Express Logic's ThreadX RTOS Powers Wincor Nixdorf Line of Reverse Vending Machines

Express Logic, Inc., the worldwide leader in royalty-free real-time operating systems (RTOS), announced today that Express Logic’s ThreadX® RTOS has been selected by Wincor-Nixdorf for their reverse vending machines (RVMs). Wincor-Nixdorf’s reverse vending machines facilitate consumer returns of recyclable containers through advanced technology.

By using pioneering camera-based recognition technology, these reverse vending machines examine the shape and color of single bottles and cans, weigh them at the same time (full container recognition), and control the data logging and compacting mechanics all in a single, network-friendly device. Through automatic posting of the receipts to the POS system, retailers can ensure that an individual transaction receipt issued by the reverse vending system is only paid or credited once. This results in a significant reduction of inventory discrepancies.

Express Logic’s ThreadX RTOS controls the real-time operational needs of the machine from bottle identification to final receipt. ThreadX is designed for small-footprint, high-volume intelligent devices such as RVMs. ThreadX provides full real-time multithreading operation, including preemptive real-time scheduling, message-passing, interrupt management, and memory management services common to most embedded applications. ThreadX is designed to be easy to learn and use, helping developers to achieve rapid time to market.

Wincor Nixdorf, the world’s leading provider of high-end banking and retail solutions, chose ThreadX for its robust in-field reputation in many applications to control our innovative reverse vending solutions,” commented Wincor Nixdorf. “ThreadX provides an optimal combination of footprint, performance and functionality, which delivers excellent support for real-time operations.”

Reverse vending machines significantly reduce the manual processing of empties, increasing staff productivity. Notably, such systems are widely accepted by consumers, who prefer to return their empty beverage containers at a reverse vending system to avoid waiting in line.

“Express Logic is proud that ThreadX plays a key role in the ingenuity of its customers’ products. We are thrilled to have assisted Wincor Nixdorf in achieving such an efficient solution for the retail industry,” said William E. Lamie, President of Express Logic. “Wincor Nixdorf is yet another example of our increasing adoption by successful, European cost- and environmentally-conscious developers.”