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Holiday break
As every year we suspend issuing the Review during summer vacation.
The next issue will be available on August 23.
We wish all our readers and customers a joyous holiday season.
The third revolution in the computing world - Songdo International City in South Korea.
The New Songdo City, to be completed by 2015, has been founded on the idea of a global model of the city with the most innovative infrastructure, schools, buildings, transport systems, and services.What are the practical differences and how will they influence the life of the residents? Let's imagine individuals that get up every morning to work. Their home computers collect information for the shopping lists and order the goods in grocery stores. At the same time the computer systems are planning the routes to their workplaces, taking into account traffic conditions and their changes - simultaneously handling transportation needs of all residents of the city.
After the apartments are left by the residents, the computer systems automatically adjust the power consumption on the premises to an absolute minimum. For this purpose the home computers cooperate with a central meteorological computer, air conditioning and heating systems.
To enter other buildings, the individuals have to be recognized by video security systems that will permit them to come into specified areas, direct to the elevators etc. Building management system will monitor the location of the workers and set optimum conditions.
After work, the individuals will be able to pick up the ordered goods from the grocery stores, for which they will be automatically charged through the banking system. In clothing stores, thanks to telemetry systems scanning the customers, the staff will be able to immediately suggest adequate size of clothing or footwear.
These are only several examples of the enormous opportunities that will be available in this metropolis.
On the one hand so much computerization may tempt with easier life, on the other hand it carries the risk of excessive surveillance. One thing is certain: the Korean-American New Songdo City project attracts much more people than it can encompass. This means that the interest in modern lifestyle solutions is enormous.
Computer visualization of New Songdo City
Ubiquitous computing.
At the beginning of the "era of computers" one computer served many users. The next stage was the era of personal computers: one person - one PC. Today we are entering the days when one man is surrounded by a lot of computers, large part of them being contained in various consumer devices.
New Songdo City is the implementation of the great breakthrough, which was predicted over 25 years ago. It is called "ubiquitous computing" - the model of human-computer interaction, introduced by Mark Weiser, a scientist at Xerox PARC in the US, and published in the late 80s. Computers will transform the world if they are interconnected and people can easily interact with the computer network.
So far, we have seen a quick development of the elements that lay foundations for this concept - the Internet, data exchange standards, communication protocols, wireless networks.
The creator of the model proposed three basic forms for ubiquitous system devices: tabs, pads, and boards. Together with a group of colleagues he even created prototypes of such devices, which can be considered as the ancestors of our smartphones, touchscreens, PDAs, etc.
At the beginning of the "era of computers" one computer served many users. The next stage was the era of personal computers: one person - one PC. Today we are entering the days when one man is surrounded by a lot of computers, large part of them being contained in various consumer devices.
New Songdo City is the implementation of the great breakthrough, which was predicted over 25 years ago. It is called "ubiquitous computing" - the model of human-computer interaction, introduced by Mark Weiser, a scientist at Xerox PARC in the US, and published in the late 80s. Computers will transform the world if they are interconnected and people can easily interact with the computer network.
So far, we have seen a quick development of the elements that lay foundations for this concept - the Internet, data exchange standards, communication protocols, wireless networks.
The creator of the model proposed three basic forms for ubiquitous system devices: tabs, pads, and boards. Together with a group of colleagues he even created prototypes of such devices, which can be considered as the ancestors of our smartphones, touchscreens, PDAs, etc.
With the development of technology, the concept is being developed further. An interesting idea is called "Smartdust" - sensors or robots having sizes of micrometers and collecting environmental data (temperature, light intensity, noise etc.) for further analysis. Another idea is "smart skin", based on OLED technology and being the interface of computers not similar in any way to the known devices - they will be built into our clothes, curtains in the house, or upholstery in the car.
Due to the growing number of devices operating on the Internet it will be necessary to extend the pool of IP addresses. The problem will be solved by the IP v6 standard.
The key technologies enabling the implementation of ubiquitous systems are RFID and GPS. The first of these will ensure the basic form of communication between individual devices, the second will be used for locating the various devices in space.
Due to the growing number of devices operating on the Internet it will be necessary to extend the pool of IP addresses. The problem will be solved by the IP v6 standard.
The key technologies enabling the implementation of ubiquitous systems are RFID and GPS. The first of these will ensure the basic form of communication between individual devices, the second will be used for locating the various devices in space.
Engagingly about Antennas - a photo contest.
We invite you to send your pictures to the "Engagingly about Antennas" contest.The entries for the 9th edition can be sent until September 30, 2010. The winners of the competition and their works will be presented in DIPOL Weekly Review on October 4, 2010.
The photos will be adjudicated by well known photographer from Krakow, Mr. Pawel Zechenter. The prize for the first place is DVB-S/T Ferguson Ariva HD combo receiver A99381.
Below - some of the first pictures sent for this contest.
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Perfectly positioned Miroslaw Grazewicz | Arabic landscape Dionizy Rymanowski | A big framework Lukasz Was |
In accordance with the information in the Dipol Weekly Review No. 22, another "Chameleon Mug" goes to Mr. Miroslaw Grazewicz, the tenth competitor who has sent us his work.
SMATV system in a modern residential estate.
Multiswitch systems enable each user to choose any terrestrial or satellite program. With a comparatively low cost, they allow to preserve the aesthetics of buildings and settlements, that are free from antennas and satellite dishes on the facades and roofs.One of the building developers in Krakow was aware about the facts and decided to implement such a solution in the construction of a new housing development. He chose the professional multiswitch equipment from Terra (MSV series).
The estate consists of four residential buildings. Each of them is to have an independent SMATV system. One of the buildings (no. 1) is to be equipped with 15 antenna outlets, each of the other buildings (no. 2, 3, and 4) needs 112 outlets.
In the case of the first building with the small number of outlets, the installation is based on star topology, with a single MSR-916 R70816 multiswitch placed in the attic. In the other buildings, due to the larger number of staircases and apartments, the optimum solution is based on Terra MSV multiswitches with a remote power distribution. The subnetworks in each staircase employ the SA-901 R70901 amplifier, four MSV-908 R70808 multiswitches, and a set of SS taps with different tap attenuation.
In the case of the first building with the small number of outlets, the installation is based on star topology, with a single MSR-916 R70816 multiswitch placed in the attic. In the other buildings, due to the larger number of staircases and apartments, the optimum solution is based on Terra MSV multiswitches with a remote power distribution. The subnetworks in each staircase employ the SA-901 R70901 amplifier, four MSV-908 R70808 multiswitches, and a set of SS taps with different tap attenuation.
Diagram of the system in one of the larger residential buildings.
The terrestrial and satellite signals are provided to 112 outlets.
The terrestrial and satellite signals are provided to 112 outlets.
After choosing suitable equipment the real help in the designing process is the application of the SatNet program that allows to simulate the distribution network and calculate signal levels in all outlets.
The design for the second, third, and fourth building
The decision to distribute terrestrial and satellite signals, taken at the designing or even construction stage, is the key issue, because of the possibility of adapting the cable shafts to the requirements of such an installation.
Video monitoring of a building complex.
A building complex located in the center of Kilbeggan, Ireland, has been equipped with ACTi IP security system. The complex consists of 62 apartments, 7 townhouses, 2 retail blocks, and an ample parking lot.The IP CCTV system is based on 6 outdoor 1.3 Mpx dome cameras ACTi ACM-7411 ( K1313 ) mounted on lighting poles. The system records the video streams on 24/7 basis.
The ACTi ACM-7411 K1313 cameras have been chosen due to their superior resolution and IP66-rated weatherproof, vandal-proof housings - all for a great value for money.
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Installation diagram |
The cameras have been connected into a wireless network that allows to preview the images on PCs, iPhones etc. The 54 Mbps throughput of the employed AP is fully satisfactory for seamless cooperation of these 6 cameras (due to MPEG-4 compression each of the megapixel cameras requires only 3-4 Mbps bandwidth).
Modernization of a school video surveillance system.
Holidays are the best time to upgrade the existing video monitoring systems in schools. Due to the increasing number of acts of violence, and crimes related to the distribution of illegal drugs, school systems should use state-of-the-art equipment.One of the high schools in Wadowice, Poland, decided to upgrade its CCTV system in this summer. The existing system was installed five years ago and used cameras with 1/3'' SONY CCD sensors with resolution of 420 TVL.
After testing several new vandal-proof cameras, the choice fell on V-CAM 515 + IR M10752 cameras equipped with Sony 1/3" Super HAD CCD II sensors with resolution of 540 TVL.
The cameras outside the building placed in water-proof housings have been replaced by Sunell SN-468C/W M11206 cameras with mechanically switching IR filters, cooperating with TOKINA M2311 lenses.
All the cameras have been connected to the programmable video splitter RV 8/16 M17044, which provides video signal to the HikVision DVR M76080 and fiber optic video converter L2802.
Diagram of the new school monitoring system,
with connection to the local police station
with connection to the local police station
The signal is transmitted via a leased optic fiber line directly to the police station, over a distance of about two kilometers from the school, where the video from the cameras is monitored 24 hours a day.
The experience has allowed the company to select an optimal set of equipment. Live monitoring and recording is performed by the Ultimax 204 M72040 DVR. Its compact, low-profile design allows for discrete placement of the device even in a very small apartment. The unit operates quietly and is energy efficient. Its 4 video channels can record video with a resolution of 4CIF. The DVR can house a hard drive of capacity up to 2 TB. In conjunction with adjustable areas of motion detection and recording schedule (e.g. recording only in the evenings and at night), it allows to store the video material from more than a month.
The company prefers to use vandal-proof SN-VP3050 M11254 or M11254G cameras with built-in IR illuminators. For indoor applications it also employs color dome cameras CAM 082 M10728 and CAM 422 M10729.
Most of the installations use CCTV cable CAMSET 50 M6050 that supplies power to the cameras and transmits video signals. The cameras are usually powered from SMPS Power Supply DRA120-12FPA - M1835.
The company prefers to use vandal-proof SN-VP3050 M11254 or M11254G cameras with built-in IR illuminators. For indoor applications it also employs color dome cameras CAM 082 M10728 and CAM 422 M10729.
Most of the installations use CCTV cable CAMSET 50 M6050 that supplies power to the cameras and transmits video signals. The cameras are usually powered from SMPS Power Supply DRA120-12FPA - M1835.
Installation diagram of a typical home CCTV system
Installations of this type are becoming very popular. The owner of the monitored apartment, after connecting the DVR to the Internet, can any moment view the video from any place, using Internet Explorer or the iVMS4000 network client program, as well as mobile devices (PDA etc.) supported by the iVMS4500 utility. The system effectively protects the property while the family can enjoy their vacation time.
Video data transmission over 3G network - monitoring of a construction site.
Construction sites are often under video surveillance due to a number of reasons, such as: protection of property, documentation of construction progress, work inspection. Because of temporary character of that places, the installations should be "mobile" at any phase of the undertaking, as well as easily portable to another construction site.A major problem in remote locations (forests, mountains etc.) is the lack of broadband Internet access. The solution to this problem is application of IP cameras and wireless local area network. Access to the system via the Internet is provided by the RouterBoard 411U N24114, equipped with USB interface allowing to connect a GSM/3G modem providing cellular connectivity.
The devices recommended for video surveillance of construction sites:
IP video surveillance of a construction site, with access via a cellular network
We have written about:
Use of PVR receiver and RF modulator in antenna installation. Twin tuner PVR receivers require two independent satellite signals. One of the channels received can be made available on other TVs in the house, by means of distribution of RF signal. The signal from the modulator (connected to the AV output of the receiver) is combined with the terrestrial TV signals via 2-way TV/FM splitter R60102.
The installation should employ the R694140 and R694100 outlets...
iVMS4500 - mobile phone surveillance application. The possibility to access a video surveillance system from mobile devices is increasingly becoming a vital requirement of investors.
Hikvision company, in addition to dedicated software for advanced video monitoring systems, provides its customers with iVMS4500 program - a simplified version of iVMS4000...
Use of PVR receiver and RF modulator in antenna installation. Twin tuner PVR receivers require two independent satellite signals. One of the channels received can be made available on other TVs in the house, by means of distribution of RF signal. The signal from the modulator (connected to the AV output of the receiver) is combined with the terrestrial TV signals via 2-way TV/FM splitter R60102.
The installation should employ the R694140 and R694100 outlets...
iVMS4500 - mobile phone surveillance application. The possibility to access a video surveillance system from mobile devices is increasingly becoming a vital requirement of investors.
Hikvision company, in addition to dedicated software for advanced video monitoring systems, provides its customers with iVMS4500 program - a simplified version of iVMS4000...
An application of the iVMS4500 program
A new generation of IR illuminators - Redbeam. Directional infrared illuminators used in CCTV installations are not suitable for cameras with wide-angle lenses. The solution to this problem is the use of wide-angle (circular) ceiling illuminators.
The Redbeam illuminators can be used both in small and large rooms. The intensity of illumination automatically changes to adjust to ambient lighting conditions. In total darkness they provide the full power...
The Redbeam illuminators can be used both in small and large rooms. The intensity of illumination automatically changes to adjust to ambient lighting conditions. In total darkness they provide the full power...
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