In, out, and about HMI: Portable computer, smart card reader, resources

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HMI products making their way to market this month include a rugged portable computer from Acme Portable Machines Inc. and smart card reader from Omnikey. In addition, check out additional HMI and display resources, including an upcoming mobile display conference, an article on a $100 laptop, and an upcoming article from Control Engineering on HMI standardization.

EMP 370 large-scale rugged portable computer from Acme Portable Machines features a 17-in. non-glare screen, detachable 108-key keyboard, and seven full-length open card slots. Build around a shock-resistant aluminum “lunchbox” style case, the system provides dual cooling fans, two 5.25-in. and two 3.5-in. bays for shock-isolated disks, and CD or DVD drives. A Genesis 5621 analog-to-digital conversion board is included, mated to the ATX backboard. A 10-key pad and fingertip mouse pad are part of the package. Unit measures 13.5 x 17 x 9.5 in. and is designed for field service and factory floor applications where laptop computers are not flexible enough for the job. Standard screen with tempered anti-glare glass can be specified with an optional transflective sunlight-readable LCD for use in bright daylight.

CardMan 4321 for the new ExpressCard interface from Omnikey provides smart card security for laptops. Thin, fast, and light mobile reader uses the ExpressCard interface to enable smart card-based applications such as secure log-on to networks or online transaction for laptops. The ExpressCard standard is said to permit smaller and faster PC card solutions and is being implemented in laptops in addition to or as a replacement for traditional PCMCIA expansion slots. CardMan 4321 is CCID compliant, allowing it to work with standard Microsoft drivers. Reader supports virtually any type of contact smart card available.

More information on HMI displays is available at the upcoming Society for Information Display mobile displays conference. The two-day event in San Diego, Oct. 3-5, explores business and technology trends for displays in mobile products. Topics on the agenda include handheld mobile systems, small displays, wireless services, graphics and power ICs, driver chips for mobile displays, and backlight components. Click here to find out more or to register .

For interesting reading, visit IEEE-USA Today’s Engineer Online and check out: “Working on the $100 Laptop.” The article outlines the efforts Dr. Mary Lou Jepsen to create a low-cost machine to serve as an educational tool for children in developing countries. The device, which has online capability, has become a reality and is scheduled for shipment next spring. Also keep an eye out for Control Engineering ’s article on HMI standards to be published in the September issue and online .

— Jeanine Katzel , senior editor, Control Engineering