In this technical column, we will introduce the key points of the seminar titled "Smartization of Social Infrastructure (such as factories and buildings) Advancing: Wireless LAN Technology Capable of Transmitting Video Data Up to 1km - Utilizing IoT-Oriented Wide Area Wireless LAN 'IEEE802.11ah' to Connect Cameras and Sensors Over a Wide Area," which was held by our company on February 22, 2024. [Table of Contents] ● What is IEEE802.11ah (Wi-Fi HaLow), a new Wi-Fi standard optimized for IoT and suitable for long distances? ● Comparison and features against conventional Wi-Fi and LPWA (long distance, high speed, using the same IP frame as Wi-Fi) ● Introduction of the "IEEE802.11ah Compatible Wireless LAN Converter," which allows for easy connection and long-distance wireless LAN capabilities similar to Wi-Fi ● Use cases of IEEE802.11ah (Wi-Fi HaLow), such as outdoor Wi-Fi utilization

Contec's edge AI computer "DX-U2200" has been adopted for a level crossing monitoring system that utilizes AI image analysis technology from Meitetsu EI Engineer Co., Ltd. Meitetsu EI Engineer, which develops equipment installation and communication systems for nearby railway companies centered around Nagoya Railroad, has organized a project team with Toyota Systems, which has a track record in AI image analysis, and Toho Electric Industry, a railway equipment manufacturer, to operate a level crossing monitoring system that incorporates AI-based image analysis. The DX-U2200 has been adopted as the edge AI computer that meets the system requirements.

After reviewing how to utilize sensor information, we will introduce several successful IoT case studies and the IoT systems provided by Contec, while also touching on information collaboration with other IT systems, as well as the use of closed networks and the cloud. We will deliver a three-part series of explanatory columns focusing on "sensors" and "IoT devices." We hope this will be helpful in building your IoT systems. 【Table of Contents】 - What IoT Means in Factories - How to Utilize Collected Sensor Information - Centralized Management of Factory Equipment Operating Status through Visualization Systems - System Monitoring and Process Control Across Multiple Locations Using the Cloud - Case Study on Production Process Visualization: "Contec Komaki Office" - Utilizing Sensor Information with Contec's Solutions

To correctly connect sensors and IoT devices, it is essential to first focus on the sensor's interface. In the second installment of our explanatory column on "Sensors" and "IoT Devices," we will discuss how to select IoT devices while paying attention to the sensor's interface. We will deliver a three-part series of explanatory columns focusing on "Sensors" and "IoT Devices." We hope you find it useful for building your IoT systems. 【Table of Contents】 - What is an IoT Gateway? - The Role and Interface of IoT Gateways - Sensors that indicate ON/OFF (Digital Output) - Sensors where the number of ON/OFF signals has significance (Counters) - Sensors that indicate changes in physical quantities or the environment (Analog Output) - Sensors that convert data and send it out as communication (Communication Interface) - General-purpose products specialized in IoT gateway functions developed by Contec

When you hear "IoT (Internet of Things)," what images come to mind? As you start to tackle the realization of IoT with themes like "wanting to visualize the site," "wanting to improve production efficiency," and "wanting to detect signs of failure," you will first realize that you must solve the very practical issue of "how to collect data from the equipment on-site." This realization will highlight the gap between your envisioned smart IoT image and the reality. Where should you install which "sensors" on the equipment? How will the wiring be done? To choose the most suitable "sensors" for the information you want to acquire, you need to understand the types and characteristics of sensors. We will deliver a three-part explanatory column focusing on "sensors" and "IoT devices." We hope you find it useful for building your IoT system. This first installment, titled "Types of Sensors Essential for IoT and How to Use Them," will explain the sensors that can be used in IoT, focusing on the interface.

In advance of the release of the latest version of the Contec comprehensive product catalog Ver.20, we will begin accepting advance reservations for material requests. If you are interested, please apply through the inquiry form or related links. Deliveries are scheduled to begin sequentially from early November 2023. 【Table of Contents】 A. Box Computer® BX - Energy-saving, Fanless B. Box Computer® EPC - High Power, Fan Cooling C. Edge AI Computer D. FA Computer, Custom Computer E. Application-equipped Models F. Panel Computer G. Industrial IoT H. Remote I/O I. Raspberry Pi Related Products J. Analog Input/Output K. Digital Input/Output L. Counter, Motion Control M. Serial Communication N. GPIB Communication O. Expansion Units, Bus Adapters P. Support Software Q. Accessories, Cables R. Network, Wireless LAN S. Solutions T. Services

The article "Controlling Model Trains with Raspberry Pi," published in the Fall 2022 issue of the electronic hobby magazine issued by Denpa Shimbunsha, is available for free download. This article introduces the process of creating a model train controller that can be remotely operated via smartphone using Raspberry Pi.

This is an industrial computer suitable for AI inference processing equipped with the NVIDIA(R) Jetson Xavier NX(TM) module. The NVIDIA(R) Jetson Xavier NX(TM) features 384 Volta cores as a GPU and includes two NVDLA (NVIDIA Deep Learning Accelerator) units, enhancing deep learning performance. In comparisons of ResNet-50 inference execution, it can perform approximately 5.5 times faster at FP16 precision and about 21.5 times faster at INT8 precision, which is advantageous for inference execution, thereby accelerating edge inference for high-performance AI applications. With the standard inclusion of a large-capacity NVMe 256GB storage, it can store large training libraries and data, as well as enable long-term data logging. Additionally, it is equipped with USB 3.2 Gen2 x4 ports to connect multiple USB cameras simultaneously for applications such as visual inspection on manufacturing lines, and it also includes a serial port (RS-232C/422A/485 1 port) for convenient connection of peripherals and sensors.

On May 9, 2022, a new experiential attraction called the "Tower Slider" was born at Tsutenkaku, a registered tangible cultural property in Osaka Prefecture and a long-loved symbol of Shinsekai. The Tower Slider allows visitors to drop from the intermediate observation deck on the 3rd floor, 22 meters above ground, down to the basement level in one swift motion while circling around the exterior of the elevator tower. The latest video service technology used for this attraction employs Contec's VPC-5000. The video service for the Tsutenkaku Tower Slider provides videos to everyone instantly, rather than just photos. Upon arriving at the exit, videos are generated within about 30 seconds, including footage taken at the entrance, the default sliding scene, and footage at the exit, which are then uploaded to a monitor at the exit in full HD 2K quality. Visitors can download their videos by scanning the QR code on the monitor using a dedicated Wi-Fi connection, making it easy to view and save the video data. The video processing system, which accurately and stably processes high-quality video data exceeding 30MB in size in real-time as riders enter and exit the slider, is powered by Contec's industrial high-end FA computer, the VPC-5000.

In recent years, the advancement of sensing technology and IoT technology utilizing that data has led to increased visibility in production sites. As the next step, it is necessary to utilize the acquired data to contribute to productivity improvement. One immediate thought is to analyze the acquired data for equipment maintenance. There are three types of maintenance based on timing: corrective maintenance, preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance. Corrective maintenance, which involves repairing after a failure, poses a significant problem due to its impact on production planning. Additionally, preventive maintenance requires regular maintenance such as parts replacement to ensure safety margins, which can lead to increased costs. In contrast, predictive maintenance allows for the detection of signs of potential failures, minimizing the impact on production planning while also keeping maintenance costs to a minimum, thus resolving the issues associated with the first two types. Until now, it has been challenging to ensure reliable predictive accuracy, and the applicability has been limited. However, recent advancements in AI have created an environment where the realization of predictive maintenance through anomaly detection can be expected. In this article, we will analyze the common vibration issues in production sites and aim to improve productivity through equipment and machinery maintenance by building an anomaly detection AI to capture signs of failure.

We have started accepting requests for the latest comprehensive catalog of Contec products. If you are interested, please apply using the contact form at the bottom of the page. 【Table of Contents】 ● Edge Computing Related Products A. Box Computer (R) BX - Low Power, Fanless B. Box Computer (R) EPC - High Power, Air-Cooled C. Edge AI Computer D. FA Computer, Custom Computer E. Application-Embedded Models F. Panel Computer ● M2M / IoT Solution Related Products G. Industrial IoT H. Remote I/O ● Measurement Control and Communication Device Related Products Raspberry Pi Related Products J. Analog Input/Output K. Digital Input/Output L. Counter, Motion Control M. Serial Communication N. GPIB Communication O. Expansion Units, Bus Adapters P. Support Software Q. Accessories, Cables ● Network and Wireless LAN Related Products R. Network, Wireless LAN ● Solution and Service Related Products S. Solutions T. Services

Contec has added three new models and a DIN rail mount kit to its HAT-sized board "CPI Series," which utilizes Raspberry Pi(R) in the fields of factory automation (FA) and measurement control, starting sales on November 2, 2021. Contec has developed a multi-connection compatible HAT-sized board that expands on the HAT specifications, commercializing it as the "CPI Series," which has been on sale since April 2021. With the addition of three new products (analog input/output and up/down counters) to the seven currently available HAT-sized boards in the "CPI Series" (digital input/output, RAS, relay output), the lineup has been expanded, further broadening the application range in the field of measurement control, where the number of I/O points varies by system and diverse signals need to be handled. Additionally, the other new product, the DIN rail mount kit, not only allows for easy installation on DIN rails but also supports various mounting methods such as wall or tabletop installation.

Industrial equipment is now transitioning from dedicated design devices to a combination of general-purpose devices and general-purpose operating systems. When it comes to general-purpose OS platforms, Windows PCs are the go-to choice. By leveraging PC technology, a vast array of peripherals and software can be utilized, allowing for the rapid, easy, and low-cost development of industrial applications. However, stable operation is essential in industrial applications. The challenge lies in how to ensure availability as industrial equipment while taking advantage of the convenience of PCs. The features introduced here are realized at the BIOS level and are original functions unique to Contec, which develops all hardware, OS, and BIOS in-house. ● Supports power outage operation without shutdown: "Power Cut Protect(TM)" ● Fastest boot time of 8 seconds: "CONTEC Fast Boot" ● Locks OS boot with USB device: "Secure Boot USB Key" ● Backs up disk images from BIOS: "Disk Copy" ● Diagnoses devices from BIOS: "Self-Diagnosis" *For more details, please refer to the related links below or check the catalog.