Just because industrial automation is usually found on the gritty factory floor doesn't mean some components of a deployment can't be pretty. That's one of the reasons AAEON has released a 15-inch multitouch panel computer for use in automation applications. The company says the panel computer is rugged enough for an industry environment but attractive enough for home automation systems.
The ACP-2153, a waterproof and scratchproof glass-faced panel computer, mounts with brackets (instead of bezels) that can be adjusted to match the dimensions of the surrounding walls. This gives it more versatility in terms of display and generally makes it more aesthetically pleasing, Lee Lee, product manager of AAEON's panel appliance and automation division, said in a press release.
AAEON has released a 15-inch touchscreen rugged panel computer designed to be both rugged enough for the factory floor and aesthetically pleasing enough for the home. (Source: AAEON)
Though the panel computer was designed to be easy on the eyes, it's still durable, with an operating temperature range of 20C (68F) to more than 60C (140F), a high luminance of 400cd/m2, and 9~30V DC input. The screen's touch capabilities come via a responsive projective capacitive touch display with a 1,024 x 768 resolution.
Under the hood, the ACP-2153 uses an Intel Atom D2550 1.86GHz processor with built-in passive cooling, which eliminates the need for a fan. Other features include "up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, two Gigabit Ethernets for speedy internet access, a mini PCIe card slot for expansion," and "abundant storage via a 2.5" SATA HDD or CFast." To support other devices and connections, the computer includes two USB 2.0 ports, three COM ports, a Line-out, and a VGA port.
The computer also supports several OSes, including Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 7, and Linux Fedora. Windows developers for the system get a bit of a leg up, because they can download AAEON's Hi-Safe program for free. This software allows Windows users to create a customized interface for the ACP-2153 that can monitor vital system information for parts such as the processor, RAM, and VGA without additional coding.
Since they are doing a dual target of industrial and home use, I'm surprised that they are using the capacitive touch. Many industrial plant are now requireing gloves as a standard safety precaution, which don't work that well with capacitive.
Yes, tablets and cells could definitely use more ruggedized screens. I've never smashed up a screen myself but I have seen iPhones with smashed screens that are virtually rendered useless. That's a pretty expensive piece of useless machinery! I think in this case, the glass suits the design pretty well.
That's true, Cabe, plastic is a lot more durable. But I think glass looks a lot nicer. And how often do you really drop a screen or a computer? Hopefully not that often! (Although of course, dings do happen.)
AAEON has released this for the aesthetically conscious automation deployment, and it actually looks quite nice as well as being rugged enough to hold up in a pure industrial environment. And with home automation becoming more prevalent, it can also fit in there as part of a contemporary design.
With LEDs dropping in price virtually every year, automakers have begun employing them, not only on luxury vehicles, but on entry-level models, as well.
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Advantech has launched a new series of motion-control I/O modules to meet the increased demands that come with more distributed industrial systems that require control of a growing number of axes and devices.
Using almost 200 light-emitting diodes in the front and back of the new 2014 CTS, Cadillac designers are showing how LEDs can change the character of a vehicle.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
0 
