Thursday 26 May 2016

Ubuntu 16.04 LTS - is it any good?


Ubuntu 16.04 LTS - Review.


The Ubuntu desktop has seen very little change since Ubuntu 14.04 LTS was released two years ago. That’s about to change with the recent launch of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS—code-named “Xenial Xerus”—which brings big changes and welcome polish to the classic Unity 7 desktop.
What’s new for the traditional Linux desktop
If you’re using the Unity 7 desktop—now Unity 7.4—you’ll have a better experience than ever before. Those controversial online search results—which some people called “spyware”—are now disabled by default. Ubuntu won’t send your local searches over the Web to show you shopping results anymore.
Unity 7 also now, at long last, lets you move your launcher to the bottom of the screen. The feature is hidden and requires a terminal command, but it’s officially supported. Unity 7.4 brings a variety of other little improvements and bits of polish that make this a satisfying revamp.
The aging Ubuntu Software Center is now gone, replaced by the shiny new GNOME Software application that Fedora has been using for several releases. In addition to traditional Deb packages, Ubuntu now supports “Snaps,” which can be installed alongside Debs. Because they’re self-contained packages that can include their own dependencies, Snaps can’t mess with the rest of your system. They’ll be ideal for installing proprietary software or the latest versions of big open-source projects—like desktop environments—without risk.

Ubuntu’s Unity desktop has never been more polished and user-friendly.

The Brasero disc-burning application and Empathy instant-messaging software have been removed from the default installation, although they can still be installed from GNOME Software. Ubuntu now includes GNOME Calendar and the Cheese webcam application by default. Under the hood, you’ll find version 4.4 of the Linux kernel, which offers improved support for PCs with Intel Skylake chipsets.

There’s good and bad news for AMD graphics users. Ubuntu 16.04 LTS will support AMD’s new AMDGPU graphics driver architecture, which should help close the gap with Nvidia’s exceptional Linux drivers. Unfortunately, Ubuntu 16.04 LTS no longer supports the current AMD Catalyst driver, also known as “fglrx.” AMD graphics card users may want to stick with Ubuntu 14.04 until AMDGPU has matured. That is, if you’re using the card for gaming or other demanding chores. AMD graphics will work just fine if you’re performing standard desktop activities.
Where’s Unity 8 and the converged desktop?
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS stands as a solid traditional Linux desktop that will serve users for the next few years. Still, convergence features, which blur the lines between desktop and mobile devices, are slowly arriving. That’s part of the Unity 8 desktop, which is now stable enough that it’s shipping on the first Ubuntu tablet, although it’s still early days for this software.
The Unity 8 desktop isn’t included on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS by default, but it’s available to install from the repositories as a preview. If all goes as planned, Ubuntu 16.10 will feature Unity 8 by default, giving Ubuntu developers a whole two-year development cycle—until the next long-term service release, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS—to improve the new desktop and make it ready for a general Linux desktop audience. Until then, Ubuntu users have a lot to enjoy with the current Unity desktop.


Ubuntu 16.04 — New Features

Linux Kernel 4.4

TuxlogoUbuntu 16.04 LTS ships with a modified version of Linux 4.4 kernel.
It introduces numerable improvements to system stability, performance, power efficiency, and file system handling, and introduces support for newer Intel and AMD hardware.
  • Improved Intel Skylake processor support
  • 3D support in the virtual GPU driver
  • New driver for Corsair Vengeance K90
  • Support for TPM 2.0 chips
  • Journaled RAID 5 support
It also introduces drivers for the Logitech G29 racing wheel and enables support for hardware features on some newer Toshiba laptops.

ZFS

A bigger (and somewhat controversial) change is the addition of support for the Zfs filesystem on Linux — the first version of Ubuntu to support it natively, out of the box.
ZFS is best described as a combination of a volume manager (like LVM) and a filesystem (like ext4, which remains the default for Ubuntu installations).

Other System Changes

Python 3.5 is default in 16.04. Apps that are based on and/or use Python 2 remain available and will continue work as normal. Developers are advised to upgrade their software to take advantage of Python 3.
As we’ve previously warned, if you use a device with AMD Radeon graphics hardware you should NOT upgrade at present. The fglrx driver is now deprecated in 16.04, and although open source alternatives (radeon and amdgpu) are recommended, they do not deliver comparable performance.


Snappy is Ubuntu’s brand new packaging format. It aims to help app developers bring newer versions of their apps to the Ubuntu desktop, instantly, reliably and safely.
We took a look at the key benefits of Snap packages in an earlier post, which is well worth a read for a full rundown.
But the short of it is this: you will get to install new versions of your favourite apps in Ubuntu sooner than before, and without having to worry about missing or out of date dependencies.

New Keyboard Shortcuts

The default shortcut for opening the HUD (the ‘heads-up display’ that lets you quickly search for options in the menu of focus applications) changes from ALT to ALT+SPACE in this release.
The window control keybinding changes from  alt-super.

Unity 7.4

2016-04-06 20_25_32
Unity is Ubuntu’s default desktop shell. A host of bug fixes for some long-standing issues feature in its latest outing.
Yes, as you may have heard by now, Ubuntu 16.04 finally lets you move the Unity launcher to the bottom of the screen — six long years after users first asked.
The ‘option’ to change the position is not exposed via the native system settings app, instead lurking in the nerdy nether regions of the dconf-editor. Third-party utilities like Unity Tweak Tool (available from Ubuntu Software) offer an easier, one-click toggle, however.
Ubuntu’s controversial online search features are now disabled by default for new installs.
A victory for the privacy conscious,you’ll no longer need to sift through  tangentially related eBay, Wikipedia and web results when hunting down a local file or app.
Session shortcuts have been added to the Dash to make it even faster to reboot, logout or shutdown your PC.
unity session shortcuts
Other changes in Unity 7.4:
  • Removable devices now have launcher shortcuts
  • ‘Format’ option added to device quicklist
  • Improved appearance of apps that use CSD
  • New app spread shortcut: Super + Ctrl + W
  • Window management fix for Trash
  • New HUD shortcut: Alt + Space (previously just ‘Alt’)
  • Option to ‘Always Show Menus’ in System Settings
  • Dash: new overlay scrollbars
  • Improved HiDPI support
  • Apps now show launcher icons while loading

LTS to LTS Changes

Easily create desktop shortcuts
Changes since Unity 7.2 (used in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS)
Since a good chunk of you will be doing an upgrade from Ubuntu 14.04 LTS we’ll mention some other notable tweaks to the desktop shell since the version you’re used to was released.
Among them:
  • App menus can be made to ‘Always Show’
  • Faster login & logout animations
  • New overlay scrollbars (no more thumb scrubber)
  • Drag and drop apps from the Dash to the desktop to create shortcuts
  • Computer can no longer be ‘shutdown’ when the screen is locked
  • Dash: Keyboard navigation improvements
  • New setting to control the show-now delay (when pressing Alt key)
The Sound Menu will show a microphone input volume slider on devices with a built-in (or connected) microphone. In earlier versions the input slider was only shown when the microphone was actively in use by an application.
sound menu microphone input

New Default Wallpaper

ubuntu 16.04 wallpaper

Almost every new version of Ubuntu comes with a new desktop background and a selection of new community-contributed wallpapers.
The default desktop background is a palatable mish-mash of purple, though far removed from the heady days of the Hardy Heron! Whether you keep it or change it, the new default desktop wallpaper will at least make it easier to spot Ubuntu in the wild! 

Application Updates

software center new to ubuntu 16.04 LTS
Several new apps ship as part of Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, including a new desktop calendar app and a brand-new software store (pictured above).
Both are welcome additions to the desktop, with Calendar able to show your upcoming appointments and reminders in the Datetime Indicator.
The new Software app replaces the Ubuntu Software Center.  Use it to search for, browse and install from hundreds of thousands of free and open-source application, as well as a few non-open-source and paid apps, too.
It’s not perfect — it doesn’t always mark installed apps correctly, it leaves behind dependencies on uninstalls — but these bugs will be fixed in subsequent updates.
The Cheese webcam booth lets you — surprise — take screen-lit selfies using your webcam.
The latest releases of Mozilla’s Firefox web-browser and Thunderbird e-mail client are (naturally) also included, as are new versions of other key apps like LibreOffice, Evince and the Eye of GNOME image viewer.
software calendar and usb creator
Software, Calendar and USB Startup Creator
Two apps you will no longer find on new installs are the disc-burning utility Brasero and the instant-messaging client Empathy.
Both have been removed from the ISO image.
If you’re upgrading from an earlier release note that these apps won’t be uninstalled.


Unity 7 once again removes ammunition for its critics to fire.
Xenial is an agreeable release. It’s a desktop operating system that’s as well suited for end users as it is developers as it is mainframes like the IBM LinuxOne.
Many often think of “convergence” as being solely a smartphone that becomes a PC. But from smartphones to supercomputers, Ubuntu is already converged.
With a support period of five years, the lure of new apps through the promising Snappy package system, and the very best hardware support, the case for not upgrading is pretty thin.
Ubuntu 16.04 LTS in a nutshell:
  • Improved Unity desktop
  • Online searches disabled in Dash
  • Linux Kernel 4.4
  • New Software store
  • Updated apps, inc. LibreOffice 5.1
  • New desktop calendar app
  • Support for ZFS
  • Python 3.5

In our opinion this new release is worth the upgrade and can be downloaded  from:
http://releases.ubuntu.com/16.04/






Monday 16 May 2016

RDS Design - A case study.


RDS Design – A Case study.



Review Display Systems was approached by a leading name in the design and manufacture of sterilization products for the world’s medical and healthcare markets.

The company have a range of sterilization machines that offer enhanced sterilization, washing and disinfection processes across diverse healthcare and scientific applications, from hospitals and laboratories to life sciences and pharma environments, dental clinics and more.

Introduction

The Company wanted to standardize the control system for the range of machines to reduce cost, increase reliability and have a standard controller across the range of products. The current controllers varied across the device range which meant maintaining a range of devices and components.


 The 5 series device

The Comapny approached RDS to look into modifying the existing HMI. RDS has worked with the company in the past and have a wealth of previous knowledge as to how their machines worked and what the environmental requirements would be.

What was impressed most upon RDS was the need to create a real eye-catching, stand out centre piece for their product. The customer wanted something none of the other competition had and wanted to have a well branded product to deliver.

The unit already existed in an old format, utilizing a 10” display with a resistive touch screen with some industrial mechanical buttons/switches. It was clear that the new unit had to look great, be cost effective and have a long production life. This meant using only industrial quality screens and components. Many “off the shelf” parts have limited production runs and are not designed to run 24 x 7. For this reason an NLT/Tianma screen was selected. The 10.4 inch high bright screen has a long production life and a reputation for high reliability. RDS has a long standing relationship with NLT which ensures supply and intelligence about current and future product trends.

6 series with older generation controller.
The older units use a resistive touch sensor, this technology is gradually being phased out so a new solution based on Projected Capacitive touch (PCAP) was selected. The key difference between the two is that the sensitivity is no longer reliant upon physical pressure instead it uses the natural electrical charge in the human body to replicate precise movements with the lightest of touches… even using gloves! This technology is commonly used in smart phones and tablets but due to RDS’s close relationship with its partners we can now offer this technology in lower volume industrial products. RDS have the resources and expertise to integrate all modern touch technology into any device.

PCAP Controller solution

While RDS can easily supply off the shelf touch-panel solutions, our customer wanted something a bit more special... a completely flat fronted display/control panel. RDS’ design team looked at the possibilities and realized that best solution was to get a custom piece of 3.1 mm toughened glass, screen-printed with an open window for the display. A 10.4” AMT capacitive touch foil, was then laminated to the glass.  Typical touch screens have a touch foil (the sensor) sandwiched between 2 pieces of glass to protect it. Because RDS had the expertise, we were able to do away with the standard glass, and laminate the sensor directly to the custom front piece of glass. This approach gives a much greater clarity of picture, control as well as a more robust build quality and a more slender device.

Now that we had our display and touchscreen, we needed to look at how to drive and control these input and output devices. The machine the HMI was to connect to uses a unique computer control system, not your standard Windows PC. The first challenge was output. The machine was able to output a VGA signal. Thanks to RDS’ 25+ years of display history we were able to fit our standard LVDS to VGA display board. RDS then modified the board’s firmware in order to disable any standby delays and auto sourcing functionality. This meant a faster boot time and a locked signal input should there be any catastrophic failure by the machine it was integrated with.

Given that the customer’s machine used its own design of PC, our normal USB touch controller would not work, due to a lack of USB sockets.  Not wishing to have to steer the customer away from the new capacitive technology, RDS instead worked with the customer to modify the USB touch controller to output an RS232 signal that could be decoded and interpreted by their machine to give the full range of function they wanted.

More challenges.

The final design challenge was to create a door opening switch. Given that we had spent such an effort in creating a completely smooth front surface we did not want to burden the new HMI with a physical push switch. Instead, RDS took inspiration from the best of today’s technology and implemented an independent capacitive sensor that was laminated to the glass in a similar way to the touch screen. This was the final piece to the puzzle so we now had a completed design. A prototype unit was then constructed for the customer to test and approve.

The Prototype unit on test with new capacitive door switch.



Prototype electronics.


The whole unit was now complete and just requires full system testing. Thanks to RDS design, the unit is now thinner, lighter and simpler to produce. This enables the customer to use one standard unit across their range of equipment thus reducing costs and maintenance.

This is just an example of the sorts of systems RDS can produce; we have access to huge range of screens, embedded computers systems, industrial touch screens and components. We have over 25 years of experience and can design systems from concept to production. Give us a call on 01959 563 345.



www.review-displays.co.uk

Monday 9 May 2016

Windows 10 IoT


Windows 10 IoT Platform

Opportunities and Challenges
Technology is transforming the way we work, play, and live in a positive way: services in the Cloud provide almost limitless compute power and networks provide nearly ubiquitous and instant access to these services. Devices are getting smarter, more connected, and central to all this transformation. The Internet of Things (IoT) provides a major opportunity for device manufacturers to transform their businesses as well by creating new device types and formats, new revenue streams through services, and by differentiating their offerings through innovation.
With this opportunity comes challenges as well: device developers must innovate in functionality and servicing models in order to stay competitive; new device form-factors, multiple development platforms, and disparate tools increase complexity; and with exponential growth in the number of things connected to the internet, security challenges are paramount.
Windows 10 IoT, Microsoft gives you the technology to make IoT real. Microsoft is a proven leader in the Enterprise space with a complete stack of enabling productivity, analytics, infrastructure, and Cloud technologies. Microsoft has a rich ecosystem and is already bringing real IoT solutions to market.
Here are two examples of running Microsoft IoT Solutions:
One Windows Platform
  • Windows 10 IoT provides a consistent user experience across industry devices as it scales from an ATM to a handheld to a maker board.
  • Helps streamline IT operations and save on IT costs through one management & deployment approach the same for PCs as for phones.
  • Allows businesses to save on app investments with a Universal Windows Platform that enables the same app to run across device types.

Secure
  • Enterprises can rely on Windows 10 IoT’s Enterprise-grade security to help protect user identity through two-factor authentication; protect sensitive information through device data encryption; and protect unauthorized access through secured remote access.
  • Businesses can further lock down their devices for specific industry scenarios using Windows 10 IoT’s advanced lockdown capabilities.

Connected
  • Businesses will able to use more retail peripherals with UWP apps in Windows 10 IoT, while developers will have access to additional industry-standard networking and GPIO support in building IoT devices.
  • Businesses will be able to connect Windows 10 IoT devices to Azure Cloud services as well as other industry-standard Cloud service providers.


Windows 10 IoT Version Comparison


If you need any help with any of the Windows platforms please give us a call
01959 563 345

Available Microsoft licenses for Windows 10 IoT Platforms



Microsoft SKU#
Description
EOL
42C-00163
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB, single license key per COA (PKEA)
14.11.2025
5JV-01161
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB, Retail or Thin Client (ePKEA)
14.11.2025
42C-00168
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB, Embedded OEM Licenses Key (ePKEA)
14.11.2025
5JV-01162
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB, ePKEA for Small Tablet <9"with Touch
30.04.2028
5JV-01163
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB, ePKEA for Small Tablet <10,1" with Touch
30.04.2028

Wednesday 4 May 2016

Touch Panel structures and reliability.


RDS presents:

AMT PCI Product Structure Designs in High Reliability.
Projected capacitive (PCI or PCAP) touch technologies are available commercially in a number of different constructions. Every PCI touch panel structure has advantages and applicable markets and products. In this issue of AMT News Express, we will highlight the structural features of commercially available PCI touch panels and AMT PCI touch panels.
Currently, the three most common PCI touch panel structures on the market are:
1.       Film Type with a GFF (Glass-Film-Film) structure. The top most layer of décor glass is used to protect and decorate the touch panel surface. AMT PCI touch panels utilize this design.
2.       Glass Type which, currently, has a few iterations. One is GG (Glass-Glass) design which places both PCI sensing and driving layers on one piece of glass. Décor glass is added to the surface for a two glass layer lamination. Another method utilizes a structure designed with two layers of ITO glass. Décor glass is added to the surface for a three glass layer lamination (Glass-Glass-Glass).
3.       Glass/Film Type composite structure which utilize ITO glass and ITO film. Adding a décor glass surface makes this a (Glass-Glass-Film) lamination or a (Glass-Film) lamination if decorative ink is printed directly onto the ITO glass layer.
Of course, there are other ways of designing PCI touch panel structure but we will not elaborate more on this subject here.
AMT PCI touch panels utilize a GFF structure which makes the panels lightweight and AMT's standard product line, ranging from 3.4" to 24", allows quick response to the various décor glass thicknesses and designs required by customers. The flexibility of GFF production can also satisfy industrial and medical application standards and the low quantity/high diversity service required by many customers. In addition, the stability of the PCI GFF design and manufacturing processes is high, this structure allows long-term supply of products to customers, satisfies the various system design requirement considerations of customers, and can meet industrial and medical system design criteria in different environments and at various operating temperatures.
As part of the GG PCI structure manufacturing process, the touch panel's active area is designed with bridge connections composed of molybdenum aluminum molybdenum. Due to the presence of these bridge circuits, the active area surface is not flat and achieving a tight bond using optically clear adhesive is challenging. Users must also pay close attention to product use in environments with varying humidity and temperature. GG manufacturing is akin to TFT-LCD production in that different generations of manufacturing equipment can only utilize specific glass sizes and thicknesses for production. Thus, an GG line must produce large quantities of touch panels of the same size to realize any economic benefits and lacks flexibility in production. If a three glass layer PCI structure is utilized, the biggest issue becomes the weight of the PCI touch panel and this must be taken into account in system mechanism design.

Whether using a GFF or glass PCI touch panel structure, a very important key to reliability is the corresponding PCI control board. A touch panel needs to be paired with a proper controller in order to possess high reliability and fidelity. Furthermore, the combination of controller and firmware is also essential. The driving and sensing layers of AMT PCI touch panels utilize film and, after much validation, can be combined with different top layer décor glass thicknesses to become an excellent comprehensive PCI touch solution for customers. AMT provides highly reliable touch products paired with user friendly setting utilities. Even if system integrators use locally sourced décor glass for lamination, AMT PCI touch solutions are easy to assemble and set while meeting the standards of the market and customers.
Review Displays systems can supply the complete range of AMT touch products, please give us a call to discuss your requirements. 
www.review-displays.co.uk
01959 563 345