdlib_objectReference_1.pnl and Symbols_bool/stdlib_boolButton_1.pnl.

      • Double-click the symbol and set the $DPE to the data point element alarm.error1.

      • Double-click the symbol. On the optional tab of the symbol set $_BOOL_Toggle to 1.

Figure 26. create main faceplate panel

Test the Main Faceplate

The Main faceplate is ready and can be tested.

  • The stdlib_objectReference_1 displays the symbol.

  • The stdlib_boolButton_1 allows to set and reset the alarm.error1.

  • Test the main faceplate.

Figure 27. Main faceplate

Add a Control Faceplate Panel

The control faceplate panel can be used to control the faceplate. Different tabs can be added to the panel. In this example the tabs "Control", "Alarms" and "Notes" are added.

  • Create a control faceplate panel by

Create a Faceplate via the "Standard Object Library Setup panel"

      • Open the panel via the System Management -> Settings -> System Management panel -> Settings -> Stdlib Development Tool

      • Select the created data point type from the "Datapoint type" combo box and a symbol template from the "Symbol template" combo box. See figure below.

      • Add a tab name e.g. "Control" to the "Tab name" text field. and click on "Create". See figure below.

      • The tab is saved in the project directory /Panels/objects_parts/<data point type name>.

      • You can edit the tab by opening it from the /Panels/objects_parts/<data point type name> directory in GEDI.

      • Proceed to step 3 of the manual example.

Figure 28. Standard Object Library Setup - Add a Faceplate Tab

Create a Faceplate by copying the Panel

      • Copy the panel Stdlib/panels/objects_parts/faceplates/STDLIB_template/control.pnl and save it in the directory "GAS_Valve": panels/objects_parts/faceplates/GAS_Valve/control.pnl

Figure 29. control.pnl

  • The main panel is displayed in the left part of the faceplate. All other panels are listed on the right side in a tab.

  • Since the data point type has the string node „general.note“, the „Notes“ tab is displayed

  • Since the DP has a sum alert handling on the node „alarm“ the „Alarms“ tab is added. For how to create a StdLib data point type and for information about nodes, see chapter How to Create Data point Types for the Standard Object Library.

Figure 30. Alarms and Notes tabs

  • If trend curves are selected on the data point type in the PARA module, a trend is shown at runtime.

Figure 31. Trend tab

Create a new faceplate panel

Another panel facilitates the use of the panel.

  • Create a new faceplate panel: myControl.pnl. If the panel is located in panels/objects_parts/faceplates/GAS_Valve, the panel is only used for the data point type GAS_Valve. If the panel is located in panels/objects_parts/faceplates, it is used in all faceplates (for all data point types).

If the panel is located in panels/objects_parts/faceplates/<DPT_Name>, the panel is only used for the specific data point type. If the panel is located in panels/objects_parts/faceplates, it is used in all faceplates (for all data point types).

Extend the Data Point Type

  • Extend the data point type in PARA module by adding a float DPE in order to set the open value for a valve. Add also an integer node "state.runMode".

Figure 32. Extend the data point type

Create a Faceplate Tab

  • Create a faceplate tab by adding elementary symbols for a tab. The elementary symbols display values and are also used to control the modes Run/Off. Add the symbol stdlib_..xtSmall to the panel via Drag&Drop and assign the data point element "command.openValue" to the symbol (doube-click the symbol).

Figure 33. Create faceplates

Control the Run Mode

  • The input field will only be enabled for user input. If state.runMode = 1,3 (<5 & <9) <. If the value is 1 or 3 or between 5 and 9. Enter the rule 1,3 (< 5 & <9) into the field $_RULE_Enable

    Examples: 1,3 the value needs to be 1 or 3

    !4 the value my not be 4

    >5&<9 the value must be between 5 and 9

    b4 the 4th bit of the value will be used (only integer values).

Figure 34. Rules for the input field

  • Create a message catalog gas.cat via the Project View of the GEDI and add three keywords myControl, runMode0 and runMode1 to it.

Figure 35. Message catalog "gas.cat" and keywords

  • Add a button "stdlib_button_1" from the StdLib_3.18 catalog to the panel. The runMode buttons enable the modes Run/Off and the input field.

Figure 36. Add an elementary symbol in order to stop the runMode

  • Set the DPE value of the button to "state.runMode" and the $FLOAT_Value to 0 in order to stop the runMode. On the optional tab, set the $_MSGCAT to gas and $_MSG_TEXT_Value to runMode0 in order to set the text of the button. On the rule tab, set the $_RULE_Enable to !0 and $_DPE_Enable to state.RunMode in order to deactivate the symbol when the value is already 0.

Figure 37. Add an elementary symbol in order to stop the run mode

  • Control the run mode by copying the elementary symbol button and creating a new button. Change the configuration for the new button: $FLOAT_VALUE = 1, $_MSGTEXT_Value = runMode1, $_DPE_Enable to state.RunMode and $_RULE_Enable = !1.

Figure 38. Control the run mode

  • The run mode buttons enable/disable the input field.

Execute an Authorization Check in the Library

Execute an Authorization Check in the Library

  • Add an authorization config to the master data point element "command.openValue" via the PARA module. Set the authorization of the _original config to 3. The authorization level 3 is the advanced operator authorization. It permits the execution of commands, explicit setting of replacement values,

    input of correction values as well as changes to all value range types.

Figure 39. Authorization config

Open the panel as user "operator" and again as user "root".

Figure 40. Open the panel as user "operator"
Figure 41. Open the panel as user "root"
Figure 42. Panel was opened as user "operator"
Figure 43. The panel was opened as user "root"

Define Rules for Elementary Symbols

  • Define a rule for all elementary symbols in a library. Change the function hook_<libName>_libEnableElementarySymbol of the gas_hook.ctl. The code deactivates all elementary symbols when a user does not possess operator rights.

Figure 44. Define rules for elementary symbols

Create a Context Menu Option for a Symbol

  • Add a context menu option for library objects. Therefore, change the function "hook_gas_fillPopUpMenu" of the gas_hook.ctl

Figure 45. Context menu for library objects
Figure 46. Context menu at runtime

Export the created Library for Reuse

  • Export the library for reuse via the "Standard Object Library Setup panel" (see below) or via the ASCII Manager.

Export via "Standard Object Library Setup panel"

  • Open the "Standard Object Library Setup panel" via the System Management Panel-> Settings -> StdLib Development Tool.

  • Click on the "Export" button. The panel exports the project data. The file is saved in "Datapoint Lists"/<project name>_stdlib.dpl.

Figure 47. Export Project Data

Export via the ASCII Manager

Export the project data via the ASCII manager as follows.

Figure 48. Export vie the ASCII manager

How to use the Library in a Project

  • In order to use the created library in a project, add your own created library and the StdLib library to your project as sub projects. Note that the order must be as shown in the figure below

Figure 49. Add sub projects

  • Import the stdlib data point list.

Figure 50. Import stdlib data point list

  • Import the GAS_library data point list.

Figure 51. import the GAS data point list

  • Create new data points via PARA module:

Figure 52. Create data points

  • Create a panel via GEDI. Add the data point type GAS_Valve to your panel via drag&drop:

Figure 53. Create a panel - add a data point type GAS_Valve via Drag&Drop to the panel