Jul. 30, 2007

U.K.-based Thorcom Systems Ltd is shipping a rugged, Debian Linux-based, in-vehicle computer intended for emergency first responders. The GPS-equipped VR2000 can serve as an application host, IP router, and vehicle locater in a wide range of mobile data, vehicle tracking, and in-vehicle communications and networking applications, according to the company.

(Click here for a larger image of the VR2000)

The VR2000 boasts a dual-channel graphics controller that supports connection of one or two VGA or DVI screens, including displays equipped with touch-screens. This, according to the company, allows the device to simultaneously display information on a small screen located in the vehicle cab, and greater detail, up to 1280 x 1024, on a larger screen in the rear of a vehicle.

The device incorporates a high-performance 12-channel GPS receiver for positioning and timing applications, such as automatic vehicle location (AVL) and data logging. Associated GPS software includes an intelligent "rules based" vehicle location sub-system said to minimizes transmissions, and a "black box" recorder capability that can be used for logging vehicle location and speed, or status gathered from external sensors (e.g. temperature or fuel levels) and other digital inputs.

The device can be used for implementing a "vehicle area network," whereby the unit operates across two IP-enabled radio networks, functioning as both a mobile data terminal and as an IP packet router for other radios in the network. As such, the VR2000 can also serve to extend the home base LAN and act as the access point to a WAN, according to the company.

VR2000 in a "multi-bearer" and vehicle area network
(Click to enlarge; source: Thorcom)

原文链接: http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5083494428.html