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TRONSHOW 2010 - Solutions from Personal Media Corporation (PMC)

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:41:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Solutions from Personal Media Corporation (PMC)

It is always fun to go down to the Personal Media Corporation (PMC) booth at the TRONSHOW since they have nice demos, boards, etc. to see. This year was no exception – PMC has introduced another T-Engine board, showed demonstrations related to the T-Kernel running on x86 and also had an RFID multi-driver solution.

TeaMacaron

The new board is called the TeaMacaron and is essentially a cousin of the original TeaCube. The TeaMacaron is about half the size and should be available for purchase in 2010 – unfortunately, I could not get any confirmation on the price, but I hope that it is not too expensive. The CPU is an ARM11 core from NEC (EMMA Mobile 1-D) and the system includes 64MB of RAM with LAN, USB, Micro SD Card, 2x serial and a VGA output.

The pictures below show the TeaMacaron by itself and also when compared to the older TeaCube. The TeaCube was revolutionary in how small it was, but the TeaMacaron makes it look big and clumsy.

In these pictures, you can see the TeaMacaron running a demo of showing a presentation about itself (note the GUI system is all up and running on it and it’s outputting to the VGA display) and the second demonstration is about the TeaMacaron being able to recognize hand gestures through image processing (the video was coming in from a web camera) – here, it can recognize “scissors, paper and stone” gestures.

The video below is from the demonstration of the TeaMacaron using a camera to capture the gestures of the hand to control the UI. In this video, the user can pan and zoom a map using hand gestures. They also had a demo showing how it could be used to play “scissors, paper, stone”.

Other Demonstrations

In other demonstrations, PMC showed its multi-RFID driver that allows you to use a single reader to read different types of RFID cards. Also on display was a task tracer that aids debugging. The output is pushed to the web server running on the device.

The pictures below show the T-Kernel running on x86 hardware, including easily available boards.

Last of all, the picture below shows the TeaTouch controlling an embedded system.

TRONSHOW 2010 - T-Engine Showcase

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:00:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – T-Engine Showcase

I was going to write a bit more about the T-Engine showcase, the set of posters and demos that you could see as you came in to the TRONSHOW. However, I just noticed that zephyrus-tk has just posted his impressions of TRONSHOW on the new T-Engine Developer Network BBS – one of the links that he has provided is to the T-Engine Showcase on the TRONSHOW website

The page has proper pictures and explanations of the technologies that were on display in the T-Engine Showcase. These technologies include: Jsmn, .Net micro framework from Microsoft, WideStudio, NoTA, Eclipse, Webkit, OpenGL, TCP/IP and POSIX.

The only thing that I would add is a video that shows an interesting demo of MP T-Kernel running on a quad-core CPU from NEC. The four cores are shared between two kernels: one kernel uses 3 CPU cores and does video decoding (frames on right); the other kernel uses only 1 CPU core and runs a profiling application (left). The full system runs under the MP T-Kernel with the 3 CPU cores running under MP T-Kernel in SMP mode, while the two kernels run in an AMP fashion. The demo shows how the performance degrades as the CPU cores are switched off one at a time.

T-Engine Developer Network (TEDN) BBS seeking beta-users

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:35:00 GMT

T-Engine Developer Network (TEDN) BBS seeking beta-users

T-Engine Developer Network (TEDN) has a new BBS that is ready for use by beta users. The BBS is online at http://bbs.t-engine.info/ and users can sign up from the interface there.

If you face any problems, please email contact@t-engine.info for help in registration, etc.

TRONSHOW 2010 - Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems, NTU Singapore

The Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems (CHiPES) is a research centre at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. Student and staff researchers at CHiPES have been using the T-Engine and T-Kernel as part of their work. The T-Kernel was first ported outside Japan by a researcher at CHiPES – the port was to the Infineon TriCore family. CHiPES has finished the development of a T-Kernel port to another CPU in the TriCore family.

At TRONSHOW 2010, Mr Fauzi Abbas of CHiPES demonstrated research into the development of a power management subsystem for the T-Kernel. He also showed a video about a recent development of a system that can do real-time image capture, image processing and motor control, using the Infineon TriCore CPU under the control of the T-Kernel RTOS.

TRONSHOW 2010 - Republic Polytechnic Singapore

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Republic Polytechnic, Singapore

Republic Polytechnic of Singapore was present as a large contingent at the TRONSHOW 2010. Seven students and a lecturer brought two of their projects that use the T-Engine. The first was an enhanced version of the Portable Audiometer that they demonstrated last year. This can be used to test your hearing. The second project was an in-flight ordering system that could be used for placing orders from your seat. The crew would get a notification on their laptop along with the seat number from which the order was placed.

TRONSHOW 2010 - Ryukoku University

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:26:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Ryukoku University, Japan

Ryukoku University of Japan showed various network stack components at the TRONSHOW. These included FTP and HTTP servers and clients. They also showed a GUI solution. The demonstrations were on T-Engine kits using Renesas CPUs.

TRONSHOW 2010 - Microsoft and .NET on T-Kernel

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:01:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Microsoft and .NET on T-Kernel

It may seem surprising to see Microsoft at the TRONSHOW but they have participated in the past also, so it’s not completely out of the blue. Most of the booth had posters about Windows Embedded and the handout included the catalog about Microsoft’s offerings for the embedded space.

However, it was interesting what they were demonstrating at the show. Microsoft, along with Core Corporation, has managed to get the .NET framework running on the T-Kernel. It seems that the code will be released for free, but I think the adaptation code may only be available only from Core (need to check). It’s still early, but they showed how the same .NET application could be run on a board that had no RTOS (left) and also on one which was running the T-Kernel (right).

TRONSHOW 2010 - Multi-processing with MP T-Kernel

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:41:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Multi-processing with MP T-Kernel

MP T-Kernel is designed to meet the needs of running embedded software on multi-core or multi-CPU options. Currently, it supports CPUs from Renesas (SH core) and NEC (ARM core). At the TRONSHOW, there were a few demos using the MP T-Kernel to demonstrate its performance. We managed to capture a few videos while we were there.

The first video is a demonstration of SH2A Dual running MP T-Kernel and doing image processing. The images are captured in real-time using a camera and different types of processing operations are done on the images. The processed images are pushed to the LCD also in real-time.

The second video is a demo of a dual-core Renesas SH7776 running SMP T-Kernel and doing video processing. A number of video streams are decoded in real-time using the two CPU cores.

The final video is an interesting demo of MP T-Kernel running on a quad-core CPU from NEC. The four cores are shared between two kernels: one kernel uses 3 CPU cores and does video decoding (frames on right); the other kernel uses only 1 CPU core and runs a profiling application (left). The full system runs under the MP T-Kernel with the 3 CPU cores running under MP T-Kernel in SMP mode, while the two kernels run in an AMP fashion. The demo shows how the performance degrades as the CPU cores are switched off one at a time.

However, MP T-Kernel is not just talk – eSol’s implementation of the MP T-Kernel is already in use in the Colorio printers from Epson

TRONSHOW 2010 - Keynote Speech

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:19:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Keynote Speech by Professor Sakamura

As always, Professor Sakamura made a keynote speech/ presentation on the first day of TRONSHOW 2010 to cover some of the main achievements and progresses made during the last year. These are some of the notes that I took during the presentation. Hopefully, the slides will be available soon. The presentation was basically divided into six main parts, so the rest of this page is organized the same way.

Part 1 – International Activities

The first section was about the work being done to promote TRON and T-Engine activities overseas.

Launching T-Engine Forum China

This was a very big announcement – a centre was set up within the Chinese government as the “T-Engine Forum China” in December 2009.

To extend the use of embedded system technologies as represented by TRON in China
It is supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Computing Technology and China Household Appliance Research Institute
Dr Han Zuoliang will be the chair of TEF, China – he was the former president of CHEARI

Singapore and TEDN (T-Engine Developer Network)

Singapore activities are being supported by NTU, where T-Kernel is used in teaching and training
Now, the use is extending to polytechnics
T-Engine Forun is working with a Singapore company (Viometrix) to produce the English site – www.t-engine.info
Some of the sections are up, including the BBS – early bird testers are wanted
In Asia, promotion is ongoing with other material in China, Vietnam, South Korea and India.

CASAGRAS and EU FP7 in Europe

It is an 18 months project since the end of Jan 2008 to see what can be done with ubiquitous computing
They invited forgein inputs, including North America and Japan
A final report about RFID and the Inclusive Model for the Internet of Things has been created and is available from www.iot.eu.com

International Standardization Activity in ITU-T

ITU-T SG16/Q.21, Q.22 and F.771, ITU H.621

Part 2 – uhome: TRON INtelligent House Ver 3

Built in Taiwan
Original TRON Smart House V1: built in 1989 (had 1000 computers)
TRON House V2 PAPI: built in 2008 (600 sqm, 300 computers – fewer computer now since CPUs are more capable), supported by Toyota
Taipei Taiwan uHome : 2009 (200 sqm showroom and 350 sqm house)
Some interesting features:
- Video of the things in the uHome
- Concept: Eco-friendly and green through the use of natural materials, LED lighting, etc
- Uses eco-meter to visualize savings on the remote controller – helps to affect the person psychologically into saving more

Also, the houses incorporates control by the NoTA Concept

Developed under the support of TEKES, Nokia, Notava, VTT, etc.
Many devices connected by a network
Created in Finalnd
NoTA tries to standardize the communication
OS is TRON, but uses NoTA protocols
Uses the concept of AN (App Node) and SN (Service Node) (see picture below)
You can see the real-time consuption, what is on, who is where, outside temperature, etc. on the UC (see picture below)

Part 3 – Distributed/ Parallel Embedded Systems

Moore’s Law: Integration of semiconductors doubles every 18 – 24 months
Miniaturization is reaching near its limit – nearing single CPU limit
Also, we are nearing the limit of increasing the CPU clock frequency
The idea to get around these limits is to use distributed computing

Open is KEY

OPENNESS is a foregone conclusion in distributed embedded systems
Need a way to connect many distributed systems
There is a need to make sure that we can communicate between the systems
Therefor, openness becomes more important
Open is important – create systems based on open distributed systems
Open systems + Open systems = limitless possibilities

There are Many levels of Open: intra-chip, intra-board, Personal Area Network, LAN, WAN, ...

Microsoft .Net
- Microsoft is releasing .Net for TRON/ T-Kernel
- Uses .Net on Server, but also going to embedded with TRON/ T-Kernel
Spacewire: T-Kernel is also used by JAXA, using SpaceWire for specific communication needs in space
MP TK provides communication for multi-processing on-chip
UWB Dice: Ultra-wide band used in Dice – allows accurate positioning at 15 cm, 9 year battery life to create sensor networks
- Many applications of a Dice network: security, facility management, etc.
- Approaching Vehicle Warning with Dice: about 30cm distance error; tested in Aomori

Part 4 – Progress & Proliferation of Ubuiquitous ID Architecture

Ubiquitous Location Information Service

Associate Information with Places
However, GPS error is about 10m and not available under ground
So, GPS alone can’t help enough; now Wireless LAN is also adding more capability
But, we should use all the available means to position
New applications need to have an error rate in centimetres, for some, 1m is OK, but not for others
Project in Ginza – as you walk along the street, you get information
What is the building, what is the closest subway, where is the hospital and so on..
Information is got from the street light – can warn you about fires, etc.
Also, there is the Ubiquitous Art Tour (1000 Yen) at Tokyo Midtown
- Available in Chinese, English, French, Japanese and Korean
- Provided by Mitsui Real Estate
Hato Bus Joint Service, Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Proejct
- Can get terminal for free if you take this bus
- Can see different things on the handset
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
- Ubiquitous Technology Project
Ten Ginza hotels will loan the terminals for free
- Audio sightseeing guidance, navugation, shop information, etc.
- Launched Oct 15, 2009
Ueno Zoo Ubiquitous Information Guide
Intelligent Control Points Service
- Geographical Survey Institute
- Embed 20,000 RFID tags all over Japan as intelligent control points for the maintenance of control points and streamlining the surveying operation.
Pratto Plat @ Matsuyama (SPC)
- Sightseeing guidance
- Push-style information for easy access
Ubiquitous Computing country-side: Regional Tourism Ubiquitous

Getting Information from Objects

Can be used to get more information about a wine, etc.
Prevent piracy
Fire-alarms: can be used for maintenance records to ensure that the alarm is OK (Better Home Living Organization – using about 1 million uCodes)
Also, embedding it into the concrete – can be used when there are floods
Embedding RFIDs – has taken 5 years to get to this point
For people, getting information from objects means things like ‘expiration date has passed’ or to get information about the medicines, etc.
Important to spread this overseas also, e.g. when you are overseas, you may be prescribed medicienes but don’t understand what it does
Centre for better living: registration of long-life good housing
- In europe, houses are built with brick and stone
- Traditionally, Japanese houses
Race horse, fire alarms, traceability,
Benesis (Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation)
- Uses uCode for real-word traceability
- what kind of blood has been used for making the plasma fra ction
Augmented reality and uID Architecture

ucode: any time, any where, any one, any things

Differentiate from bar code scan
Advantages
- Simple number – no semantic information
- Large code space – 128 bits
- Can be issued any time by any one for any object easily
Distribution is a key – so it must not be issued only from Japan (dare-demo)
- Can be issued by China, Finland, Japan, etc.
- Yet, they are interoperable
- Easily issued by cloud-style computing
- Individual, SOHO and mom-and-pop shops – anyone can use it
Any objects
- can be put on any kind of object
- Not dependent on industry
- Frequently asked question is “price” – costs depend on the usage
- However, Hitachi has uChip – about 1 Yen
- Looking at application rather than the tag prices alone
- People may be willing to pay a premium for medicines/ food that has more information

Part 5 – Progress and Proliferation of TRON and T-Engine Architecture

TRON has the world’s largest share
The Nov 2008 RTOS usage survey indicates that 47% are using ITRON
TRON Engineer Certification Examination (similar to how TOEFL is used for English) is available
- It Tests knowledge and skill of embedded systems
- Held 4 times a year (already, 6 exams since Jun 2008)
- Plan to expand the test overseas

Part 6 – Ecosystems in Ubiquitous Computing

Future ES from TRON perspective
- Distributed Embedded Systems + Open Network -> Ubiquitous Computing Solutions
- Ubiquitous computing is the largest futue application of embedded technologies
- Computers embedded in the environment – in the physical life
- Affect social infrastructure: save resources by detailed control, decrease food poisioning through traceability, etc.
- Need ubiquitous computing to realize eco-friendly societies
Need to build up the ecosystem to support eco-friendly ubiquitous computing

Target:
- Tag : Sensor : embedded CPUs : UC : more advanced
- MANY : 10,000 : 100 : 3 : 2
Apply the original strength of being small
- Go back to the original small footprint technology (our origins)
- E.g., even for NoTA, T-Engine Forum is proposing µNoTA
Eventually, uID will be an atom of ubiquitous computing

Final Words

Last year, was the 25th TRON SHOW and in a sense, continuity is the source of power – so, Professor Sakamura looks forward to continued participation from all.

TRONSHOW 2010 - Inauguration

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:26:00 GMT

TRONSHOW 2010 – Inauguration

On 9th December 2009, TRONSHOW 2010 was inaugurated. As with the ceremony every year, there were a couple of speeches by the VIPs before the ribbon cutting. The video for the ribbon cutting is below.

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TRONSHOW 2010 - Solutions from Personal Media Corporation (PMC)

TRONSHOW 2010 – Solutions from Personal Media Corporation (PMC)

TeaMacaron

Other Demonstrations

Links

TRONSHOW 2010 - T-Engine Showcase

TRONSHOW 2010 – T-Engine Showcase

Links

T-Engine Developer Network (TEDN) BBS seeking beta-users

T-Engine Developer Network (TEDN) BBS seeking beta-users

TRONSHOW 2010 - Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems

TRONSHOW 2010 – Centre for High Performance Embedded Systems, NTU Singapore

TRONSHOW 2010 - Republic Polytechnic Singapore

TRONSHOW 2010 – Republic Polytechnic, Singapore

TRONSHOW 2010 - Ryukoku University

TRONSHOW 2010 – Ryukoku University, Japan

TRONSHOW 2010 - Microsoft and .NET on T-Kernel

TRONSHOW 2010 – Microsoft and .NET on T-Kernel

TRONSHOW 2010 - Multi-processing with MP T-Kernel

TRONSHOW 2010 – Multi-processing with MP T-Kernel

TRONSHOW 2010 - Keynote Speech

TRONSHOW 2010 – Keynote Speech by Professor Sakamura

Part 1 – International Activities

Launching T-Engine Forum China

Singapore and TEDN (T-Engine Developer Network)

CASAGRAS and EU FP7 in Europe

International Standardization Activity in ITU-T

Part 2 – uhome: TRON INtelligent House Ver 3

Part 3 – Distributed/ Parallel Embedded Systems

Open is KEY

Part 4 – Progress & Proliferation of Ubuiquitous ID Architecture

Ubiquitous Location Information Service

Getting Information from Objects

ucode: any time, any where, any one, any things

Part 5 – Progress and Proliferation of TRON and T-Engine Architecture

Part 6 – Ecosystems in Ubiquitous Computing

Final Words

TRONSHOW 2010 - Inauguration

TRONSHOW 2010 – Inauguration