Rugged Display Computer

One of the most difficult operating environments can be found in the mining industry, where equipment is under continuous use in conditions exposing critical hardware to dust, vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Recently a North American coal mine brought their conceptual plans for a rugged all-in-one, display and computer to Colmek. The mine would be running navigational software produced by Carlson, which enables the machine operator to gauge position, depth and contour levels as they work in an open pit operation.

The required hardware to run the Carlson product needed to consist of not only a small form factor computer, but be coupled to a bright and highly visible flat panel touch-screen display.

Colmek engineers took on the effort, focusing attention on designing for the rugged user environment, but also the needs of an operator who would be using the system continuously for an 8-10 hours work shift.

What resulted proved to be ideal for the harsh conditions, while providing the ease-of-operator use which the team focused on achieving. The final product has now been delivered in volume with future plans for system expansion, based on the outstanding performance delivered by these systems.