Smart City: High Performance Computing and Public Amenities

In the fourth and final part of our series on the high performance computing components powering the smart city, we're turning our attention to public services and amenities.

These elements are integral features of our society, even though they often go unnoticed or unappreciated. In the digital age, technology like AI computing and edge computing is helping public services and amenities evolve. The public services and amenities of tomorrow are going to be even more powerful and more valuable than ever before, yet they may become even less intrusive and less noticeable in our daily lives, essentially operating behind the scenes.

Here's how this may work and the technology that will make it happen.

Terminal displays not only need digital signage solutions but must also be supported by high performance computing systems. This enables IoT functionality and real-time information updates — in multiple directions across the network if required. A high-performance embedded system like the EPC-RPU can handle the high-resolution graphics and processing required for a large terminal display wall. With support for up to three displays, its powerful Intel processor can display real-time transport schedules, emergency alerts, or other public information, providing a comprehensive and reliable information hub for citizens.

For interactive displays, open frame tablets like the OFT-15W04 can be integrated to provide a rugged and responsive user interface for the public.

Modern entrance management systems are backed up by AI computing to ensure safe operations by minimizing the risk of overloading and overcrowding. Integration with smart fare collection systems also helps to enhance return on investment and protect the bottom line.

For instance, a fanless rugged system like the EPS-RPR, fitted with a 14th Gen Intel® Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processor, provides the computing power and reliability needed to manage these critical systems. This type of solution can quickly process payments and manage passenger flow, improving efficiency and safety in public hubs.

Law enforcement has always been a highly data-driven process. Traditionally, teams had to record data in the field and then process this upon returning to base. Even in today's digital age, the focus has mainly been on manual recording. However, edge computing technology means law enforcement can now record information automatically, and processing can begin immediately, in real time, with no latency.

For this very purpose, a rugged, fanless vehicle telematics system is required. Options like the VMS-CFS-PSE or the EMS-TGL-PSE are perfectly suited for this application, allowing for on-the-go data collection and processing. This helps officers gather and analyze information more efficiently to improve response times and overall public safety.

As traffic moves through a city, it is governed by complex laws of fluid dynamics. Minor blockages at key points in the system can have major ramifications at other points across the city. This is why AI computing technology is so important, as it can predict potential blockages and provide the foundation to correct course efficiently. In particular, the data collected can be used to conduct transit-oriented development (TOD) — optimizing the smart city to achieve frictionless traffic flow.

For a setup like this, you’ll need a few high-performance computing components, like an embedded system (EMS-SKLU), a fanless compact system (EPC-APL), or a BOX system (AIB-IMX6). These components can process live data, enabling the city to make rapid adjustments to traffic signals and other infrastructure to optimize flow.

Large cities produce a great deal of waste, and this needs to be processed in an optimal manner. Waste management systems must integrate with recycling and sanitation systems to support the city even as it grows. High-performance computing components are going to be critical here, as the volume of data required to run the waste management system increases.

In this case, an embedded system such as the EPS-RPR can be installed in waste collection vehicles to track routes, monitor fill levels, and optimize collection schedules. Moreover, rugged PCAP multi-touch monitors from the ARC range, like the ARC-10W00, can be used in the vehicle's cab to provide drivers with an intuitive interface for route information and real-time updates.

Emergency vehicles do not exist in isolation and are instead all part of an interconnected ecosystem, protecting public health and safety across the smart city. This means they need to communicate with one another. And one way of remaining in contact is through AI-powered, smart systems.

Leveraging Avalue's expertise in Medical AI, these systems prioritize the most critical information, such as real-time patient data being transmitted from an ambulance. In such cases, a fanless embedded system like the EPC-ASL is needed to create a secure and reliable communication hub for this V2X system, ensuring seamless data transfer between emergency vehicles and dispatch centers. This integrated approach improves response times and enables better-informed decisions in emergency situations, similar to how a Smart Ward operates.

Parking entrance management is important, both for safety and security. Intelligent automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) ensures that only authorized vehicles are allowed to enter the parking lot, while traffic control measures ensure safe operation and minimize risk.

A rugged fanless embedded system with 11th Gen Intel Core processors and a PoE IET module like the EMS-TGL-PSE can provide the high-performance computing required for real-time ANPR and gate control. This is complemented by rugged touch panel PCs from the ARC family, such as the ARC-1509, which can serve as user-friendly control and monitoring stations for staff, ensuring a secure and efficient parking solution.

Drive-thru ordering systems have been part of communities around the world for many years already. However, businesses often struggle with the maintenance of these systems, particularly now that they have grown more sophisticated, with lots of potentially sensitive components. Specifically, touchscreen components need to be able to handle the rigors of outdoor usage and repeatedly, over long periods of deployment.

Avalue's open frame tablets, such as the OFT-21W04, are designed for this exact purpose. Their rugged design and powerful processors ensure they can withstand the elements and provide a reliable, responsive user experience for customers in any weather.

Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) systems can be used to control traffic at intersections. When combined with smart emergency traffic light systems, this technology supports rapid emergency responses — and swift alterations of traffic light sequences — without putting emergency service personnel or members of the public at risk.

The system relies on robust and reliable components ranging from vehicle telematics systems to interactive monitors in order to function optimally. For example, Avalue's VMS-APL model can communicate with ARC Series Monitors at intersections, which can act as the interface for traffic controllers, allowing them to quickly and safely manage traffic flow for emergency vehicles.

At Avalue, we are proud to offer the components and solutions that our customers need, from cutting-edge AI computing systems to edge computing products. To discover more, take a look at our product pages today and make your choice, or reach out to our team directly for support and assistance.