A report released by Polaris Market Research Analysis has shown that the global market for postal automation systems reached a size of 749 million USD in 2021. It is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.56% from 2022 to 2030, with the market size expected to reach 1.309 billion USD by 2030. This growth is largely attributed to the thriving e-commerce market and online shopping, which have created a high demand for package delivery services and increased expectations for faster delivery times. Additionally, rising labor costs have also become a driving force behind the acceleration of postal service automation.
Postal automation systems are classified based on their functions, such as Culler Facer Cancellers (CFC), letter sorting machines, and parcel sorters. With recent advancements in computer CPU performance and complementary technologies like sensors, scanners, and recognition systems, postal automation systems have experienced significant improvements in processing speed and address reading accuracy. The adoption of postal automation has decreased reliance on human labor and prevented human errors, while also enhancing execution efficiency and precision.
A postal system located in Central Europe has selected the Cincoze DI-1000 high performance & power-saving embedded computer to integrate into its Parcel Sorter. The primary challenge was to overcome the continuous high-vibration usage environment. And also utilizing an Optical Character Recognition System (OCR) to identify and read postal codes, addresses, and barcodes on packages, and sort them into the correct storage areas.
Customer Requirement
Reliable performance in high-vibration environments
As the Parcel Sorter depends on a conveyor belt to transport packages with identified addresses to their designated storage areas, it is the major challenge for the embedded computer to operate robustly in this high-vibration environment.
Quick and accurate character recognition capacity
Through OCR technology, the computer can perform real-time optical character recognition of postal codes, addresses, and barcodes on packages. It needs to rely on stable and excellent computing performance to process over 50,000 objects per hour.
Rich I/O for Integration with Other Devices
The computer must have sufficient I/O interfaces to connect with sensors, lights, scanners, etc. Additionally, it must support wireless transmission to upload data to the database for package delivery tracking.
Why Cincoze?
Robust Product Design for Industrial Applications
The DI-1000 exemplifies the robust features of Cincoze’s embedded computers, including a one-piece cover, cableless, jumperless, anti-vibration kit, fanless, and shock-vibration resistant protection (5/50 Grms); moreover, it also features a range of industrial-grade protections such as a wide voltage range (9-48VDC), wide operating temperature (-40°C to 70°C), and ESD protection to ensure uninterrupted and stable operation in harsh environments.
High Performance and Power Saving
The Cincoze DI-1000 is a high-performance and power-saving embedded computer that can be equipped with Intel® 6th generation Core™ i7/i5/i3 (BGA Type) processors with only 15W TDP. It is paired with 32GB DDR4 memory, making it capable of meeting the demands of graphic computing and high-speed image processing. In terms of storage, the DI-1000 has two sets of 2.5″ SATA HDD/SSD trays that can support RAID 0/1 function, providing ample storage space.”
Rich I/O & Expandability
The DI-1000’s native I/O includes 2x GbE LAN, 6x COM, 6x USB, and 8x Optical Isolated DIO. It also features both DVI and DisplayPort for digital display output. With two full-size mini PCIe slots, the DI-1000 can support the addition of wireless transmission modules. Through Cincoze’s exclusive CMI/CFM/MEC modules, it can add extra I/O or functionality such as LAN, M12, COM, USB, and Power Ignition Sensing (IGN). This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require peripheral device integration and connection.
Compact Size and Multiple mounting Options
Measuring at only 203 mm (W) x 142 mm (D) x 66.8 mm (H), and equipped with flexible mounting options such as wall-mounting, side-mounting, DIN-rail and VESA, the DI-1000 is an excellent choice for installations in narrow spaces or mobile robots.
For more advanced and complex applications, the newly launched DI-1100 advanced version is highly recommended. This compact model is equipped with 8th generation Intel® Core™ U-series i7/i5/i3 processors (TDP 15W) that offer rich I/O and expansion flexibility. Moreover, it has passed the US military equipment inspection standard (MIL-STD-810G), making it ideal for use in industrial automation, warehouse logistics, and edge computing applications.
Cincoze is honored to announce that it has been selected by Control Engineering’s print and digital readers with two esteemed Control Engineering 2023 Product of the Year Awards:
The DV-1000 | 9/8th Gen Intel Core Series High-performance & Basic I/O Rugged Embedded Computer
– the Gold Award in the Control Systems category
The CO-W121C / P2102 | 21.5″ TFT-LCD Open Frame Panel PC with 8th Gen Intel Core U Series Processor
– the Gold Award in the HMI, Operator Interface category
Control Engineering is a leading US magazine in connecting the global industrial engineering audience through coverage of education about automation, control, and instrumentation technologies for over 69 years. This year, the Product of the Year Awards were split into 14 categories of control, instrumentation, and automation products. The readers have chosen the 42 final winning products they believed were the most exceptional based on technological advancement, service to the industry, and market impact.
Read more about Control Engineering 2023 Product of the Year Award here.
Winning Products
DV-1000
The DV-1000, with 9/8th Gen Intel Core processor, is a fanless and rugged embedded computer optimized for edge computing applications. The high-performance DV-1000 processes data and makes real-time decisions at the edge, enabling enterprises to take immediate action on real-time data. The computer brings high-performance computing and industrial durability together in a compact footprint embedded computer, providing reliable long-time operation for mission-critical and space-limited applications in machine vision, manufacturing, railway infotainment, and smart city applications.
9/8th Gen Intel Core i7/i5/i3 or Pentium/Celeron CPUs (up to 65W)
Compact size (224 x 162 x 64 mm)
1 x M.2 2280 key M socket, auto-detection for NVMe/SATA SSD
1 x M.2 2230 key E for Intel CNVi/wireless module
Optional CMI/MEC modules for I/O expansion
Wide operating temperature: -40°C to 70°C
MIL-STD-810G shock and vibration proof
Railway EMC EN50155 (EN 50121-3-2 only) certified
CO-W121C / P2102
Cincoze’s high-performance open-frame modular panel PCs (CO-W121C/P2102 Series) use Intel Core U series processors that provide high-performance data processing and graphics computing capabilities with only 15W low power consumption. The CO-100/P2102 series supports CFM technology that extends system functions according to requirements, with options such as Power Ignition Sensing (IGN) and Power over Ethernet (PoE). The series has multiple sizes, display ratios (4:3 and 16:9), and touchscreen options. Its integrated structure, exclusive adjustable mounting bracket, and support for multiple mounting methods to perfectly fit cabinets of different materials and thicknesses. The robust design also meets the application needs of harsh industrial environments.
Rugged embedded computing brand – Cincoze, recently launched the DX-1200 embedded computer, the latest addition to its Rugged Computing – DIAMOND product line. Featuring a compact and high-performance design, the DX-1200 overcomes space limitations while retaining extreme capability. The DX-1200 supports the latest 12th gen Intel Alder Lake-S processors, has a rich selection of native I/O, and supports flexible modular expansion to meet the requirements of a wide range of applications. The DX-1200 inherits the same rugged features that underscore the DIAMOND product line, such as wide temperature and voltage support, and vibration and shock resistance. It has also passed a number of industry certifications, making it an ideal choice for smart manufacturing, machine vision, and edge AI applications.
12th Gen Intel Performance
The DX-1200 supports 12th gen Intel® Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 (Alder Lake-S) processors based on the Intel 7 process, with up to 16 cores (8P + 8E) and 24 threads, delivering more than 1.35x the processing performance of the Comet Lake-S platform. Support for up to 64GB of 4800MHz DDR5 memory with ECC technology, giving the extra stability and reliability needed for industrial automation and applications, effectively reducing the risk of failure and data loss. The Intel® Xe architecture of the UHD 770 graphics chip boosts GPU image classification inference performance to 2.8× the speed of the Comet Lake-S platform, providing the processing performance needed for AI and edge computing.
10GbE Networking and High Expandability
The DX-1200 is built to satisfy the widest range of industrial application requirements, so it includes a rich selection of native I/O interfaces, and supports optional extra I/O, such as LAN, M12, DIO, and COM, through the addition of Cincoze exclusive modules. For application environments that require high-speed transmission, the DX-1200 can be equipped with up to 4× 10Gbps LAN for the rapid delivery of large images and files. To achieve multiple network connections and reduce wire clutter, up to 8× PoE can be installed, providing both data and power through the network cable. And to meet the rapidly increasing demand for wireless networking in industrial applications, the DX-1200 provides one M.2 Key E slot and two Mini PCIe slots for the addition of WiFi, GNSS, 4G, and Bluetooth.
Tough, Secure, and Industry-Certified
The DX-1200 embodies the rugged design elements of the Rugged Computing – DIAMOND product line, providing wide temperature support (-40 – 70°C), wide voltage input (9 – 48 VDC), and overvoltage, overcurrent, and ESD protection. The DX-1200 complies with the US military shock vibration standard MIL-STD-810G and has internationally recognized UL/c-UL/EN/CB 62368-1 safety certification to further ensure product safety and reliability. To meet the requirements of specific industrial applications, the DX-1200 has also passed a number of industry certifications such as EMC EN 50121-3-2 standard in EN 50155 and the EN 45545-2 fire protection standard for railway computing, and the E-mark certification for vehicle EMC. The DX-1200 has become the best solution for industrial automation with its rich certification, rugged design, and stable performance.
DX-1200
Intel® 12th Gen Alder Lake-S Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 Processors (max 65 W TDP)
2 x DDR5 SO-DIMM Sockets, Supports ECC/non ECC type Memory, Up to 4800MHZ, 64GB
Quad Independent Display (HDMI / DP / DVI-I)
1x M.2 Key E Type 2230 Socket for Intel CNVi / Wireless Module
CMI Technology for Optional I/O Module Expansions
CFM Technology for Power Ignition Sensing & PoE Function
Industrial panel PCs are industrial computers designed for harsh industrial environments that integrate high-resolution touch display and computing power. The most common application at industrial sites is for human-machine interface (HMI), the communications bridge between the operator and the automation machine. In recent years, improvements in industrial panel PC performance and technology have extended their use to new applications in data collection and analysis, visualization of production processes, machine monitoring and predictive maintenance, and more. These additional use cases fuel growth in the global HMI market, with the global market survey by Allied Market Research estimating the global HMI market will reach 10.8 billion US dollars by 2031, with a CAGR of 10.8% from 2022 to 2031.
Apart from industrial HMI applications, the interactive kiosks we see in our everyday lives, such as the automated multimedia platforms in unmanned stores and self-service kiosks, also use industrial panel PCs. Industrial panel PCs provide computing capabilities and connect to peripheral devices for ticketing, cash handling, check-in, and self-service ordering. According to a report from another market research agency, Grand View Research, the global market size for kiosks will reach 28.45 billion US dollars in 2021, of which more than 45% is for hardware parts such as scanners, card readers, printers, cameras, and panel PCs. Industrial panel PCs have found their place in applications in both industrial environments and daily life.
Nine Critical Considerations in An Industrial Panel PC
With the rising demand for industrial panel PCs, here are the nine key factors to consider when selecting an industrial panel PC:
Screen Size
The first consideration is screen size and resolution, which depend on display content and complexity. Display content could be simple information such as messages, system messages, or graphics; complex multimedia content; or software-specific display requirements. All these factors determine the necessary display size, screen resolution, and display ratio.
Touch Type
Industrial panel PCs typically use resistive or capacitive touchscreens depending on the application and situation. Resistive panels use fingertip pressure to control input and can be used with gloves on, so they are an excellent choice for single-point touch in automation equipment HMI. Capacitive panels sense input through human finger current and support multi-touch, so they can perform zooming, dragging, and other actions, making them well-suited for kiosks and infotainment systems.
Display Brightness
The installation location, indoors or outdoors, determines the ideal brightness of the industrial panel PC’s display. Generally speaking, the brightness of an LCD backlight used indoors is about 200-300 nits, while outdoors is much higher, about 500-1500 nits. Selecting a high-brightness sunlight-readable display for use under direct sunlight will ensure the operator or audience can see content clearly.
Processor Efficiency
With the rise of smart factories, HMIs are being used to support more functions and smart applications that require high-performance computing. These new applications include machine vision, data collection, voice recognition, browsing CAD files, sensing, and even creating a virtual presence in AR and VR. Still, some panel PCs will continue to serve as simple information display terminals, such as for displaying production information and warehouse management, so they only need processors with general performance, low power consumption, and reasonable cost.
Fans or Fanless
Many factors determine the necessity of fans in factory applications. A dusty environment, for example, can easily hinder a fan’s performance, impacting overall system stability, so choosing a sealed fanless panel PC avoids this problem. For high-performance computing applications, a wide temperature and fanless industrial panel PC with a special heat dissipation structure is a better solution that removes the need for holes in the system casing or installing fans, thereby eliminating dust contamination. In short, multiple factors, including the application environment, computing requirements, and heat dissipation, must be considered when deciding whether a fan is needed.
IP Rating
In an industrial environment, machines and equipment face different operational and safety threats, including dust, vibration, high and low temperatures, moisture, chemicals, water, and more. Ensuring reliable operation in these harsh environments necessitates varying levels of protection. The ingress protection (IP) rating is a general international standard used to test and evaluate a product’s dustproof and waterproof abilities and determine its protection level. The IP rating consists of two numbers. The first number, with the highest level of 6, indicates the system’s level of protection against dust and solid foreign matter ingress. The second number shows the level of protection against water or liquid, and the highest level of 8 indicates it can withstand high-temperature and high-pressure water at close range. The appropriate IP rating of the industrial panel PC depends on the requirements of the application environment.
Rugged Design
Using an industrial panel PC in a harsh industrial environment requires a rugged design, including a high-hardness, scratch-resistant glass display (surface hardness > 7H), a wide operating temperature range, and the ability to withstand high vibration and shock. In addition, it is also necessary to design the hardware with excellent protection to ensure electromagnetic compatibility with other devices in the system.
Expandability
In the face of diverse applications and innovative future smart applications, flexible expansion can futureproof the industrial panel PC for multiple roles. To face multiple application environments, a general industrial panel PC offers various expansion options such as Mini PCIe, PCI/PCIe, and more. These flexible expansion options enable the addition of wireless transmission, extra I/O, and additional functions to transmit data and control various peripheral devices.
Mounting Options
The machine design and environment determine the best installation method for an industrial panel PC. The most common installation methods include panel mount, open frame, VESA mount, and rack mount. A panel mount or open frame is the best choice to install the panel PC on the door of a control cabinet or integrate the panel PC as part of a machine before it leaves the factory. A standard 75/100mm VESA mount supports the installation of the panel PC on a cantilever or wall. For a panel PC in a server rack, rack mounts are the sensible choice and can be mounted using accessories with rack mount baffles or metal frames.
Cincoze Industrial Panel PCs
The Cincoze Display Computing – CRYSTAL product line consists of three industrial panel PC series. Each series features Cincoze’s Convertible Display System patented modular design, a rich selection of specifications, industrial ruggedness, and international certifications, making them the preferred choice for our customers.
Full Selection of Sizes
Cincoze industrial panel PC product line includes three series: industrial panel PCs (CV-100/P series) for general industrial environments, sunlight-readable panel PCs (CS-100/P series) for outdoor high-brightness applications, and open frame panel PCs (CO-100/P series) for seamless integration with other equipment. The industrial panel PC series has sizes from 8.4” to 24” and display ratios from 4:3 to 16:9. Customers can choose Intel® Atom®, Pentium®, or Core™ processors of different grades according to the required computing performance. Touchscreen options include multi-point capacitive (P-CAP) and single-point resistive touch. The sunlight-readable panel PC series is known for its high-brightness backlight display with a maximum of 1,600 nits. The display is clear and readable outdoors, even under sunlight. The open frame panel PC uses an integrated structure and patented adjustable mounting bracket, making it the favorite for its simplified on-site installation steps and customizability.
CDS Patented Technology
Cincoze industrial panel PCs use Cincoze’s exclusive patented Convertible Display System (CDS, Patent No. M482908) technology. From the user’s perspective, it is flexible enough to meet future upgrade needs because they can change the display and the system separately. Convertible display modules come with a variety of different features (CV-100, CS-100, or CO-100 series) and can be freely matched with a computer module (P2000 or P1000 series) or monitor module (M1100 series) to form a panel PC or industrial touch monitor. CDS provides a flexible modular design for easy maintenance on-site and future upgrades.
Industrial Rugged Design
Cincoze industrial panel PCs use industrial-grade components to provide high reliability. The panel has a die-cast aluminum frame, the display surface hardness is up to 7H (P-CAP models), the front panel is IP65 waterproof and dustproof, the chassis is fanless, and the panel PC can sustain continuous operation in extreme temperatures from -20°C to 70°C. The power supply supports 9-48VDC wide-range voltage input and provides multiple protection mechanisms such as overvoltage, overcurrent, electrostatic discharge, and surge protection. These designs make Cincoze industrial panel PCs suitable for harsh working environments and can effectively avoid damage caused by power instability.
Modular Expandability
Cincoze industrial panel PCs include rich native I/O and functions. For additional needs or functions, M.2, Mini PCIe, and PCI/PCIe expansion slots enable the installation of 4G/LTE wireless communication modules, I/O cards, data acquisition cards, motion control cards, and other expansion applications. Cincoze’s exclusive Control Function Module (CFM) enables the optional addition of PoE and IGN functions to save the time and cost of additional configuration, thereby reducing the construction cost of the whole system.
International Certifications
Cincoze industrial panel PCs pass the mandatory product safety certifications, voluntary safety certifications* such as UL, waterproof and dustproof IP65, and anti-vibration/-shock (IEC 60068-2-27, IEC 60068-2-64), and EMC testing standards for industrial environments (EN61000-6-2, EN61000-6-4).
Cincoze Industrial Panel PC Use Cases
Cincoze industrial panel PCs can be used for, but are not limited to, the following applications:
Factory Automation Industrial panel PCs are mostly used in factories to assist in factory automation, providing functions such as production process visualization, data collection, equipment monitoring, and dashboards. Examples include a production line HMI in a car factory, and for the manufacture of rubber air springs.
Machine Automation Industrial panel PCs are integrated with or installed nearby the machine and are mostly used as smart terminals, OEM equipment control interfaces, or HMI. Examples include stone processing machines and label printing.
Energy Monitoring Industrial panel PCs can be used as an HMI for data monitoring and remote device management operations. Examples include water treatment plants, distributed energy, and oil fields.
Energy companies can now—through industrial IoT, sensors, and wireless network technologies—gather the accurate real-time data they need to implement automatic equipment monitoring and remote management at remote oil and natural gas operations at sea or on land.
Cincoze’s customer in Eastern Europe is a system integrator providing offshore oil platform services, and they chose the Cincoze CS-115/P2102E sunlight-readable industrial panel PC as the HMI for its automated oil rig equipment. The industrial panel PC not only provides the HMI but must also control the operation of the oil rig, analyze sensor data and upload it to the cloud so that the management team can remotely monitor the status of each oil well and ensure optimal production efficiency and perform predictive diagnostics and maintenance. With the harsh environment at sea, there are stringent requirements for ruggedness and reliability, including IP65, high-brightness touchscreen display, multiple I/O, wide operating temperature range, and more.
Customer Requirement
Sunlight-readable Touchscreen Display
The HMI for marine automation control must be an industrial panel PC with a super bright screen that is clear and easy to read in bright sunlight. It must also be IP65 waterproof and dustproof and have a 15-inch projective capacitive touch panel. Capacitive touchscreen is necessary for this application because it has a high transmittance, sensitive response, high durability, and, most importantly, it supports multitouch to provide a convenient and easy-to-use user experience for field operators.
Multiple Sensor Control
The automated drilling machine is equipped with temperature, hydraulic pressure, storage capacity, and other sensors to obtain real-time machine and environment data. Through detailed analysis and real-time monitoring, operators can effectively monitor machine operation and improve drilling productivity. All these sensors must be connected to the industrial panel PC and on top of that it is also necessary to install a gas detector card in the PCIe expansion slot.
Suitable for Harsh Working Environment
Automation equipment at sea needs to stay in operation for a long time, and both temperature and humidity severely test hardware longevity. In addition to extreme temperatures, the industrial panel PC must also continue long-term operation in a high-humidity environment at sea.
Why Cincoze?
CompleteSelection of Sizes
Cincoze sunlight-readable panel PC (CS-100/P series) has a wealth of options, with sizes from 8.4” to 24”, 4:3 and 16:9 display ratios, multi-point capacitive touch, and a selection of Intel® Core™ U, Pentium®, or Atom® processor to suit computer performance needs. The highest brightness can reach 1,600 nits so it is readable under sunlight and the series is specially designed for outdoor applications. The front panel is IP65 waterproof and dustproof, 7H hardness scratch-resistant, and the rugged frame is made of die-cast aluminum, making it suitable for long-term operation in industrial environments.
Rich I/O and Modular Expansion
The CS-115/P2102E has all the essential I/O connections needed for industrial IoT peripheral devices to achieve seamless connection to the cloud. I/O includes 1x VGA, 1x DisplayPort, 2x GbE LAN, 3x USB 3.2, 4x COM, 16x isolated DIO, and more. The P2102E also provides a PCI/PCIe x4 slot to support data acquisition, motion control, or I/O cards. One M.2 2230 key E and two Mini-PCIe slots meet the needs of wireless transmissions such as Wi-Fi and 4G LTE. Cincoze’s exclusive CFM module allows the addition of IGN and PoE functions.
Rugged Design
The CS-115/P2102E has strict industrial-grade protections, including fanless and cableless design, wide operating temperature (-20 to 70°C), wide range DC input (9 to 48V), industrial-grade power protection (OVP, OCP, ESD), Reverse Power Input protection, and surge protection. It can maintain reliable operation at 40°C and 80% relative humidity.
Easy Maintenance and High Flexibility for Upgrades
Cincoze sunlight-readable panel PCs (CS-100/P series) use Cincoze’s patented Convertible Display System (Patent No. M482908) modular technology to enable the individual replacement of the industrial panel PC’s computer module and display module, reducing on-site maintenance costs and retaining the possibility of future upgrades.
DI-1000-i3From: $1,231.00
DI-1000-i5From: $1,487.00
