The Studio is RTMaps' graphical interface. Applications are represented by diagrams made of components which can be parametrized.
Efficient and simple to use, the Studio is one of the many advantages of the software: a few minutes are enough to set up a complex application. Components, libraries, diagrams, data bases and scénarii can be exchanged and integrated.
Components and connections
The components, symbolized by blue boxes, are set up by simple drag and drop onto the scene. They interface the sensors, represent the algorithms and connect the actuators. The mouse allows to draw "lines" connecting the output of a component to the input of another. The dataflows are then etablished.
Setting
Many parameters are accessible by dialogboxes. The setting determines the component's behavior.
Documentation
A simple click is enough to insert a comment in a diagram or to get help.
Modularity
When the user wishes to remplace or add a component in a diagram, it does it graphically, without any coding.
Recording and replaying
A "record" button launches the recording process. The VCR allows to play back the data bases. The replay speed and direction can be chosen. A cursor allows to select the position in the timeline.
Embedded technology
The programming graphical interface can be removed for a "hidden" use of the software.
The orders of construction and parameter setting
of diagrams are passed through scripts. Specific graphical interfaces can be developed
to execute applications : they replace the usual
workspace.
RTMaps V3
breaks a technological barrier by allowing the operation
of distributed and synchronized platform on several machines. A "master" system manages the whole application.
A single clock supervises and synchronizes those of the various
"slaves". The "Master" clock can be the one of the "master" host or coming from an external source: clock of an acquisition board, GPS clock...
RTMaps technology is independant of the operating system used, even in a distributed configuration.
Thanks to this new flexibility, RTMaps can satisfy the processing needs of the most demanding applications.
The library: components ready to be employed
The RTMaps libraries are sets of components which provide elementary functions necessary to most applications:
- Data acquisition
- Standard protocole decoding
- Data processing
- Real time displaying
- Data recording and replaying
- Data exportation
- Interfacing with third party software
- Communication
The software supports the majority of the market's available sensors. Intempora provides many modules to interface sensors/actuators of very different natures and performances.
If an hardware is suitable for connection with a computer, its integration in a RTMaps application is possible.
Examples
of supported sensors
Webcams, DV camcorders, FireWire DCAM digital cameras, analog and digital cameras, stereo-vision devices, GPS, inertial measurements units, radars, laser telemeters, CAN bus, analog and digital input/output devices, microphones…
Examples
of supported actuators
Analog and digital controls, electric motors, step by step motors, brake or other car system,
barriers, hooters, light,
variable messages indicators…
New developed components are regularly added to the libraries.
The SDK extension: breaking the limits
The "Software Development Kit" allows you to create its own components.
The programming is done in C++; it is facilitated by the skeletons' code and macro.
Moreover, a complete API (Application Programming Interface) allows you to reach all the engine's function and to remain independant of the operating system (file system or real time programming for example).
Unless specify otherwise, each component runs in its own thread.
The developer is released from the problems of data
protection and inherent concurrent accesses of multithreads
applications.
Many data exchanges policies between components are integrated
(circular buffers, unblocking, D-sampling, etc...),
thus offering the behavior choice fitting to each application type
(recording, real time processing, data conversion, control...).
Tthe user can, for example, include the variables parameter setting or make dynamic the inputs/outputs number suggested by
the graphic component.
The SDK includes the API's complete documentation and examples or skeletons code for the specific components development. Finally, integrated assistants are included into the development environments (such as Microsoft's Visual Studio ). They facilitate the
generation of compilation projects.
The engine: generic functions
Time management
Acquisition is made in real time. Conversly, when replaying you can automatically adapt the time base to the performances of the available machine. In replay mode, the operator controls the time flow.
Data flows management
All digital data types can be handled by RTMaps. These data are precisely dated when they enter the system.
If recorded, their timestamps is also memorized in the data base. When replayed, they perfectly reproduce the acquisition sequence.
Generation of performance indicators
The system permanently publishes performance
indicators from the modules. They make it possible to optimize and
validate an application.
Sophisticated acquisition functions
Acquisition can be started or stopped at will, or when predefined events occur (pressing a key, getting over a threshold...).
It is also possible to specify a recording duration
around the event. The black box mode
keeps in memory only the N last minutes of
recording.
Finally,
the system is able to stop automatically in case of
discs saturation.
Data bases management
The RTMaps data base format is opened and documented. It is performance oriented : it allows to distribute the data flow on several discs, according to constraints of flow and/or volume. Some specific flows can use more sophisticated formats like the Matlab formats for the
scalars ou software compressed videoformat...
Architecture and technology
RTMaps
technology is a digital platform particularly
fitted to the control of time, time stamping, data synchronization and the mastering of data flows. The different products rely on the same engine, which
ensures the data coordination.
Drag the mouse over an image to display comments.
To know some more or test the version 3, contact us .
Recording and replaying
The 