English
Polski
Česky
Deutsch
Irish
Magyar
Português
Română
Slovenský
No. 19/2016 (May 9, 2016)
Drive me London - Volvo on the road to full safety.
In 2017 Volvo plans to launch a pilot program Drive me London, going to continue this experiment in 2018 with up to 100 autonomously driven cars. The program is the next step to ensure the maximum safety for drivers and passengers of Volvo cars - to fulfill the "commitment that no one will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020".Independent research studies estimate that the development of autonomous vehicle technology could reduce accidents by up to 30%. Another important argument in favor of autonomous vehicles is that currently about 90% of all car accidents are caused by driver errors. Volvo plans to implement the technology in order to overcome the problems caused by the lack of concentration of the driver.
As part of the tests, the Swedish manufacturer will work with UK's Thatcham Research center, responsible for the analysis of the collected data. Interestingly, the tests will take place on the basis of daily use of the cars by a group of randomly selected residents of London. A similar program of testing autonomous cars will be started in Sweden and China.
Four cameras monitor the space around the car
(source: volvocars.com)
(source: volvocars.com)
IntelliSafe is a Volvo concept targeted for the safe operation of the vehicle and involving certain systems that actively or passively support the driver in various driving situations. Here are examples of functions that are elements of the concept:
- Pilot Assist - helps the driver to drive the car within the road lane while at the same time maintaining a preselected time interval to the vehicle ahead,
- Blind Spot Information - alerts the driver to traffic around the vehicle in order to allow for a safe change of the lane,
- Cross Traffic Alert - alerts the driver backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides,
- Park Assist Pilot - helps the driver to park by first checking whether a space is sufficiently large and then turning the steering wheel and steering the car into the space,
- Road Sign Information - helps the driver to remember which road signs the car has passed,
- Electronic Stability Control - helps the driver to avoid skidding and improves the car's traction,
- Adaptive Cruise Control - automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and helps maintain a constant speed,
- Rear Collision Warning - can help the driver avoid rear-end collisions (warning the driver of a vehicle approaching from behind by rapidly flashing the rear turn signals),
- Driver Alert Control - attracts the driver's attention when he/she starts to drive less consistently, e.g. if he/she becomes distracted or starts to fall asleep,
- Roll Stability Control - minimizes the risk of overturning, for example during sudden evasive maneuvers or if the car skids.
Configuration of video outputs in Hikvision DVRs/NVRs.
The devices usually have several video outputs suitable for monitors with different kinds of inputs, which can also be used for multi-monitor operation. Typically, these are three types of video outputs: HDMI, VGA and BNC. Depending on the model of Hikvision DVR/NVR and its firmware version, the menu may appear at different outputs.
The configuration of the menu displaying options is only possible via local access to the DVR/NVR. In most cases, the HDMI and VGA outputs simultaneously provide the same output signal by default. This means that the menu can be displayed on both of them, provided that they are connected to monitors at the moment the DVR/NVR is being switched on. Otherwise, the menu is available at BNC output (if exists). The outputs can also be configured as "asynchronous" i.e. the menu appears at one output only, in the HDMI >> VGA >> BNC selection sequence.
Remote control of electrical appliances via OneLinkPLC.
OneLinkPLC G7184 is an autonomous pair of switches used for control of two different electrical outlets without the need for an additional hub, control panel, or cable. The communication between the switches takes place directly via the 230 VAC power network. Each device has 5 wires for the connection to the AC power network and the local control switch.Wire colors and functions:
- blue (N mark on the PCB) - for connection with the neutral wire of the 230 VAC power network,
- brown (L mark on the PCB) - for connection with the live wire of the 230 VAC power network,
- red (IN (L/N) mark on the PCB) - for connection to local switch (to live wire),
- black (NO mark on the PCB) - each of the contacts of the built-in relay.
An example of the control of electrical outlet and lamp using the pair of autonomous OneLinkPLC devices. The S1 switch connected to the "first" device controls the lamp connected to the "second" device, and the S2 switch connected to the "second" device controls the power outlet connected with the "first" device. The distance between the devices can be up to 1 km.
The output of the "second" OneLinkPLC device automatically adopts the state of the "first" device and vice versa. If the IN (L/N) input of one device is connected by the local switch to the AC line, the contacts of the relay of the second device will be closed, providing power to any electrical appliance. The devices operate in monostable mode - the relay contacts of them will be closed as long as the control input of any of them is connected by the local switch to the line (live wire). The communication within the same phase is possible over distances up to 1 km. To enable communication when the devices are connected to different phases, one should employ additional device - PLC-Coupler-D2M.
OpenLinkPLC system is a perfect solution for remote switching on/off of electrical devices in every situation where it is difficult or not economical to use additional cables and wireless means do not guarantee the required reliability (obstacles, interferences).
An example of the application of the OpenLinkPLC system can be switching on/off some electrical appliances in a utility/farm building powered by AC line from the main/residential building over a distance, say, 200 meters. So far, the owner had to go to and fro every time he wanted to switch the power on or off. After installing the OneLinkPLC G7184 pair(s), he can do it remotely.
- increased work efficiency of the heat oven for protecting splices by heat-shrinkable sleeves; 40 mm sleeves are ready within 30-40 seconds,
- the optimization of the heat oven operation has increased the number of splices on one battery charge to 50-60,
- auto calibration - after putting a fiber in the splice area the calibration process is started automatically just after closing the flap,
- auto-splice function - after putting fiber ends in the splice area the splicing procedure runs automatically after closing the flap,
- possibility of obtaining better results - splices of single-mode fibers with attenuation of 0.02 dB.
Welding of optical fibers with EasySplicer L5810 - instructional video
Fiber-optic SMATV solution from TERRA.
Fiber-optic multiswitch systems can receive DVB-T, DAB, FM and SAT signals and distribute them via optical fibers. Fiber-optic SMATV systems provide much more flexibility compared to those based only on coaxial cables. In addition to the greater freedom in implementing long transmission lines, the installation of the systems is also easier thanks to replacing multiple coaxial cables (5 or 9) by a single fiber-optic cable. It means that the deployments of the shared antenna systems are easier for implementation, especially in existing buildings equipped with narrow shafts or even without such conduits. Along with low attenuation, fiber-optic technology eliminates any RF interference problems. The use of TERRA components in the main part of the fiber-optic multiswitch system creates a universal solution that does not eliminate the possibility of employing any other types of end-of-line multiswitches from different manufacturers.The key components of the system:
Optical transmitter OT501W A9872 working with a classic QUATRO LNB and terrestrial antenna set
 |  |
The possibility of connecting a traditional QUATRO LNB to the TERRA OT501W A9872 optical transmitter is one of the most important advantages for installers. This means that the dish and LNB can be setup with the use of a traditional SAT TV meter. Competing systems use LNBs with optical output or with N-type output with 50 ohm impedance. In both cases, the installers use in practice a standard single LNB to adjust the dish, then change it to the dedicated one. Apart from the increased workload, such a change always involves the risk of moving the dish or the LNB position. The application of a QUATRO LNB may also be beneficial in the case of a system failure. In this situation, the installer has the ability to verify the problem already by the dish. In other systems, the signals can be measured with a standard satellite meter a lot further, at the output the optical receiver, so the problem cannot be easily localized. To test signal coming out from such special LNBs with optical or 50 ohm outputs, the installer would have to use also some special, expensive equipment.
HDMI via AC power outlet.
Signal HDMI Extender H3611 allows the user to send a high-definition HDMI signal (from sat receiver, computer, multimedia player, Blu-ray player, etc.) to HD-enabled television or monitor via the existing AC power network in the home, office etc.The maximum transmission distance is 300 meters (the sender and receiver must be connected to the same AC line (phase)). Additionally, the set allows for sending IR commands to the distant source device from the location of the receiver. The sender has a loopthrough HDMI output for a local monitor.
Signal HDMI extender H3611 - application diagram
 | Pole Bracket T1500-ES-AL E8571 is made of aluminum alloy. It can be mounted to a pole with two 20-millimeter-wide steel tapes or with one screw. | |
 | Drop Wire Clamp ODWAT-22 E8574 made of stainless steel is dedicated for flat cables with maximum transverse dimensions 10 mm x 4 mm. | |
 | Self-supporting Universal Cable ULTIMODE FC.E-8SM (8xG.657A2) L72008 is a universal fiber optic cable in LSOH jacket, so it can be used outdoors and indoors. Strengthened with aramid fibers, the cable can withstand the load of 800 N at a span of 150 m. Thanks to this feature, the cable is ideal for suspended lines, e.g. for connecting security cameras and access points placed on poles. The cable is composed of eight single-mode G.657A2 fibers (diameter of 250 μm, minimum bending radius of 7.5 mm). | |
Worth reading
Sunell IP cameras - the use of alarm output triggered by motion detection. Sunell IP cameras with alarm outputs can be configured so that the output is triggered by motion detection in the monitored area. This function can be used e.g. for lighting control, switching on optical or acoustic signaling, or sending information about the event to any system. To use this functionality, the user needs to log in to the camera via a web browser to configure it... >>>more
Control of lighting with the use of alarm output of Sunell IP camera, triggered by motion detection
Net9 - new series of TERRA multiswitches
