Smart public transport stop signs in Tábor

In early 2026, Herman completed a project involving smart public transport information panels in Tábor, aimed at improving the availability and quality of information for public transport passengers. As part of the project, eleven digital displays were installed to show up-to-date public transport information directly at stops.

The ELP 356B and ELP 351B smart public transport information panels display real-time departure times, including the route number, direction and arrival time. The information is continuously updated from the transport operator’s system, enabling passengers to quickly find their way around and plan their journeys more effectively without having to use mobile apps or other external sources.

The displays are designed for year-round outdoor use in an urban environment, with an emphasis on good readability and operational reliability. Their design establishes a uniform visual and technical standard for the public transport information system within the city of Tábor.

The project also included the basic technical provision for the operation of the panels, in particular their connection to the electricity grid, the necessary electrical and construction work, and the commissioning of the entire system. The project contributes to making public transport more transparent, enhances passenger comfort and represents a further step in the modernisation of the city’s transport infrastructure.

Innovated EPIS 5.1AKS Camera System

Herman introduces a significantly innovated version of its EPIS 5.1AKS-10 camera system, building on the previous EPIS 5.0AKS model. The new generation delivers substantially higher performance, extended configuration options, and enhanced security for handling camera recordings—particularly for public transport vehicles and emergency services.

Significantly more powerful control module

The new EPIS 5.1AKS system is equipped with a far more powerful control module, enabling simultaneous recording from up to 16 cameras. The internal SSD can be selected with a capacity of up to 8 TB, greatly expanding storage space for recordings.

The unit also includes a backup battery that, in the event of a power outage, ensures safe retention of camera data stored in the control unit’s memory.

Enhanced security with an electronic lock

Another innovation is the option to equip the system with an electronic lock based on Dallas chips, used to identify the person performing manual removal of the SSD. This operation is automatically logged in the internal memory of the control unit.

Wide connectivity and configuration options

The control unit can be equipped with the following accessories:

• LCD display unit for monitoring camera views inside the vehicle
• LTE or 5G
• Wi-Fi module (including Wi-Fi 6 standard)
• GNSS – positioning accuracy down to 1.5 m
• Control keypad for camera selection (standalone system)
• Interface for external control of the camera system (onboard computer, control and monitoring center)

Communication is handled by two 1 Gbit/s Ethernet ports, providing both camera system control and connectivity to the vehicle’s internal network. A dedicated RS-485 bus is available for the external control keypad. The status of individual cameras and the control unit itself is indicated by LEDs (16× LEDs – one per camera).

Power-state response and auxiliary control functions

The system includes additional inputs and outputs for controlling connected devices—for example, relays switching heating for external cameras, PoE switch power status (supplying power to the cameras), etc. If the EPC control unit receives information that the vehicle does not have sufficient energy to operate the system, it automatically shuts down the cameras and then itself.

New PoE Ethernet switches

To support camera systems with a higher number of cameras (up to 16), two new switch types with increased PoE performance have been developed. They are suitable for vehicles and other environments using +24 V or +12 V power. The new types are:

• ECU_05LGM-4T-06/24 – 5-port Gigabit switch, 60 W PoE (802.3at), M12 connectors – X-coding
• ECU_08LM-7Tx-12-24 – 8-port switch, 100 Mbit/s, 120 W PoE (2× 60 W), connectors: 7× M12-D and 1× M12-X

Monitoring management

The EPIS 5.1AKS system supports remote monitoring and control, including retrieval of recordings in both online and offline modes, in accordance with the functions described in the KS-BOS system.

“We are currently building up inventory for EPIS 5.1AKS. We focused on reliability and fleet management: recording from up to 16 cameras, audited SSD removal via a Dallas chip, and optional LTE/5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity simplify both operation and servicing,” says Ivo Herman.

The new EPIS 4.1 on-board computer

We have developed an updated version of the EPIS 4.0 on-board computer, called EPIS 4.1A, for new public transport projects. The key feature of the on-board computer is a 20% increase in computing power and a significant acceleration in peripheral control, which boosts its performance by up to 10 times compared to the previous EPIS 4.0Cx model. Further improvements to its features are, of course, also included.

Assembly of the new EPIS 4.1A on-board computer for DP Most

The upgraded on-board computer consists of two main components:

• The EPC 4.1Ax control unit, depending on the required model, and
• The EPT 4.x on-board computer terminal, available with display sizes ranging from 7” to 12” (the larger size is suitable for extensive passenger processing with multiple fare options),

Advantages or changes in the new on-board computer:

• A more powerful PC module,
• Use of the proven IJN integrated power supply unit, i.e. output power control, vehicle excitation (timed or on demand via low-power radio communication), single-bit inputs/outputs and more.
• Ability to communicate via voice using data on GSM networks – communication control with a SIP switchboard at the control centre.
• Suitable for digital radio networks, GSM networks and 5G – 1 Gbit/s Ethernet connection
• Innovative radio unit converter (integrated into the on-board computer, thus saving space in the electronics cabinet)
• Innovated output to the EPT terminal – see terminal description
• Option to use excitation frequency via LoRaWAN modules

Basic features of the control unit

Basic features of the industrial PC (full-featured solution):

• Type based on PC architecture with 64-bit architecture
• Quad-core processor – 1.5 GHz with max. power consumption of 9W
• 8 GB RAM – LPDDR4 type
• 1 GB Ethernet, including PoE for the Universal Communication Unit (UCU)
• 1x Ethernet with a vehicle bus speed of 100 Mbit/s.
• Intel graphics (Gen 11) with HDMI/DP and LVDS/eDP interfaces – as selected
• External SSD drive with a minimum capacity of 64 GB and an extended lifespan of at least 61 TBW
• 2x USB 3.1 and USB 2.0
• Linux OS
• Boot time – 45 seconds

Additional features of the on-board control unit:

• At least 1x RS485, 1x RS 232, 1x CAN
• 1x IBIS interface
• 1-bit input – at least 10
• 1-bit output – at least 8
• Vibration 20G / 0–600 Hz
• Extended temperature range from -20 ^°C to +70 °C (for ambient temperatures of -25 °C and below, it heats up for a few seconds using waste heat)

Component control:

• Interface for C-ITS solutions – our universal communication unit (UCU) with V2X communication
• Interface for ticketing control (validators, coin acceptors and ticket dispensers)
• Interface for TETRA radio network control
• Interface for GSM transmission control – control centre (data and voice), BO ticketing, banking servers, payment gateway, connection search engines, etc.
• Interface for controlling Ethernet switches – ECU 08P0.6PA, or ECU 05L-1G
• Control of SAM module unlocking for vehicle systems
• Control of LCDs, external panels, passenger counting, CCTV systems, etc. …
• Option to communicate using the ITxPT protocol
• Automatic or manual point setting
• Control of command receivers for the visually impaired
• Or other peripherals.

EPT 4.xA1-UB terminal

Available with LCD screens ranging from 7” to 12.1” diagonal, featuring a capacitive touchscreen with a hardness rating of H=7. The new driver LCD terminal offers:

• More touch control via the touchscreen, enabling new functions in the on-board computer;
• A USB 2.0 port for updating the on-board computer, with power supply via USB;
• An integrated single microphone for the driver
• Option to integrate a driver’s speaker (depending on terminal installation)
• Option for a split version, i.e. the reader can be routed out of the terminal separately
• Standard features remain, such as a reader for contactless Mifare/Desfire smart cards, which reads the UID from the card, and a Reset button.

Example of in-vehicle wiring

An example of a possible connection of the new on-board computer in OIS (Check-in and Information System) mode to the vehicle’s EPIS 4.1A on-board computer system is shown in the following figure: