Product category:
PCs and Embedded Systems
News Release from: Amplicon | Subject: FW2000 Rugged Embedded PC Vehicle system
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 21 February 2000
Computer system for onboard vehicle use
The FieldWorks system, which was developed in consultation with police departments, comes with three modular components - keyboard, display and server
Developed for police, fire and emergency medical vehicles, the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server is the first computer system designed specifically for on-board vehicle use, unlike existing systems that are merely mounted, consumer-grade laptops or "dumb" terminals within a vehicle The FieldWorks system, which was developed in consultation with police departments, comes with three modular components - keyboard, display and server -- that can be placed anywhere in the vehicle
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 22 Feb 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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Because the components are not in the same box, users can install the server in a secure, remote location within the vehicle such as the trunk while placing the compact interface components near the officer.
The aluminium-alloy 250-1000 NIT display offers daylight readability in a reliable, space-saving package.
The 10.4" 800x600 display has eight back-lit, programmable function keys and touch screen option.
Both LCD and function keys can be dimmed for discreet night-time use.
Three LEDs indicate the following: 1) System power is on; 2) System is operating with a secondary power supply; 3)Display is not within operating temperature range (display will not turn on until the specified range is reached).
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The display can be mounted up to 15 feet from the server.
The aluminium-alloy keyboard is sealed to NEMA 3X specifications and has system power on/off capability.
The adjustable back-light illuminates the key legends for night-time use.
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The rugged server is the Mobile Data Server brain.
Featuring shock and vibration protection, a passive cooling system, and sealed and/or locking IO and power connectors, it can mount in a remote vehicle location.
The server module has open I/O ports for connecting peripheral technologies, which can connect via Card Bus.
A temperature monitoring system is built-in.
"We liked FieldWorks' innovative design because it allowed us to optimise the real estate in the front of the cab and minimise the time officers spend reporting from the field", said Sergeant Dave Frimmel of the Leon County, Florida, Sheriff's Department.
"The ruggedness also impressed us - we needed a system that could withstand our Florida heat, as well as the spills, vibration and knocks that are par for the course with police field work." The FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server was built to accommodate up to 270 peripherals and a variety of software applications, making it an indispensable companion to an officer - whether he or she is writing a report, using car-to-car messaging, calling for assistance, mapping a location, fingerprinting, downloading information to another computer, accessing the Internet or other daily functions.
"Police departments are feeling pressure to do more in less time with limited resources and manpower," said FieldWorks Marketing Manager Dale Szymborski.
"The FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server optimises an officer's daily routine by giving him or her the tools to communicate, gather or process information right at their fingertips.
The system also can be configured for voice recognition, so an officer could, for example, command the computer to investigate a vehicle registration while in pursuit." Other officer-friendly features on the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server include a daylight-readable display, with five to ten times the brightness of other laptops or notebook computers, and a back-lit, removable keyboard for easy night-time use.
Convenient one-touch, back-lit function keys on the side of the display can be programmed for urgent requests, such as a call for back-up or emergency medical support.
The system is also small and compact - measuring only 13 inches - so the front seat of the police car remains comfortable for two people.
As its name indicates, the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server is a full-fledged computer system, not a "dumb" terminal.
A 266 MHz AMD K6-2 processor with up to eight-gigabyte hard drive and 128 megabyte DRAM memory powers the system.
Connectivity is optimised with two PC Card slots, two serial ports and one parallel port and dual-channel Universal Serial Bus.
Other state-of-the-art features include optional spread-spectrum LAN support, which would enable a stationed officer to remotely transfer reports or other data to or from the FieldWorks 2000 Mobile Data Server to headquarters while the squad car is parked outside.
"Today's mobile systems are a far cry from on-board technology of the past," said Police Commander Gary Therkelsen, who recently standardised police vehicles with the FieldWorks system for his Eden Prairie, Minnesota, fleet.
"Having a dedicated server will give our officers the ability to access multiple data bases and the opportunity to write and submit reports from their vehicle, rather than going back to the station." As with all FieldWorks systems, the 2000 Series Mobile Data Server is built to strict military specifications for shock, vibration, blowing rain, temperature extremes, humidity and windblown water and dust.
The system also meets the National Electronics Manufacturers (NEMA) 3X rating for rain, icing, water, dust and corrosion as well as the IP/54 rating.
One of the ways the 2000 Series Mobile Data Server removed the problem of dust was by eliminating the fan used for cooling the system - it brought in too much dirt and dust.
Instead, the server uses a specially designed heat sink that regulates the air throughout the case.
The 2000 Series connectors are also sealed for water and dust protection.
The 2000 Series Mobile Data Server was engineered to be a complete on-board system that encompasses everything needed for in-vehicle computing.
This was ultimately accomplished with the help of the very officers that use it.
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