Advanced Graphic Workstations

The Opus AGWS (Advanced Graphic Workstation) software was developed over a two-year period in 1993-94 as a replacement for the older GWS package. This 32-bit protected mode software ran under control of the Rational Systems DOS/4GW DOS Extender. The AGWS package was designed to provide users of the Opus Telemetry and SCADA systems with a highly advanced and sophisticated Graphic User Interface (GUI). The workstation’s user interface was based on a 1024x768 pixel display supporting 256 on screen colours (i.e. 8-bit colour).

In 1996 the Windows 95 version of the Advanced Graphic Workstation (WINAGWS) was released followed by the Windows 98 version in 1998. This package was the culmination of over eight years experience in the development of real time graphic workstation software. The workstation’s display was based on a 1024x768 pixel display with either 16.7 million on screen colours (24-bit True Colour) or 64K on screen colours (16-bit High Colour). The 16-bit colour mode was intended for use on portable systems and Workstations using colour laptops with restricted graphics memory.

PC2000 Telemetry/SCADA Master Stations

The Windows 95/NT version of the Master station software was released in 1996, followed by the Windows 98/NT version in 1998, and the Windows 2000 version in 2000. Each new version of software incorporated numerous enhancements and extended features.

Fourth Generation Advanced Graphic Workstations

In 1999 development began on the fourth Windows 2000/NT generation of our graphic workstation software, the Opus AGWS4 Advanced Graphic Workstation. This software incorporated many advanced features including support for up to eight dynamic data display windows. The AGWS4 is largely independent of the display resolution with support for 16, 24 and 32-bit colour displays at resolutions up to 1920 by 1200 pixels. The upper resolution limit of the workstation will of course be extended to accommodate any future advances in graphics cards and the increasing capabilities of large format monitors.

Fifth Generation Advanced Graphic Workstations

In 2001 development began on the fifth Windows 2000/NT generation of our graphic workstation software, the Opus AGWS5 Advanced Graphic Workstation. This software incorporates many new features including animated mimic variables and object orientated graphic libraries.

PC5 Telemetry/SCADA Master Stations

With the release of Microsoft's MS.NET framework, development began on the next generation of Master station software. The Opus PC5-SQL Master Station software includes an enhanced software development kit supporting software development in C++, C#, J#, Visual Basic and JScript. There is support for both Microsoft Access and Sql Server databases. The integrated SQL interface uses standard Microsoft packages. An integrated web interface supports Intranet and/or internet browser access. Report generation has been extended to support HTML and text export formats. Automated procedures have been implemented to simplify the back up all key system data. Communications has been extended to include fax, e-mail and SMS texting.

PSI

In 2002 work began on the Opus PSI system. PSI is a Microsoft .NET framework software development package which provides an interface to third party data. Applications within PSI access and process data sourced from local and remote data based systems (IMS, Telemetry, SCADA systems, general purpose database etc.).

Standard applications such as the Opus Advanced Graphic workstation and Report Generator provide highly sophisticated interfaces to the data based systems.

Remote Telemetry Unit

In 2005 we released the Opus RTU. These systems are intended for use at remote unmanned sites operating as Remote Telemetry Units providing typical outstation and data logging facilities. These systems are full-featured Telemetry/SCADA/IMS systems equipped with integrated SQL based Information Management System, a sophisticated Web interface, printing and management report generation facilities, alarm paging and a single-user interface based on the very latest Advanced Graphic Workstation software.

PC6-SQL Telemetry/SCADA Master Stations

With the release of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system and the new generation of multi-core processors, development began on the next generation of Master station software. The software is highly optimised for improved performance and new TCP/IP software will be introduced to take advantage of the latest Gigabit LANs and widespread use of broadband links. Closer integration with the Microsoft Office software suite provides further facilities for SQL data export and enhanced report generation.

Sixth Generation Advanced Graphic Workstations

In 2007 development began on the sixth Windows Vista generation of our graphic workstation software, the Opus AGWS6 Advanced Graphic Workstation. This software incorporates many new features including support for up to sixteen dynamic data display windows, extended search facilities and new user defined toolbars.