Today's Human Machine Interface (HMI) is generally thought of as a computer system with graphic user interface for human beings to communicate with and control one or multiple machines. HMI is widely deployed in a variety of fields, ranging from machinery control, factory automation to process management. The intention of this kind of technology is to enable operators to monitor the status, send commands, and get feedback from an automatic system with more efficiency.
Taking control and communication applications in rail transportation systems as an example, design requirements may cover a combination of demanding features, including: fast boot time; operations maintenance and software upload from a portable PC through a temporary connection; a range of I/O ports, wide input voltage range; dust and water-proof mechanicals; and easy mounting. In addition, a solution capable of long-term reliability in a harsh environment that can reach sub-zero temperatures, experience fluctuating input voltage, as well as severe shock and vibration, may also be required.
The other case would be Positive Train Control (PTC) system. Due to several severe and major train accidents occurred in the past years, for example, the one in Chatsworth, California in September 14, 2008, the installation of PTC system by December 31, 2015 is required, specifying on the locomotives, trains and tracks when the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 was passed. Also, there are four initial requirements for implementing a PTC system in the law, which are: train separation or collision avoidance, line speed enforcement, temporary speed restriction as well as rail worker wayside safety.
Benefits of ADLINK's Smart Panel
ADLINK's Smart Panel is a good fit for the train operator display as well as the PTC system, a critical component in a train's signaling system. Located in the train operator's cabin at each end of the train, the signaling system allows the train operator to read and view information from various train subsystems, such as actual and target speeds and distance. The train operator display requires reliable, ruggedized, well-integrated interactive displays, with flexible customization options. Also, with the implementation of Smart Panel, onboard control unit for automatic train protection can be provided on the basis of train control computer; onboard control unit for data management computing on the basis of compactPCI; as well as the HMI display based on a standard PC. ADLINK's Smart Panel is the ideal solution for such design demands.
Furthermore, ADLINK's series of Smart Panels presents a unique blend of features. The full-featured modular design is less than 2cm in thickness, supporting such new forms of transportation panel with half of thickness. The high-resolution color interface makes it easy for the user to read data and messages. The 800 cd/m2 high-brightness LCD panel delivers clear and easy viewing both indoors and under direct sunlight – a vast improvement over eligibility in bright ambience. The trendsetting integrated touch-screen function also eliminates system integrator concerns with stringent cleanliness requirements when binding a touch control screen to an LCD during the manufacturing process.
Flexible high-tech system foundation
The integration of a main board, display module, and display cables in the Smart Panel enables a designer to start with a complete display solution, rather than a collection of individual components. Use of ADLINK's Smart Panel technology reduces the design cycle significantly, enabling project completion within tight deadlines. In the case of a train signaling application, the entire time from program kick-off to delivery of fully certified hardware takes just under six months. ADLINK's ruggedized Smart Panels are built to ensure a long lifespan, and are well-suited for such an environment; a five to seven year product life ensures excellent ROI and assures end users of reliable performance over time.
Summary
ADLINK Smart Panel is a System on Display. It is the core building block in a display integrated computing platform. Smart Panel combines an LCD panel, CPU board, and touchscreen in a single compact package to provide:
Technical specifications
ADLINK's current Smart Panel line-up includes X86 and ARMbased CPU options in screen sizes of 7 to 15.6", meeting virtually any requirement during the system development stage. High resolutions are supported (1920 x 1080) in two display ratios (4:3 and 16:9).On-board Wi-Fi enables remote monitoring to quickly and accurately access the progress of the production line, simplify materials management, and address issues. The introduction of the HMI in the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems enhances data collection features, enabling more direct archiving in all forms of documents to provide users with the benefits of remote monitoring.
About ADLINK Smart Panel
Smart Panel = independent computing power + internet access
The Smart Panel is a system on display providing internet access through wired or wireless connectivity with computing power on a display unit. Like a system on chip (SOC), the Smart Panel's many benefits increase the speed of electronic device development. ADLINK's Smart Panel is the first display module combining independent computer power and internet access. Its highly integrated design makes it easy to implement in fully customized systems. The Smart Panel is a building block design for fast implementation of embedded internet, making it easy for engineers to implement a user interface into either stationary or mobile applications. ADLINK provides a reference design kit for system integrators, so solution providers can build solutions with shorter design cycle and fewer design risks.