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No. 16/2015 (April 20, 2015)
Smartphone as a 3D scanner.
American scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have developed a chip capable of scanning 3D objects using a mobile device, and then printing their replicas by 3D printers with an accuracy of microns. Such silicon chip called NCI (Nanophotonic Coherent Imager) with a size of one square millimeter can be cheap and easily fitted into a modern smartphone, offering a very high resolution. Other 3D imaging systems that are already on the market are usually bulky and too expensive for applications in consumer devices.
3D scan of a coin, made by the NCI chip, from a half meter distance
The system works like a miniature version of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which consists in illuminating the test object with coherent laser light and then recording and analyzing the radiation reflected from its surface. Thew NCI chip consists of a 16 pixel array in which each pixel is a separate interferometer.
As the researchers explain, in an ordinary camera each pixel informs only on the intensity of the incident light, without information about the distance of the object from the lens. In the case of the NCI chip, each pixel acts as an independent interferometer that in addition to the intensity detects the phase and frequency of the optical signal.
For now, the technology can be used to scan small objects, but according to the scientists, there are no technological barriers that could stop the development of much larger arrays with thousands of pixels. The small size of the chips and excellent results will allow for quick development of this technology in a short time.
MMH-3000 universal headend - example of application.
The TERRA MMH-3000 headend is the optimal solution dedicated for facilities and institutions requiring central management of the content distributed in the system. No need for additional devices (satellite receivers or other STBs) makes it particularly attractive for hotels, motels, hospitals etc. The modular design of the TERRA MMH-3000 headend allows for a wide range of input and output signals. The output signals may include analog PAL channels suitable for older televisions, DVB-T multiplexes, or the both types of signals simultaneously.
TERRA headend configured for two satellite positions.
It distributes all channels in DVB-T standard,
including satellite FTA and pay TV channels in SD/HD quality.
It distributes all channels in DVB-T standard,
including satellite FTA and pay TV channels in SD/HD quality.
The implementation of the headend for a hotel, shown in the diagram above, is a good example to illustrate the principles how to select appropriate elements for this kind of applications.
- TDX-311 R81711 - DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) FTA receiver / DVB-T COFDM modulator receives and converts free to air satellite channels selected from a whole transponder into a DVB-T multiplex. The maximum bitrate at the output is 31.66 Mbps, which translates into 7-8 SD channels or 2 HD channels in the multiplex.
- TDX-311 R81711C - DVB-S/S2 (8PSK/QPSK) receiver / DVB-T COFDM modulator receives encrypted (after installing suitable CI module) or FTA channels selected from a whole transponder and converts them into a DVB-T multiplex.
PoE switches - easier installation of network devices.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the name of a number of methods that allow for powering network devices through UTP/FTP cables. This way it is possible to power devices such as cameras, phones, switches, access points, etc. In 2003, the IEEE established 802.3af PoE standard, upgraded to 802.3at in 2009. 802.3at distinguishes between the first type (prior 802.3af) and the second type with maximum transmitted power of 30 W, nearly two times higher. The second type is suitable to power cameras with high-power IR illuminators, IP telephones, small network printers etc.DIPOL offers PoE switches capable of powering network devices compliant with 802.3af or 802.3at standards.
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ULTIPOWER is a brand of high quality equipment for implementing Ethernet networks and supplying power to compatible PoE devices. All devices of this brand are characterized by high performance combined with excellent reliability.
- installation of the box in a rack cabinet
- installation of the tray for splices
- mounting brackets for the spare fibers
- installation of adapters
- arranging the fibers coming from the optical line
- arranging pigtails
- fusion splicing
- protecting and arranging the splices in the dedicated holders
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Intruder alarm system and lighting control based on ROPAM NeoGSM-PS panel.
The NeoGSM-PS G7000 is a modern intruder alarm control panel that can combine the functionality of alarm system and simple home automation. It is the ideal solution for residential buildings and small commercial facilities. Compared to other systems of this category, the NeoGSM-PS control panel has a large amount of resources and functions, such as digital and analog inputs (up to 20), digital outputs (up to 14), two-way audio communication, GSM/GPRS communication, temperature measurement and recording, logical functions I/O and O/O. They allow e.g. for control of lighting, heating, lowering and raising the blinds, releasing electric door strikes. The configuration of the NeoGSM-PS control panel can be performed with the use of Partner GSM application. The LogicProcessor menu of the app, the heart of the building automation control logic, is separated from the basic functions of the control panel. It allows the installer who has experience only in the installation of alarm systems easily cope with the configuration of the system without the need for the knowledge of the control logic.The diagram below shows a house security system based on the NeoGSM-PS G7000 panel and the necessary components: G6112 box, M1882 rechargeable battery, G7050 input expander, G7120 antenna. The interior of the house is protected by 6 motion sensors and 8 magnetic reed switches, which detect any attempt of intrusion into the protected areas. Thanks to built-in GSM communicator the information about any burglary alarm can be immediately sent to the owner or monitoring center. In addition, the free resources of the system are used for control of lights along the approach lane to the house.
The layout of the elements of a house security system with lighting control,
based on the NeoGSM-PS G7000 panel
based on the NeoGSM-PS G7000 panel
The lights can be controlled by pressing the call button of an intercom panel, the signal of which is supplied to one of the inputs of the control panel. The signal is processed by the panel according to the programmed logic, e.g. the logical product of the state of the input and one of the four 24h timers. As the result, the pressing of the button in the evening or night switches on the lights along the approach lane to the house (the output signal from the control panel is connected to the actuator - relay module ROPAM RM85-12V-1P G7055). Other options include the possibility of periodical switching on and off lights in order to simulate the presence of residents. The electric door strike connected to a relay output of the control panel or touch panel can be released both directly from the touch panel or remotely from a smartphone running RopamDroid app available at Google Play.
Lenses for high-resolution cameras.
To ensure the suitable quality of the image from a camera, the lens should be chosen appropriately for the resolution of the camera. The use of a lens with a lower resolution than the resolution of the image sensor results in a decrease of detail clarity in the image.
Each lens has a limited optical resolution, usually expressed in number of line pairs per mm (lp/mm) or directly in pixels. For analog cameras with 1/3" image sensors, the sufficient resolution is 80 lp/mm. The value is calculated by dividing the resolution of the sensor used in such a camera (typically 576 lines) by the actual dimension of the image expressed in mm (3.6 mm in the case of 1/3'' sensor) and dividing the result by 2 (to get the number of line pairs per one millimeter).
High-resolution (megapixel) cameras require lenses with a higher quality. For example, an IP camera with 1/3" 2-megapixel sensor should be equipped with a lens having minimum resolution of 150 lp/mm (1080/3.6/2 = 150 lp/mm), which is nearly twice as high compared with conventional lenses for analog cameras.
In the case of the smaller 1/4" image sensors, also used in many cameras, the pixels are packed tighter. It usually results in lower sensitivity and greater demands for the quality of the optics. For example, an analog camera with 1/4" sensor will require to use a lens with a resolution of 576/2.4/2 = 120 lp/mm, and a 2-megapixel IP camera - with a resolution of 1080/2.4/2 = 225 lp/mm.
In the case of the smaller 1/4" image sensors, also used in many cameras, the pixels are packed tighter. It usually results in lower sensitivity and greater demands for the quality of the optics. For example, an analog camera with 1/4" sensor will require to use a lens with a resolution of 576/2.4/2 = 120 lp/mm, and a 2-megapixel IP camera - with a resolution of 1080/2.4/2 = 225 lp/mm.
ClearHD M2284 lens for cameras with resolution up to 5 MP
 | IP NVR Sunell SN-NVR10/01E4/004NSEP/WE K2505 is a modern IP network video recorder capable of monitoring, recording and playing back images from 4 IP cameras at frame rates up to 25 fps from each camera, with 18 Mbps limit on the total recording bandwidth. This standalone NVR with VGA and HDMI outputs can be directly connected to a monitor, without a need for an additional computer. Thanks to embedded Linux OS, the NVR ensures stable operation and resistance to computer viruses. The NVR is equipped with 4-port PoE switch enabling connection of 4 Sunell cameras which are also powered from it. | |
 | Compression RCA Plug M RCA-59 MASTER E80440 is specially prepared for CAMSET/RG-59 cables. The high precision ensures superior quality and professional look. The compression method of installation is very simple and guarantees good and stable connection for a long time. | |
 | UTP Patch Cable Cat.6 (3m, blue) J21131 is a Cat.6 patch cable with RJ45 connectors (8P8C modular plugs) used for connecting computers and other devices to Ethernet networks (LANs). | |
Worth reading
Splitting DVB-C signal. Digital cable subscribers are often faced with the problem of bringing the signal to the second room. In the best case (when the signal is not encrypted), it is enough to use a splitter and an additional DVB-C set-top box (unless the second TV has DVB-C tuner). However, in most cases the signal is encrypted and it is necessary to pay for second subscription or at least for multi-room service... more
Three options of distributing a DVB-C channel to additional television(s)
