Foreword — This article describes the features and capabilities of MiniGUI, a lightweight graphics framework for embedded systems based on uClinux, Linux, eCos, or proprietary real-time OSes. The article is written by Wei Yongming, who wrote MiniGUI for a CNC (computer numerical control) system, then released it to open source seven years ago. (more…)

A 122-year-old dairy equipment company has used embedded Linux in a robotic cow-milking system (the system is robotic, not the cows). The Voluntary Milking System (VMS) allows cows to decide when to be milked, and gives dairy farmers a more independent lifestyle, free from regular milkings, the company says. (more…)

Coraid is shipping an ATA-over-Ethernet (AoE) NAS (network-attached storage) server that can connect size-unlimited heterogeneous networks to unlimited amounts of add-as-needed storage, the company says. (more…)

Lange Flugzeugbau GmbH has used embedded Linux to build a battery-propelled self-launching sailplane that it says is more reliable, quieter, and easier to operate than similar gliders powered by combustion engines. (more…)

Securtex International has used embedded Linux to build a rugged DVR (digital video recorder) targeting vehicle surveillance and operator management applications. The MDVR-4120 is optionally available with GPS, WiFi, and cellular networking, and besides surveilling passengers, can be used to “condition”… (more…)

Kontron is shipping a DIN-rail-mounted PLC (programmable logic controller) that runs embedded. The ThinkIO PLC supports up to 64 modular Fieldbus I/O clamps from Wago, and runs CoDeSys (controller development system) “soft PLC” software from 3S Software. (more…)

Sony's XCI-SX1 is the first model in a line of rugged, Linux-based camera modules targeting the emerging “machine vision” product category. The black-and-white camera runs MontaVista Linux on an AMD Geode processor, and provides “the imager, intelligence, and interface” on a single plug-in module, Sony says. (more…)

The Newisys NA-1400 is an inexpensive, “toaster-sized,” Linux-based Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliance with up to 2TB of storage. It features a low-power XScale processor, RAID, and room for four hot-swap drives. A 1TB version costs $1,000. (more…)

Neoware is shipping a ruggedized thin client designed to support industrial applications such as retail distribution centers, transportation hubs, and manufacturing shop floors. The e900 comes stock with a Neoware's custom embedded Linux OS, but can be modified to run other OSes, the company says. (more…)

Taiwanese ODM/OEM DigitalMicron has used Linux as the embedded software platform inside a wireless 802.11b security camera targeting commercial security and surveillance applications. The IP500 features JPEG/MPEG-4 compression, a microphone, remote pan-and-tilt, TV-out, and controls for up to four lights, alarm… (more…)

A high-end British loudspeaker vendor is prepping a wireless Internet table radio based on embedded Linux for the holidays. Acoustic Energy's prosaicly code-named “Wi-Fi internet radio” will support “all three major streaming formats,” it says, to tune in a claimed 99 percent of online radio stations. (more…)

ThingMagic is shipping a Linux-powered RFID reader based on a software-defined radio (SDR). The company says the Mercury4 can read any RFID tag format, including those not yet invented, and can be adapted to meet regional regulations. (more…)

Foreword: Copyrighted content needs protection from source through playback in digital delivery systems, meaning that embedded devices will need to implement digital rights management (DRM). In this whitepaper, Tony Walters of Certicom explains the importance of — and issues relating to — implementing DRM in embedded systems and devices. (more…)

First Technology's newest offering is the FGA-60, a Linux-based multimedia display controller that outputs still pictures and video clips (plus audio) to single or multiple CRTs, flat-panels, and TVs. (more…)

Foreword: After writing code for booting dozens of different hardware platforms on numerous embedded operating systems (including VxWorks, Nucleus, pSOS, uC/OS, among others), Ed Sutter decided to develop a common boot platform for embedded devices. (more…)