Iconics Suite - dynamic data sources using Global Aliases

This article explains how to use the Global Aliasing functionality in GENESIS64 to dynamically connect data from multiple sources to GraphWorX visualization controls. This functionality can be very useful in applications where the same types of objects are multiplied (many machines of the same type, multiple robots/drives with the same set of monitored data etc.). Thanks to aliasing one GraphWorX display can be used to visualize data from any objects of the same type.

The GraphWorX display and configuration used below are attached to this article.

Global Alias configuration

Create a Global Alias under Platform Services -> Global Aliasing -> Aliases in Workbench:

Themes can be used to create predefined sets of alias values, but they are not mandatory for using global aliasing. You can read more about Themes here: https://documentation.iconics.com/v10.97.3/Content/Apps/WBDT/GlobalAliasing/GAS10001005_Working_with_Themes.htm

Asset configuration

Create an exquipment class with some properties and generate assets from that class, for example:

In the Commands tab of asset class definition, add a Set Global Aliases command. Make sure all equipment of this class is updated to contain the command.

In this example, <<@@self/.Name>> property of the asset is used. This means the Global Alias value will contain the asset name only. Use <<@@self/.Path>> if you want to use the full asset path instead.

Using Global Aliases in GraphWorX

When assigning datasources to GraphWorX controls, the datasource path (or a part of it) can be replaced with a Global Alias using this syntax:

<#Name of your Global Alias#>

For example:

In the screenshot above, the selected Process Point dynamic will always display the value of Speed asset property, but the asset name is dynamically set based on the value of the SelectedEquipment alias.

Because the configured assets have a Set Global Aliases command configured, clicking on them in the Asset Navigator control will set the alias value and displayed data will automatically change:

Set Global Aliases command can also be triggered by other actions like pressing buttons:

More information

For more information on Global Aliasing check the links below: