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The Types of Thin Client and HMI Visualization Application

This entry was posted on November 16, 2015 by blog.

A thin client (also called lean or slim client) is a stateless, fanless desktop terminal that does not contain a hard
drive. When using a thin client, all the features that are typically found on the desktop PC such as applications,
sensitive data, and memory are stored back into the data center or server. Thin clients, software services, and
backend hardware comprise thin client computing, a virtual desktop computing model. Using thin clients as a
PC replacement technology, it helps customers get immediate access to any virtual desktop or virtualized
application. Not only do thin clients provide a cost-eective way to construct a virtual desktop infrastructure,
they are applied in assorted industries and enterprises around the globe that all have dierent requirements
but participate in common goals. Thin clients edge is the cost, security, manageability, and scalability benets.
Since a thin client relies strongly on other computers or servers to execute its computing tasks, its application
involves less hardware and computing performance than traditional PCs. In comparison to full-sized PC
systems, a thin client (http://www.acnodes.com/panel-pc/fanless-panel-pc.htm) is a simple user input/output
device. It uses the computing power of a networked server to perform the data processing, management, and
storage tasks. Majority of thin clients operate on Web browsers and/or remote desktop software or display
protocols for communicating with the terminal server. New virtualization technologies are gaining popularity in
thin client applications, providing a highly personalized working environment and centralized data
management.

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The user input is sent to the server or virtual desktop for processing, and the thin client displays the
results/output the server returns. The latest desktop virtualization or terminal server solutions not only
support hardware such as printers connected to the terminal server, but also provide optimized solutions for
streaming audio and video les. Typically thin clients run on operating systems such as Linux, Windows CE,
Window Embedded Standard (WIN32), or Windows Embedded 7.
Three Types of Thin Clients

Basic Thin Clients

Basic thin client terminals feature a proprietary operating system that delivers simple server-based computing
in a thin-client appliance. All application processing including web browsing occurs on the server. Local
processing is not available and there are limited peripheral options. Basic thin client terminals are ideal for
task-based or transaction-based users with a persistent network connection. Kiosks in the retail and service
environments are popular settings to be used. Basic thin clients are also used regularly in the healthcare
industry, where healthcare workers can get on-demand access to secure patient data from the server using a
desktop or wireless device.

Browser Thin Clients

Browser based (data processing) approach uses ordinary PCs connected to the Internet and applications are
completed in the Web browser. Browser thin clients feature all of the competence of basic thin clients but with
additional functionality and power. Based on Microsofts Windows CE embedded operating system, browser
terminals are the most desired model in the thin client category. Windows CE features Internet Explorer for
local web computing and has enough power built in to run a local terminal emulation suite, making browser
thin clients a popular choice for green screen (dumb terminal) computer replacement. In addition, the
operating system can be custom-congured using the CE-supported Windows drivers and peripherals, like
wireless computing, USB, CD-ROM, and smart cards.

Due to the eciency and performance of a local browser, browser thin clients thrive where task-based or
transaction-based works need access to the Web or Web-based applications. Call center, customer service
reps, and retail users most likely use the browser thin clients because they can access web based information
in addition to data from the central server.

Flexible Thin Client

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Flexible thin client run on Windows XP Embedded

which is Microsofts most powerful embedded OS.
Flexible thin clients contain all of the features of the
browser thin client with even more power for local
processing, a local Java Virtual Machine, the option to
embed local applications, top-line graphics and colors,
and full Win-32 API application support.
Flexible thin clients support the full catalog of Windows
peripherals and management tools, giving the users
PC-like exibility and east integration into Windows
environments. Flexible thin client can be custom
congured to meet the exact needs of any application,
and are a great solution for users in businesses like
package delivery services, retail operations and
airlines. Since it is the only Windows thin client that can
function under the circumstance of a network failure, it
is suitable for cash drawers and other business-critical
terminals.
HMI Applications and Thin Clients
As companies progressively run HMIs from servers
attainable by standard Web browsers, rather than load
full HMI software on every PC, the browser-based operator interface terminals become the ultimate solution
for commercial and industrial applications. In thin client HMI (http://www.acnodes.com/panel-pc/touch-panelpc-01.htm) applications, the processing is performed in a server, often with redundant backup. It also usually
locates in safe, protected environment and area. Acnodes Ultra-Slim Panel PC
(http://www.acnodes.com/panel-pc.htm) has specialized HMI applications. The HMI thin clients and operator
interface terminals are based on their proven industrial HMI hardware engineering, design, and customization
capabilities. Acnodes panel PC HMI is a very cost-eective way to run an operator station on-site at the
machine with high convenience from Windows functionality and applications.

Acnodess panel PC with HMI application runs on Bay Trail or Celeron Quad Core. It oers touch screen in
various display sizes from 7 to 24 inch and has a full selection of touch screen for an intelligent display unit
between human to machine interface. It is a protective IP65 rated rugged enclosure with ant-shining AR
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coating in the front. It contains WiFi and Ethernet for

the networking connection. It supports RS-232/422/485
and USB 3.0 for a real time data acquisition. The ultra
slim and fanless design enclosure creates for easy
installation and maintenance. Compared to traditional
PCs, thin clients oer superior security, and a very low
total cost of ownership, resulting in reduced
maintenance, administrative, and electricity costs.

This entry was posted in HMI computer (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/panel_pc/hmi_computer/) and tagged Ultra-Slim
Panel PC (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/ultra-slim-panel-pc/), thin client terminals (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/thinclient-terminals/), Thin Client (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/thin-client/), HMI (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/hmi/), Panel
PC (http://www.acnodes.com/blog/panel-pc/) on November 16, 2015 by blog.

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