No. 24/2015 (June 15, 2015)
Take a picture of your dinner - Google will count the calories.
A team of researchers from Google is working on a new application called Im2Calories. Using advanced algorithms for image analysis, the application should recognize most of the food products visible in the photo taken. The work on the project was announced by Google during the Rework Deep Learning Summit in Boston. Im2Calories is an application that allows the user to take a photo of a plate of food with the help of their mobile device, and then estimate how many calories it contains. The software will identify the individual components visible on the plate along with their quantity. Interestingly, the application should be advanced enough to recognize products that have been previously processed (cooked potatoes, scrambled eggs, fried eggs etc.). In the case of a mistake, the user will be able to make corrections on the list of identified products. The product once revised, will be added to the Google database expanding this way very rapidly.
The Im2Calories project is a newly patented artificial intelligence system capable of recognizing products visible in pictures. According to Google, the application will not be very demanding when it comes to quality of the images delivered for analysis. It is estimated that if at the beginning only 30% of the readings are correct, the users attracted by the project will help to expand the database very quickly.
Having recognized the products, the system will assign the corresponding descriptions. Given the descriptions with the names of food products, another algorithm will check tables with their caloric values, and in conjunction with the estimated quantity of the ingredients will finally provide the total caloric value.
Multi-input TV/DAB/FM amplifiers with LTE 4G protection.
The main task of the multi-input broadband RF amplifiers is to amplify a range of terrestrial signals to levels suitable for distribution in passive RF networks. TERRA company, a European manufacturer of equipment for TV/SAT/CATV antenna systems and RF distribution networks, has launched a new series of such amplifiers, equipped with LTE rejection filters.The LTE filters eliminate the risk of overdriving UHF paths of the amplifiers by strong signals of LTE towers operating in the 800 MHz LTE band
The MA080L R82022, MA081L R82023, MA082L R82024 series of amplifiers is dedicated for use in individual antenna installations and in small shared antenna systems with up to 20-30 outlets. Each band has a separate input, and the gain of the paths can be independently adjusted. The die-cast housing (inside the plastic case) provides high screening efficiency by preventing the penetration of interfering signals into the device. The amplifiers also feature low noise levels.
Before ordering a model from the family, the important issue is the number of antennas that are to be connected, also taking into account possible future needs. Additional input for future use is surely a better choice than the application of combiners that always cause a signal loss.
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Name | MA080 | MA082 | MA081 | |
Code | R82022 | R82024 | R82023 | |
Operating bands | FM, VHFIII, UHF | |||
Gain [dB] | FM (88-108 MHz) | 20 | 20 | 20 |
VHFIII (174-230 MHz) | 20 | |||
UHF (470-790 MHz) | 30 | 2x30 | ||
Number of inputs | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
Number of outputs | 1 | |||
Noise figure [dB] | VHF 5 dB; UHF 3 dB | |||
Max. p. wyj. IMD3=60 dB (DIN45004B)[dBuV] | 108 | |||
Interstage gain adjustment [dB] | VHF 0 ... -12; UHF 0 ... -15 | |||
Return loss [dB] | > 10 | |||
Power consumption [V x mA] | 12 x 60 | |||
Operating temperature range [°C] | -20...+50 | |||
Dimensions / Weight [mm / kg] | 89x107x43 / 0.18 |
Comparison of the new multi-input TERRA amplifiers
The range of RACK cabinets and accessories has grown again!
DIPOL has introduced 15U hanging RACK cabinet R9120222. The wall-mount cabinet of this size is ideal for terminating structural cabling in small rooms. The cabinet is also suitable for mounting all sorts of devices in standard 19" rack housings, as well as some devices not compliant with this standard. The examples are NVRs, PoE switches (e.g. N29987), patch panels.Key features of the cabinet:
- Height: 15U,
- Depth: 600 mm,
- Width: 600 mm,
- Carrying capacity: 60 kg,
- Self-assembling time (one person): ca. 10 min,
- Holes for cables: in the rear (from top and bottom),
- Ventilation openings: in side panels and in doors.
The cabinet has four rails with adjustable depth. Their spacing is determined by the size of the mounted devices. | The front door is equipped with a lockable handle |
View of the SIGNAL R9120222 15U 600mm 19" rack cabinet
Optical attenuators - application tips.
Optical attenuators are passive elements of optical paths having the task to reduce signal levels to values acceptable for receivers. They are not used in systems with multimode fibers where the signal levels are comparatively low. The attenuators are necessary in the case of short links based on single-mode fibers and equipment.To determine whether in a particular case one should use attenuators, it is necessary to check the optical power budget. The information needed for this purpose includes the output power of the transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver, as well as the attenuation of the optical path between them. This way, the expected values of attenuation can be determined in advance, on the designing stage. The principles and sample calculations in this field are presented in the article Optical power budget in a fiber-optic communication link. However, the actual attenuation of any optical path should be measured after completion of the installation, using a stable light source and a professional optical power meter.

Attenuators should always be installed at the receivers' inputs. The first reason is convenience - it is better to measure the actual signal level at the input of the receiver and adjust the attenuation to the desired level. The second reason is the fact that each attenuator reflects some part of the incoming signal. This part will be additionally attenuated by the link, before returning to the transmitter.
IP address filtering in Hikvision cameras.
Hikvision cameras have IP address filtering function that can improve the security of IP CCTV systems by blocking access to them by unauthorized people. access to the camera unauthorized persons. The filtering is based on the list of "Allowed" or "Forbidden" IP addresses created by the administrator. Steps needed for activation of the function:- log on to the camera via an Internet browser (default logging data: user name: admin, password:12345)
- enter the Configuration->Advanced Configuration->Security->IP Address Filter submenu
- select IP Address Filter Type (Allowed or Forbidden)
- enter the list of IP addresses
- tick the Enable IP Address Filter checkbox
View of the "IP Address Filter" window in the K1764 Hikvision IP camera
Universal CCTV service monitor.
For installation, startup and maintenance of CCTV systems one needs diagnostic tools that facilitate and accelerate the work and often are indispensable in the case of any problems. The multifunction CCTV tester CSIP-16 M3116 provides a full range of functions that can be needed in the field.Multifunction CCTV tester CSIP-16 M3116
Main functions of the tester:
- monitoring and testing IP CCTV cameras supporting ONVIF standard (7" screen)
- support for analog (CVBS) cameras
- video signal level meter
- RS-232, RS-485 ports; support for Pelco-D, Pelco-P protocols (PTZ cameras)
- digital multimeter: voltage, current, resistance, continuity test, diode test, electrical capacity
- optical power measurement in fiber optic networks
- TDR reflectometer: detection and localization of the interruption or short-circuit in the cable (coaxial or UTP)
- 5/12/48 VDC power source
- PoE testing
Remotely Controlled Switch ROPAM IO-IQPLC G7180 has been designed for use in home/building automation systems based on OptimaGSM alarm control panels. The IO-IQPLC switches are very small and can be mounted in electrical boxes, under AC outlets. The local control can be performed by a push-button or one-pole switch, and the remote control is executed by LogicProcessor of the OptimaGSM control panel, via the existing electrical wiring. Such a solution allows for easy introduction of intelligent home/building functions. | ||
Keystone Patch Panel with 24 ports R9120320 is a concentrator of structural cabling, to be mounted in a 19" RACK cabinet. | ||
Keystone Module RJ-45 UTP Cat.6 J2307 is designed for installation of unshielded subscriber outlets and crossover points in systems compliant with the ANSI/TIA/EIA 568 Cat.5e, ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173 Class E standards. This universal module can be easily mounted in patch panels and wall or floor boxes and plates. A special design ensures minimum length of the untwisted wires and the ease of installation. | ||
New Library titles
Some ONVIF issues. The development of IP CCTV systems was heavily hampered by the lack of compatibility of devices and low degree of flexibility in terms of future expansion. The users were not able to choose products from different manufacturers, not to mention the integration with other systems. After years of chaotic development, in which the manufacturers were introducing their own standards for recording and transmitting video in IP CCTV systems, in spring of 2008 Axis, Bosch and Sony companies took the initiative called Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF), aimed at coordinating efforts for common standards in this field. By standardizing the digital interfaces of the IP CCTV devices and unifying compression and transmission of video and audio streams, configuration and control procedures, event handling, PTZ control, alarm inputs and outputs etc., the user is given an easy to manage and uniform platform. ONVIF currently brings together over 500 companies that offer more than 3200 products compliant with the standard... >>>more
Worth reading
How to dim the bulb without getting out of bed? The most frequent use of Exta free modules is remote lighting control. In the diagram below, the RDP-01 F5301 wireless dimmer is controlled by the F5112 2-channel remote control. The set allows for switching on/off and dimming/brightening the main light source in the room. Such functionality is particularly useful for the elderly or disabled people, who find it difficult to move around the room... >>>more
Remote control of lighting with exta free system.
The unwell person can switch on/off and dim the lighting in the room.
The unwell person can switch on/off and dim the lighting in the room.