A rugged pc is essentially a computer that is designed to work in difficult environments – i.e., environments that provide unsteady conditions, extreme temperatures or other problems not encountered in everyday computer operating environments. Within this remit, there is a multitude of various specifications, and these can be designed, of course, to equip the PC for operation in the specific environment in which it needs to be deployed. It could be that a buyer needs a rugged embedded PC, which is designed to function to a high level on a small range of specific tasks. Or they could want to use their PC in transit on roads, sea or air – providing bumpy or otherwise unstable conditions – in which case they would require a rugged transport PC.
The desired specifications will depend not only on the environments in which the machine is deployed, but also, naturally, on the purpose for which it is to be used. This could be anything from military reconnaissance to editing sequences for documentary film-making for dispatch. There is a range of areas that rugged computers can be built to specialise in:
- custom algorithms for real-time vision applications;
- targeting solutions for Ballistics;
- target recognition and video tracking;
- training systems and embedded simulation;
- imager integration and sensor control;
- stabilized mechanisms, positioning and pointing devices;
- image stabilisation and Fusion hardware and software
But how does the technology work? Or, in other words, how are the objectives achieved? IT has often had problems with practical deployment in situations where the user can ill-afford instability or an unpredictable machine. Practical solutions have been developed by many rugged PC suppliers to satisfy this need. For instance, computing hardware can be deployed in a tough, shock-proof chassis with conduction cooling. The fundamental point of most rugged and embedded computers is that the electronics installed within them operate in a controlled environment. Their actual components can be chosen based on their ability to operate well in extreme temperatures as well as unstable environments. In addition to this, computer systems can be designed specifically to counteract wet or extremely dusty conditions or work environments.
So the type of rugged pc you chose to buy is determined by the environment in which you wish to deploy it. Think about a rugged embedded PC for highly specific usage, or, for example, a rugged transport PC for use when constantly on the move in unstable conditions.
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