Device Profile: Eurotech Rugged DVR platform

By Linux Devices
2005-11-10

Article Rating:

/ 0

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

[Updated Nov. 21] -- Eurotech is readying a DVR (digital video recorder) platform for trains and other harsh environments. The "Rugged DVR" is based on a passively cooled P133 or Celeron processor, with optional JPEG2000 or MPEG-4 capture/compression, GSM/GPRS (UMTS) radio, gigabit Ethernet, and USB 2.0 ports.

It supports Linux and other embedded operating systems.

The Rugged DVR is available in high- and low-profile enclosures
(Click to enlarge)

According to Eurotech, the device complies with the European Union's EN 50155 standard for railway applications. It also complies with EU standards for humidity, ambient air temperature, storage temperature, vibrations and shocks, power voltage interruption, surges, insulation resistance, and emissions immunity.

The Rugged DVR is can be combined with several other devices from Eurotech to create a complete surveillance system for buses, trains, and other vehicles.

The Rugged DVR is one component of a complete surveillance and/or infotainment system
(Click to enlarge)
The device is designed for easy monitoring and troubleshooting, as well as reliable performance, Eurotech says. Camera interfaces (up to eight BNC connectors) and other field application signal interfaces are located on the rear panel, while troubleshooting and diagnostics interfaces, including I2C, VGA, and keyboard/mouse connectors, are located on the front panel.

What's under the hood?

The Rugged DVR is available with a Pentium 133 or Celeron 400 processor, and between 64MB and 256MB of soldered-down DRAM. The device boots from a solid-state DiskOnChip, and offers three storage options, including internal, external USB, or internal removable hard drives.

An available I2C monitoring system can be used to monitor or extract data from the device even when it is in standby mode or powered down, Eurotech says, to support failure analysis and other forensics. The monitor also offers "pre-alarm" features that can send updates via SMS.

I/O options include fast or gigabit Ethernet, USB 1.1 or 2.0, GSM/GPRS (UMTS), 802.11-b or -g, line- and microphone-level audio I/O, and 12 lines of isolated digital I/O. It also has serial ports, VGA out, miniDIN-6 keyboard and mouse connectors, and I2C port, 6 LEDs, and a reset button.

The device supports DC power inputs from 8.4 to 40V, and draws a maximum of 25 Watts (15 typical). It supports operating temperatures from -25 degrees to 70 degrees Celsius. Available cases measure 10.4 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches (255 x 129 x 57mm) or 10.4 x 5.1 x 3.3 inches (255 x 129 x 83mm). It weighs between 3.3 and 6.6 pounds (1.5 - 3 kg), depending on configuration.

On the software side, the Rugged DVR is available with Linux drivers for a 2.6-series kernel. Under Linux, it supports

Motion detection
- programmable detection window, motion velocity, and motion sensitivity
Scalable video output
- Supports ratios such as 1:2, 1:3, 2:3, 1:4
- Programmable video screen position
JPEG2000 compression
- Elimates blocky, blurry artifacts associated with JPEG
- Supports progressive downloads
- Images can be displayed using common desktop applications
- Broadcast image quality can be tuned to available bandwidth
- Full-resolution images can be stored locally

In addition to Linux, supported operating systems include DOS, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows CE, with QNX available upon request, the company says.

Related Stories:

	Discuss Device Profile: Eurotech Rugged DVR platform

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More Linux For Devices Articles Articles >>> More By Linux Devices

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.