For 10 years now, we have been developing our own image processing systems for the mobility industry. With our image processing unit (IPU), we offer our customers a platform for integrating individual HMI (human-machine interface) designs from external sources into existing vehicles and visualizing real time image and video signals in the vehicle displays.
With "IPU-NG", our new generation IPU, we are adding a key component to the technology platform: a separate user interface with touch and control elements. In addition to visualizing image and video signals, additional computing power means that an operable user interface can now be created with the help of the IPU-NG, without the need for an additional computer. This simplifies the integration of customers' own design sources, and the platform can be fully configured to specific customer requirements through a web interface without additional software.
Through the cooperation of EDAG's competence center for special-purpose and emergency vehicles with the Electrics/Electronics segment, we combine user-oriented and technical knowledge. Close coordination has therefore resulted in the derivatives of the new generation of IPUs for use in a range of special-purpose vehicles, rescue vehicles, emergency vehicles and fire engines.
The user-friendly platform facilitates the display and operation of the optional equipment required in the vehicle. In this way, the IPU-NG simplifies the otherwise complex and expensive installation of additional displays in emergency vehicles.
Additional external devices for the operation of radio & signal systems, for navigating operations, and for control center communication
The IPU-NG brings an easy-to-use graphical user interface to special-purpose and emergency vehicles. Intuitive and safe operation is particularly important in these special-purpose vehicles, to enable drivers to react quickly in stressful and dangerous situations.
EDAG works in close cooperation with psychologists and HMI specialists to create user-friendly controls.
We have developed the new generation IPU so that the high-performance platform can be adapted to the technical diversity and designs of the various manufacturers and vehicle models. Even with the same standards, different protocols or even physical interfaces sometimes need to be operated, as there are such enormous differences between the different generations of equipment within the same brand. Every solution is therefore a customized derivative of the original IPU-NG platform. As a result, the functions available and the modules required for these are tailored to meet the particular customer-specific requirements. This ensures that the overall solution is less complex, and offers advantages in terms of both cybersecurity and functional safety.
When an existing system is being retrofitted, the image from an external control center computer is transferred to the emergency vehicle, and it is possible to switch between the original and external image source.
The display and the central computer are connected via the vehicle-specific HSD connectors, and the control station computer via HDMI and USB. To this end, EDAG is a member of HDMI.org, enabling the distribution of devices with HDMI connections.
