2-3-4 Consumer appliances and
industrial devices
An “embedded system” is a computer system that is embedded in order to
achieve a specific function. An “embedded OS” is used to control devices,
comprised of a minimum amount of memory, a CPU, and ROM. Recently,
since the costs involved in embedded systems have come down, they are being used to control various “consumer appliances” and “industrial devices.”
Reference
PDA
A “PDA” is a palm-sized handheld terminal for personal use.
PDAs were originally for managing personal information such as address
books, schedules, and notepads. More
recently, however, they are equipped
with functions on par with computers,
and can perform tasks such as sending/receiving e-mail, browsing websites,
and executing application software.
PDAs are characterized by the ability to
exchange data with computers.
Abbreviation for “Personal Digital Assistant.”
Reference
(1)Consumer appliances
“Consumer appliances” are electronics used in ordinary households such
as rice cookers, washing machines, air conditioners, cellular phones, and
PDAs. In recent years, consumer appliances have come to include “intelligent home appliances” equipped with communication functions allowing
them to connect to networks such as the Internet.
(2)Industrial devices
“Industrial devices” are devices that are used to put various industries into
practice, such as robots for industrial use, industrial equipment, signals, and
elevators.
Also categorized as industrial devices are vending machines for drinks and
other goods, automatic service machines providing services such as games
or teller services, and automated warehouses supporting distribution by ship,
truck, and other means.
Embedded system
Intelligent home appliances
“Intelligent home appliances” are electronics for household use that are
equipped with communication functions
allowing them to connect to networks
such as the Internet. They make it possible to answer television program surveys using a digital television’s remote
control, or to turn on the power to an air
conditioner from outside the home using a cellular phone, or to search for
and download recipes from a microwave oven.
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Embedded system