| Signage appliance reacts to real world |
Oct. 15, 2008
 [Updated, Oct. 20] -- DT Research announced a digital signage system designed to react to nearby events. The "WebDT Event Trigger Digital Signage System" uses a Windows XP appliance (left) with a 1.5GHz processor, eight "trigger ports," four USB ports, and fanless operation, the company says.
Traditional digital signage systems either display predetermined content, or allow customers to interact and obtain information via touchscreens, DT Research says. The new WebDT Event Trigger Digital Signage System extends this interactivity by being able to "react" to a variety of real world events, according to the company.
For example, says DT Research, a digital display could react with appropriate information when a customer picks up a product, walks up to a product display, or enters a demonstration area. The system relies on sensors connected to "trigger ports" on an appliance running Windows XP, the company adds.
 
DT Research's event-triggered signage system is based on its SA1000
(Click either image to enlarge)
DT Research says the first signage system to gain event triggering is its new SA1008-140, based on the previously released SA1000 (pictured above). Mostly identical to its predecessor, the SA1008-140 adds a USB-interfaced module on its side that includes eight new trigger ports. Each of the trigger ports accepts a 3.5mm two-conductor plug, and the device is wired to respond to simple on/off or open/close signals, says DT Research.
DT Research's SA1008-140 has eight trigger ports on its side
(Click to enlarge)
The SA1008-140 uses an unspecified 1.5GHz x86 processor, together with either 512GB or 1GB of memory. Mass storage comes courtesy of flash, sized from 1GB to 8GB, or a hard disk drive.
The device includes a 802.11b/g wireless LAN adaptor, and it supports a single, DVI-interfaced display. In addition to the trigger ports, it accepts external video inputs via S-Video and composite connectors. Other interfaces include audio mic and line in, line out, four USB ports, and 10/100 Ethernet.
Features and specifications previously listed by DT Research for the SA1000, which apparently carry over to the SA1008-140, include:- Processor -- 1.5GHz x86
- Memory -- 512MB or 1GB of RAM
- Storage -- 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of flash, or hard disk drive
- Networking:
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet
- WLAN -- 802.11a/b/g
- Video output:
- 1 x DVI
- Up to 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Video input:
- Other I/O:
- 4 x USB
- Audio mic/line in, line out
- Expansion -- Mini PCI slot
- Dimensions -- 5.5 x 5.1 x 1.7 inches
- Weight without HDD -- 1.2 pounds
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 40 deg. C
Background
The SA1008-140 runs DT Research's WebDT Signage System, developed with the assistance of embedded software specialist Bsquare. The system allows the use of existing programming as content for digital signs or kiosks, according to the companies.
One component of the system is WebDT Content Manager, web-based server software that is said to provide central management of the company's hardware products -- dubbed "media players." Messages are assembled, scheduled, and delivered for dynamic playback over one or more displays using standard file formats and protocols, according to the company.
In its latest iteration, WebDT Content Manager allows store managers to select content that will be displayed in response to the SA1008-140's eight trigger points, says DT Research. The application is easy to use, features an available virtual keyboard, and requires minimal training, the company claims.
The second system component, WebDT Device Manager, is described as a tool for remotely managing networked WebDT hardware clients. It uses a web browser as a front end to a SQL database management system, and is designed to inventory, organize, control, and update an ensemble of devices, no matter where they are located. For more information on the software, see our earlier coverage, here.
Further information
DT Research did not provide pricing information for the WebDT Event Trigger Digital Signage System, but says the product is available now. More information on the SA1000 hardware may be available from the company's website, here.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
news feed
