Abstract: There are disclosed methods, computing devices and software products that seek to reduce memory/processor overheads in static priority scheduled operating systems by reducing the number of resource contexts that need to be saved and restored when running a plurality of tasks. This may be achieved by forming mutually-exclusive non-pre-emption groups of tasks, and/or by determining which tasks share a common resource.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods, computing devices and software products that seek to reduce memory/processor overheads in static priority scheduled operating systems by reducing the number of resource contexts that need to be saved and restored when running a plurality of tasks. This may be achieved by forming mutually-exclusive non-pre-emption groups of tasks, and/or by determining which tasks share a common resource.

Abstract: An embedded computing device and method for its use, the embedded computing device including a server application for receiving data transmitted to the embedded computing device under TCP/IP, wherein the server application is adapted to extract and buffer only predetermined portions of the transmitted data which are necessary for correct operation of the embedded computing device. There is further disclosed an embedded computing device and method for its use, the device being adapted to transmit data under TCP/IP, which data is too large to be held by available RAM in the embedded computing device, wherein the embedded computing device is adapted to intermix dynamic data content which must be held in RAM with static data content which is held in ROM, and to separate the dynamic data held in RAM from the static data content held in ROM by way of a predetermined off-line calculation mechanism which generates discrete data packets each of which will fit into an MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit).

Abstract: A surveillance device in the form of a fake radio aerial which projects from the roof of a vehicle. There is an upright periscope in the aerial which can rotate through 360.degree.. In the vehicle the light from the periscope is bent through 90.degree. and viewed by a camera all of which fits in the headliner space of the vehicle and so is not visible.