| Tux delivers fresh milk in Germany |
Dec. 12, 2007
 Two German firms have collaborated on a Linux-based logistics system for tanker transport of liquid goods, such as milk. The System 3003 system is comprised of Emlix GmbH's in-cabin subsystem (ICS) for driver guidance and BARTEC GmbH's and metering-sampling subsystem (MSS), which monitors liquid delivery/collection.
The GPS-enabled system closely integrates the ICS and MSS via an Ethernet network on the truck, communicating back to its dairy customers' ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems via GPRS. BARTEC GmbH, which develops a variety of liquid-collection systems, is selling the jointly developed system to the dairy industry, but there are possibilities of using the underlying technology for other liquid collection applications.
System 3003 ICS unit
(Click to enlarge)
Tanker drivers interact with the ICS via a Java-based mapping application. The computer is linked via GPRS (as well as a back-up radio) to an office-based scheduling and dispatch desktop application supplied by the customer. The central office application is used to schedule tanker routes, downloading shift and route data to the ICS via XML files.
The ICS periodically fixes the truck's location via GPS, and communicates the position to the office application. Also communicated are "TAMS" (tanker activity monitoring system) data such as vehicle condition and the driver's behavior, which are derived by sampling the vehicle's onboard computer via a CAN (controller area network) bus tap. In an accident, a distress signal is transmitted back to headquarters along with a log of TAMS data, Emlix says.
The ICS also uses GPS to recognize when the truck arrives at a planned collection point. The device then displays the type and amount of liquid product to be collected while simultaneously informing the linked MSS unit, which is attached to the truck's collection equipment.
System 3003's MSS unit screenshot
(Click to enlarge)
The rack-based MSS system monitors the collection process through a variety of sensors. Supported sensor cards include basic valve control, pump speed control, flow meter, and temperature probe. Other sensors, including filling level sensors, can be connected via USB or RS232, says Emlix. The MSS is also equipped with RFID-based identification of the trailer and of farm/factory connection points.
Conceptual diagram of Bartec System 2003 system for milk collection
Both the ICS and MSS are equipped with PPC 8280 processors, 128-256MB RAM, 64MB internal Flash, and a 256-512MB Compact Flash drive. Both systems include Ethernet ports and a SM501-based graphics card to control their 640x480 touchscreen TFT displays. In addition, the ICS includes a GPS receiver and GPRS modem. The units are said to operate in temperatures between -20 to +60°C.
The System 3003's software core is designed to enable cooperative multitasking, says Emlix, dynamically loading the application modules, which are allowed to communicate with each other without restrictions. This framework "enables multiple instances on different computers to be interconnected transparently via TCP/IP, thus creating the impression of a single large system," says the company. The software is said to include remote software version management/deployment and a human-machine interface (HMI) with screen layout specification delivered via XML.
The System 3003's software is based on a Linux 2.4.25 kernel, modified to include additional device drivers. Other open source software used in the development of the system is said to include:- Base System tools -- busybox, coreutils, expat, e2fsprogs, etc.
- Background services -- cron, syslog-ng, logrotate, etc.
- Databases -- sqlite3
- Scripting support -- LUA, python, PHP
- Connectivity -- telnet, openssh, pppd, thttpd, etc.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed