CASE STUDY SNAPSHOT
Customer : An Indian OEM of consumer electronic devicesSize : > 51-200
Project vertical : Consumer Electronics
Challenge : Develop a custom low-cost device with power optimization and security for note-taking.
Solution : Design and develop an Allwinner A20 based custom Android tablet
Services & Products Availed : Product engineering services, OS Porting and Driver Development, Embedded Application Development
Tools and Technologies :
- Key Hardware: Allwinner A20
- Software Development: Java, C, JNI
- Frameworks: Android
- Peripherals: Wi-Fi, Resistive Touch etc
INTRODUCTION
A leading Consumer Electronics OEM aimed to disrupt the educational technology sector by replacing traditional paper-based exams. They required a specialized, low-cost, and highly secure custom Android tablet designed specifically for digital note-taking and examination management, a challenge requiring deep expertise in embedded systems.
CHALLENGE
The project presented unique challenges beyond standard tablet development. The primary goal was to create a low-cost tablet design without compromising on functionality or security. This required enabling precise pen-based input on a cost-effective resistive touch panel, a departure from typical capacitive screens. Furthermore, the device needed exceptional battery optimization to last through multiple exams over several days without recharging. The core challenge was architecting a secure, end-to-end ecosystem—from the hardware and custom Android OS to the application layer—to ensure absolute integrity of the examination process, preventing any form of digital malpractice.
SOLUTION
Embien Technologies delivered a comprehensive, turnkey solution, managing the entire product lifecycle from concept to manufacturing readiness. Our approach leveraged deep expertise in Android embedded devices development and holistic product engineering services.
Android Tablet
Strategic Hardware Design and Component Selection
Our process began with meticulous system architecture design. After a detailed performance analysis, the Allwinner A20 processor was selected to provide the optimal balance of processing power and energy efficiency. To meet the unique input requirement, Embien engineered a solution using a specialized resistive touch panel. Through custom manufacturing techniques, we controlled the spacing of the panel's internal spacers, calibrating it to respond exclusively to a fine-tipped stylus, effectively preventing finger-based input and ensuring the device was used only for its intended purpose.
Power management was critical. We conducted extensive power profiling to accurately size the battery. Every component choice, from DDR RAM and Flash memory to connectivity modules, was scrutinized. This rigorous BoM (Bill of Materials) optimization ensured we met all performance benchmarks while providing the client a significant cost advantage in a competitive market.
Custom Android OS and Application Optimization
With the hardware foundation in place, our team focused on the software stack. We developed a custom build of Android, hardening it for the specific use case. This involved:
- Firmware-Level Battery Optimization:We went beyond standard Android power-saving features, implementing custom power management algorithms at the kernel and driver level. This deep battery optimization for Android was key to achieving the multi-day usage requirement on a single charge.
- Secure Examination Application:The centerpiece of the solution was a personalized Android application designed for flawless exam administration. Key features included:
- Robust Connectivity:The app managed secure Wi-Fi connections to a central server, seamlessly handling handoffs between multiple access points and repeaters within a large examination hall.
- End-to-End Encryption:Security was paramount. Question papers were downloaded in a digitally encrypted format and decrypted only at the scheduled exam time. Similarly, student answers were encrypted in real-time as they were written and stored locally in a secure container.
- Strict Timing and Control:The application enforced precise time controls, automatically revealing questions at the start and locking the exam and initiating the upload process at the conclusion.
- Fail-Safe Mechanisms:To counter potential network issues, we built in contingencies. The system could securely load an encrypted question paper from a USB drive. If the network failed during upload, answers remained securely stored locally until connectivity was restored, guaranteeing zero data loss. Upon successful upload, all sensitive exam data was forensically wiped from the device.
Advanced Features and Validation
To showcase the platform's flexibility, Embien developed a variation for the enterprise market that integrated a handwriting recognition Android feature. We incorporated a sophisticated third-party machine learning library into an Android custom widget, allowing for real-time conversion of handwritten notes to digital text.
The entire system underwent rigorous quality checks, including passing the Android Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) to validate the stability and compliance of our custom Android port. A fully functional prototype was delivered to the customer in just a few months, enabling them to move swiftly towards productization.
BENEFITS
- Significant Cost Reduction:Achieved a highly competitive price point through strategic BoM optimization and the innovative use of cost-effective resistive touch technology.
- Ironclad Examination Security:Deployed a tamper-proof system with end-to-end data encryption and robust fail-safes, ensuring the complete integrity of the examination process.
- Exceptional Battery Performance:Delivered multi-day device uptime on a single charge through extensive hardware and software-level power optimization.
- Accelerated Time-to-Market:Enabled the client to launch their product faster with our rapid prototyping and comprehensive, end-to-end product engineering capabilities.
- Future-Proof and Scalable Platform:Created a flexible hardware and software foundation capable of supporting advanced features like handwriting recognition and biometric authentication.
CONCLUSION
Embien successfully transformed a concept into a market-ready secure examination tablet, demonstrating our ability to solve complex challenges in the consumer electronics space. By integrating hardware design, custom Android development, and application engineering, we delivered a secure, reliable, and cost-effective solution that met our client’s precise needs.
If you are looking for a trusted partner for your custom Android embedded devices development or need expert product engineering services to bring your vision to life, contact Embien Technologies today. Let's build the future of technology, together.
