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Fast & secure GUI development for critical devices
Robust GUIs for critical systems: Ginzinger and partner CONZE accelerate HMI development with GELin, the Ginzinger Embedded Linux Distribution.
Magnus Theile, Managing Director and CTO of CONZE Informatik GmbH, talks about the modern development of user interfaces and HMIs based on GELin, the Ginzinger Embedded Linux Distribution. He explains how CONZE uses the embedded Linux platform to implement robust, high-performance, and regulatory-compliant GUIs for critical systems.
GUI/HMI development for critical systems with GELin
User interfaces must do more than just look good. In the context of critical systems in particular, there are particularly high requirements for operating safety and efficiency, robustness, performance, and durability, in addition to user ergonomics. It is therefore with good reason that software development for such applications is subject to strict regulations, such as DIN EN ISO 13485 / IEC 62304 / IEC 62366 for medical devices.
Professional software requires a stable and high-performance basis. This is exactly where GELin OS from Ginzinger electronic systems comes into play.
The embedded Linux platform accompanies the development process at CONZE, starting with prototyping, integration, testing, and regulatory compliance, through systematic deployment, to the production-ready product and subsequent maintenance.
Prototyping, integration, and testing
Got an idea in mind and want to quickly implement a proof-of-concept or MVP? No problem with GELin. Ready-made templates and a preconfigured development VM give you the right boost when starting a project.
With the Ginzinger Development Kits,, e.g. based on the i.MX6 or i.MX8 processors, developers can test and evaluate software at an early stage – long before the final device hardware is available. GELin offers out-of-the-box support for a wide range of development technologies, including Qt and RUST. However, it can also be extended for individual applications.
Thanks to GELin's modular design, RootFS and software stacks can be adapted very efficiently for testing purposes. Ginzinger relies on its own proven mechanisms such as ge_update, which are also used in series products for secure updates.
“With GELin OS, we can significantly accelerate the development of GUIs/HMIs for critical systems. This has a particularly positive effect on time to market and development budgets.”
Regulation & Deployment
GELin OS is integrated into critical systems as SOUP (software of unknown provenance). Regulatory requirements are covered by documented procedures. Templates are provided for rapid implementation. Ginzinger is an ISO 13485-certified development and production partner, particularly in the medical technology sector, and contributes its experience in regulatory compliance. Seamless integration into build processes automates the creation of firmware images and update packages.
Maintenance
With regular updates, GELin responds quickly to innovations in the Linux kernel and supports the implementation of the Cyber Resiliance Act (EU) 2024/2847. The update strategy developed by Ginzinger guarantees robust and fail-safe update handling, even in devices that are operated over the long term. Integrated CVE monitoring and comprehensive SBOM provide an excellent basis for CRA-compliant maintenance.
Customized solutions
Ginzinger electronic systems complements CONZE Informatik's expertise with customized embedded platforms ranging from prototyping and series production to long-term lifecycle management, for example in
- electronic solutions for dental technology at W&H,
- laboratory diagnostics such as Exias e|1 , and
- robust HMI systems for Rosenbauer emergency vehicle.
This means customers benefit from a comprehensive solution for critical systems: secure, durable HMIs on a reliable embedded basis.
About CONZE Informatik
CONZE Informatik GmbH specializes in user interface engineering and develops cross-platform user interfaces (GUIs) for sophisticated devices, software systems, and cloud services for customers in the medical technology, healthcare, and industrial sectors.
CONZE is certified according to DIN EN ISO 13485:2021 and DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and implements software in accordance with IEC 62304 and IEC 62366.
