Computational Power
LatticeWork’s main challenge was finding a hardware platform with computational resources sufficient enough to run complex AI algorithms in a compact and easily deployed system. The UP Xtreme i12 Edge, at just 152mm x 123.8mm x 71.5mm, met the requirement for a compact system. Meanwhile, its support for both 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors provided exceptional performance capable of handling complex dataflows and algorithms.
Also suited to LatticeWork’s needs was the UP Xtreme i12 Edge’s power-efficiency. This is due to its CPU’s performance hybrid architecture, which allows for more demanding tasks such as data processing on the edge to be handled by its performance cores, while efficient cores manage background operations.
To handle the complex AI algorithms that came with LatticeWork’s VAISense software, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge was equipped with AI acceleration modules via its two M.2 2280 M-Key slots, each offering a four-lane PCIe Gen 4 interface. As a result, the VAISense IPC range could process video and sensor data at the edge with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Latency-Free Edge Communication
For edge computing applications, poor connectivity can negatively impact power consumption, processing efficiency, and real-time decision-making. Compatibility challenges may arise due to differences in hardware, software, and communication protocols.
The UP Xtreme i12 Edge fit the bill when it came to being easily integrated with existing infrastructures, hosting interfaces conducive to robust data transmission. Dual Ethernet ports, including one supporting Intel® Ethernet Controller I226-IT operating at 2.5GbE with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support. This enabled fast wired networking, essential to for accommodating cameras and sensors for edge computing use.
Additional interfaces such as USB 3.2, USB 4.0, serial ports, and a 40-pin GPIO made the UP Xtreme i12 Edge flexible enough to utilize the VAISense software while also supporting LatticeWork’s overall vision of creating a comprehensive system for various vertical market settings.
A Secure Conduit Between Edge and Cloud
The final piece of the puzzle was finding a way to bridge the gap between the edge AI computing completed using VAISense software and LatticeWork’s cloud infrastructure. This connection allowed for easy software updates and the deployment of new applications from anywhere, ensuring scalability and flexibility in managing their complete solution.
An inherent level of security was ensured by keeping most of the IPC’s functions at the edge; nevertheless, there was still a need for wireless edge-to-cloud communication. Supporting both Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, the UP Xtreme i12 Edge was the ideal system to maintain a stable connection with LatticeWork’s cloud infrastructure. While data privacy and security posed significant concerns for LatticeWork, AAEON’s Mini PC alleviated these concerns due to the device having onboard TPM 2.0.
By leveraging its onboard TPM 2.0, the final IPC produced benefited from an enhanced security posture. This was achieved by incorporating hardware-based security features that complemented its existing software-based security measures. This measure helped to safeguard against security risks associated with data transmission, such as unauthorized access, data tampering, and man-in-the-middle attacks, ultimately enhancing the protection of data transmitted from the edge to the cloud.
VAISense: A Comprehensive Solution Overview
