Tokyo, Japan. November 18, 2013 - eSOL, a leading developer of real-time embedded software solutions, announced today that RICOH IMAGING COMPANY,LTD. has adopted eSOL’s eT-Kernel real-time OS-based software platform for use in its PENTAX K-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) and GR compact cameras.

The eT-Kernel Platform consists of the eT-Kernel real-time OS (RTOS), eBinder IDE, middleware components—including file systems, USB stacks, network protocols, and GUI—backed by professional services. eSOL’s eT-Kernel Platform ensures real-time capability and reliability as well as faster development at a lower cost for RICOH IMAGING’s high-quality, high-definition camera systems.

The PENTAX K-3 adopted an antialiasing filter-free design to deliver high-resolution, fine-gradation images. It implements the world’s first selectable anti-aliasing filter* simulator function for high resolution. RICOH IMAGING’s unique technology allows users to easily toggle anti-aliasing on or off according to moiré control requirements. The K-3 camera’s compact, lightweight, and sturdy body with dustproof, weather-resistant, and cold-resistant construction assures solid operation in the field. The GR compact camera features a large, APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor, permitting photographic sensitivity equivalent to DSLR cameras. TheGR is the world’s smallest and lightest compact camera equipped with an APS-C sized CMOS image sensor**. RICOH IMAGING’s new GR ENGINE V imaging processor offers high-sensitivity shooting with minimal noise.

The eT-Kernel real-time OS—which delivers fast boot time, fast response to interruptions, fast task switching, a compact memory footprint, and high portability—and its tightly integrated eBinder IDE were used to develop the PENTAX K-3. eSOL offers three scalable eT-Kernel profiles—including a POSIX-compliant RTOS and a process model-based RTOS with memory protection—to fit different system sizes and purposes. The eT-Kernel Multi-Core Edition for multi-core processors includes eSOL’s unique Blended Scheduling™ technology, which permits the coexistence of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) subsystems for flexible system design. The eBinder IDE provides a variety of functions and tools designed specifically to facilitate the efficient development of high-quality RTOS-based software.

RICOH IMAGING’s compact GR uses eSOL’s PrFILE2/exFAT—its FAT12/16/32 and exFAT-compatible file system—to handle high-capacity media with more than 32 gigabytes, including USB flash drives and external hard disk drives. PrFILE2/exFAT, which can process multimedia data files larger than 4 gigabytes stored in such media, replaces the functions of the PrFILE2 FAT12/16/32 and VAT-compatible file system. It is equipped with many features necessary for digital cameras, including a high-speed file pointer backward seek function for fast video or music playback. PrFILE2/exFAT also minimizes the destruction of data in the media—even when power is lost or the media is ejected unexpectedly while accessing a file. In addition, PrFILE2/exFAT offers multi-language support, a dynamic character code conversion function, and UNICODE support, eliminating the need to sell or ship multiple variants of a product when serving multiple regions.

“We are very pleased that RICOH IMAGING selected our eT-Kernel Platform for their PENTAX K-3 and GR,” said Hiroaki Kamikura, General Manager of the Embedded Products Division, eSOL. “The eT-Kernel Platform has been adopted in many digital consumer products. We believe RICOH IMAGING liked the eT-Kernel Platform’s many proven features and its reliability. eSOL will continue to improve the capabilities of its industry-leading eT-Kernel Platform and provide software developers with real-time capability along with high quality—all backed by comprehensive support.”

The eT-Kernel Platform, widely used in digital consumer products, game consoles, mobile phones, in-vehicle infotainment systems, and office automation equipment worldwide, is known for its proven real-time capability, reliability, and quality.

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