Quanmax Inc.

Real-time bio-monitoring is a reliable method used to assess water quality since it incorporates living organisms, such as fish and crayfish, into the aquatic sample as bio-sensors. Combining the physicochemical characteristics of aquatic environments and physiological observation on the behavioral patterns of living organisms, the status of water quality characteristics can be determined by relative comparisons. To realize such a bio-monitoring, video analytics is an important enabler.

A water security system integrator, who is a client of Quanmax - a well-known embedded computing technology provider, develops an intelligent water quality bio-monitoring system for their governmental or corporate clients to real-time monitor the quality of water resource and to early detect any contamination accidents.

First of all, this integrator has their own video analysis techniques developed based on Windows OS and thus needs a powerful enough x86-based computing system to process the video image captured from the cameras. Within the enclosure, the bio-monitoring system already accommodates an aquarium tank, two video cameras, a PLC, a relay module, sensors and automated devices. Available space is insufficient. A small footprint is a must for easy integration. Though there are IP55-rated air vents positioned on the enclosure, power consumption and thermal dissipation should be taken into account as well to prevent temperature increase so as to maintain the stability of the aquatic ecosystem suitable for fishes. In addition, the system is intended to operate based on 24/7 real-time monitoring. Reliability and thermal performance are important purchasing criteria as well.

Finally, this equipment is a significant facility investment for any public sector or corporate organization. It is intentionally designed to use for years. Thus, the box computing system the integrator plans to procure must has excellent quality for durable usage. The supplier must be capable of good quality control on key components as well to avoid frequent replacement.

In consideration of sufficient processing capability for video surveillance and analysis, the integrator uses Quanmax’s QDSP-3000, a graphics performance oriented box PC powered by 6th-generation Intel? Core? i processors, to build their bio-monitoring system. At the same time they choose to house a power-optimized processor, Core? i7-6700TE, into the box PC to prevent high heat release from elevating the water temperature to a level that could kill the fishes. It is an adaptive trade-off to balance processing performance and power consumption. In addition, the active cooling design can speed up air circulation to remove the heat from the enclosure. With the compact design of only 1.2 liters, it doesn’t disturb the installation of the other devices and reserves enough space for air flow within the equipment.

QDSP-3000 undergoes a rigorous inspection process which includes a minimum 72-hour burn-in test to screen out those with inherent defects or defects resulting from manufacturing aberrations. In fact, all Quanmax’s products are subject to this stringent control process in the in-house laboratory. It can prevent possible time- and stress-dependent failures after release to the market to ensure daily 24-hour operation.

Finally, life cycle management is another important part of Quanmax’s total quality management. Quanmax conducts appropriate material and vendor control measures to ensure long-term support from key component suppliers with strict revision control, which delivers a more tangible promise to the client in their equipment development.

More information about QDSP-3000, please refer to http://www.quanmax.com/site/product/digital-signage-player-qdsp-3000/