Distributed Embedded
User Interfaces

Consistent HMIs for defence electronics

Major software projects, in particular in the defence sector, are often implemented across sites and countries. The adjustment and development of a consistent operating logic for the front end of embedded controllers is challenging. Berner & Mattner provides a proven architecture and technology platform for such tasks, supporting customers in their international workshare.

During the development of complex defence systems, a proven way to make the complexity manageable is the architectural segmentation of the components into individual layers, with HMI as the user interface.

For complex HMIs, it is appropriate to use this layer view also internally. The distributed development of the user interface in more than one team makes an abstraction of the actual operating logic from communication mechanisms even imperative..

The basis is a common communication layer, specifically tailored to system- wide communication mechanisms but generic in terms of the data transported.

This common communication layer provides decisive advantages during development:

• The individual components (though often very complex) can be processed in terms of their specific control logic and data flows.

Another key concept of Berner & Mattner are the reusable, graphical modules (widgets), the technological basis enabling the developer team to provide a largely consistent look and feel. Input fields with consistent validation are good examples, but complex tables, too, are standardized in this way. This integrated approach makes it possible to let distributed development teams implement the technical components of the user interface, while safeguarding the important usability and maintenance requirements.

Key competences

• Prototypical and iterative-incremental HMI development processes
• Systematic automated tests and continuous integration
• Military standards (MIL-2525, MIL- 1477, MIL-1472)
• Profound and long-standing experience in using the Eclipse RCP