The Fugro OCEANOR GENI (GEneral INterface) is a robust data aquisition unit targeted at operation in remote locations, powered only from batteries. It features a high-end 32-bit processor and large internal storage capacity. Extreme mechanical robustness is achieved by use of a gas-tight aluminium housing, quality connectors and no moving parts. A proven operating system and modular C++ application software ensure software reliability.
Proven Record
The current version of the GENI is the fourth generation made by Fugro OCEANOR AS. The predecessors have been in use since the 1980’s. They have mainly been installed in oceanographic buoys and are currently in use world-wide. Other areas of use are meteorological systems, river and groundwater monitoring and structural surveillance systems.
Flexibility
The software is built up from completely separate programs, with a well defined interface. This enables different sensors and communication options to be easily added or removed from the system. The system is configured by a user friendly MS-Windows program. It enables the user to select sensors, parameters, communication options and all configurable parameters. The configuration program produces XML files as output. These may be downloaded to the GENI using any of the two way communication links. Typically, the full configuration is done at the factory. The end user receives an easy-to-use Wizard version of the configuration program, highlighting only user configurable parameters.
Low Power Consumption
Low power consumption was together with reliable operation, the target during the design of the GENI. It is achieved through careful design and choice of extremely low power electronic circuits. In comparison to an ordinary portable PC which shares much of the architecture of the GENI, the GENI consumes only 1/100 to 1/10 of the power. The power consumption is a compromise between processing abilities and low power operation. The micro controller used in the system is the PXA255 XScale RISC processor, which has a flexible power management scheme. Controller sub-systems may be powered on or off depending on the need of the software, and the processor clock may be stopped for minimum power consumption. This means that the power consumption of the GENI is adapted to the given task.