No. 10/2018 (March 5, 2018)
Will eye scans enable health assessment?
Researchers from Google have created an artificial intelligence algorithm to assess the risk of a cardiovascular disease on the basis of a retinal scan. The algorithm is based on deep learning and can predict whether the patient is at risk of serious illness over the next 5 years, such as a heart attack or stroke. Tests based on a large set of historical data prove that accuracy of the procedure is 70%, which is comparable with other, invasive assessment methods.
On the left, a scan of the retinal fundus. The darker area is the macula lutea, the bright spot - the optic disc (optic nerve head). Blood vessels are also visible. On the right, an image with analysis points (in green) determined by the algorithm in the form of a thermal map. Problems with the blood system are associated with the shape of the blood vessels, and with other diseases - with the optic disc.
Careful observation of the condition of blood vessels in the vicinity of the retina allows to determine the severity of diseases of various organ systems (e.g. hypertension, diabetes). The deep learning algorithm has independently determined retinal characteristics that can relate to specific diseases. The research does not have to be limited to one disease, the program can, for example, estimate arterial pressure and determine whether the patient is a smoker (with accuracy of 71%). The training base for the algorithm were retinal images of over 280,000 patients from the United States and the United Kingdom with traditionally diagnosed diseases. The learning process is similar to that of gaining experience by doctors. As a general rule, the larger the volume of analyzed data, the "wiser" the neural network becomes.
The program can become a tool supporting the diagnostic process. Without the need for blood tests, checking age, addictions or weight, it is possible to quickly, cheaply and non-invasively recognize specific changes that indicate the possibility of developing serious diseases. The use of deep learning for detecting diseases is a new approach in diagnostics. This method is not only about diagnosing diseases, but also provides data for further analysis. In the future, patients subjected to Google's screening algorithm will then be thoroughly diagnosed in the directions indicated by the program. There is hope for a significant increase in the detection of e.g. precancerous conditions and for the implementation of effective treatment already in the early stages of the diseases.
Automatic backup of recordings.
Remote backup utility developed for Hikvision devices allows for copying recordings from DVRs/NVRs and cameras via LANs to hard drives in computers. The function can be switched on manually or automatically, according to a schedule.Main features of the program:
- on the computer running the program the user has to specify the archive partition; after it becomes full, the program can overwrite the oldest data or stop copying,
- backup of up to 32 channels,
- selection of automatic or manual mode;
- parameters that should be specified in a schedule:
- channels to be copied,
- days of the week and starting hours of copying,
- the maximum time of copying,
- number of days back for which the copying is needed (1-30),
- hourly range of recordings (whole day or a part of it),
- mode of recordings to be copied: all, scheduled, triggered by motion detection, triggered by alarm, started manually;
- adjustable data rate (bandwidth),
- built-in player.
It should be noted that the copy is not made at the time of recording, but the next day. By correlating the normal recording schedule with the backup schedule, the user can extend the data retention time. The newer recordings will be available on the DVR/NVR, whereas the older ones on the computer(s) used for backup.
Streaming high quality Full HD video.
DIPOL is introducing triple HDMI to IP encoder TERRA mhi430 R81607 that encodes input HDMI signals to IP stream. The RJ-45 output can stream three independently configured multimedia streams (H.264 and MPEG-1 Layer II/ AAC encoding) with individual multicast addresses, using UDP/RTP (multicast) or SAP/SDP protocols. The IP streaming can be properly decoded by PC computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones running e.g. free VLC application developed by VideoLAN and distributed under the GPL license. The media player supports many types of files without installing additional codecs.Terra mhi430 R81607 - conversion of signals from 3 HDMI sources to 3 IP streams,
with H.264 coding and with individual multicast addresses
with H.264 coding and with individual multicast addresses
Advantages of the TERRA solution:
- conversion of input signals from 3 HDMI sources (up to 1920x1080-60p format) to three IP SPTS (Single Program Transport Stream),
- H.264 encoding and individual multicast addresses save network resources,
- configuration via RJ-45 port,
- IP streams can be watched on PCs/laptops running free VLC software,
- unique SAP/SDP protocol enables automatic configuration of HD-442 R81612 IPTV receivers,
- distribution of IP signal within LAN network (via twisted-pair cabling),
- easy transmission over long distance via an optical link (with the use of a media converter).
Video monitoring of single-family home, based on H.265/H.265+ Signal IP cameras.
The diagram below shows such a system based on 2 MP Signal IP cameras with H.265 video compression. The indoor HDV-200P K1817 and outdoor HDC-260P K1877 cameras are equipped with 2.8 - 12 mm varifocal lenses allowing for changing their viewing angles within 90° - 26° range. The built-in IR illuminators ensure good visibility even in complete darkness. All the cameras are connected to the system and powered via 8-port PoE switch ULTIPOWER N29982. The video surveillance data streams are recorded by 8-channel IP NVR Hikvision DS-7608NI-K2 K22074 supporting H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 video compression. With the 2 TB M89270 HDD, the NVR can retain data from 7 IP cameras operating in H.265 standard in continuous mode over 12 days, and double the length of the period in the case of H.265+ compression. Thanks to a router, e.g. TP-Link Archer C20 AC900 N3258, the access to the NVR is possible via the LAN or Wi-Fi.
Video monitoring of a home, based on 2-megapixel Signal IP cameras
Economical WiFi router.
Totolink N300RT N3450 wireless router complies with 802.11n standard. The device combines wireless access point, wide-band router (for connection to xDSL service or cable modem) and 4-port FastEthernet switch. The wireless transmission speed can reach 300 Mbps. Two external antennas ensure stable WiFi connectivity and wider coverage for multiple devices that can share internet connection available via WAN port of the router. The N300RT router supports WPA/WPA2 encryption to protect WiFi network against any unauthorized use.Key features:
- Compliant with IEEE 802.11n/g/b standards in 2.4 GHz band,
- Wireless data rates up to 300 Mbps,
- Advanced MIMO technology for increased range and higher data rates,
- Supported functions: DHCP, Static IP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP,
- Wireless security: 64/128 bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption,
- Quick connection with protected network using WPS,
- IP, Port, MAC, URL filtering, port forwarding,
- QoS: bandwidth control based on IP or MAC,
- Multi-SSID function allows the user to create a number of SSIDs, depending on the needs,
- Support for VLAN for IPTV and other web services,
- Universal repeater and WDS functions for easy WiFi extension,
- Support for TR-069 protocol for remote centralized management.
TOTOLINK N300RT WiFi router N3450 (300 Mbps, WAN 10/100 Mbps, 4x LAN 10/100 Mbps
Fiber-optic TV systems.
Designers of low-voltage installations often face the dilemma of choosing the transmission medium for providing TV services to apartments in multi-family buildings. The natural choice is the copper wiring for entire installations. However, the advantages of fiber optic cabling are more and more often recognized and parts of the installations (e.g. core networks, links from roofs to distant technical rooms, etc.) are made in this technology.There are many advantages of fiber-optic technology, not only the low attenuation of optical fibers, translating into possibility of using long transmission links. The most important features of fiber-optic solutions in TV systems include:
- Possibility of transmitting TV signals over long distances without regeneration (it may depend on the network topology and devices used). The signals can be transmitted over distances of hundreds of meters or even tens of kilometers. A large size of a building or a housing development is not a problem for easy implementation of the system, in contrast with traditional RF technology. SMATV systems based on copper cables can be difficult for implementation when the distances between active devices exceed 100 meters. The application of additional RF amplifiers means additional costs, both at the implementation and operation stage.
- Complete immunity to ground loops, surges and spikes – this often overlooked fact may be in many situations the most important one. SMATV systems, due to antennas located on roofs of buildings are particularly vulnerable to surges resulting from lightning. Despite proper grounding of all system components, some of the equipment of traditional SMATV systems can be irreversibly damaged. Notably, overvoltages can destroy not only the SMATV equipment, but in extreme cases also some consumer devices, such as satellite receivers or televisions. In contrast, fiber optic cable is a perfect insulator. This means that all the surges induced in antennas installed on a roof will not cross the optical transmitter - all other components of the system as well as subscribers' devices are fully protected.
The consequences of lightning surges in SMATV systems can be very expensive.
The use of fiber-optic solutions eliminates this problem.
The use of fiber-optic solutions eliminates this problem.
- Space-saving in installation shafts – one fiber-optic cable with diameter 2–3 mm transmits the same signals as a typical 9-cable multiswitch bus consisting of coaxial cables with 7 mm diameter.
- Complete immunity to electromagnetic interference – fiber-optic cables can be without any risk of interference installed together with copper cabling, including AC power lines.
- Lower cost of cabling – the cost of installing fiber-optic cable instead of a bus composed of 9 coaxial cables can be several or even ten times lower. It is both the result of a competitive price of the optical cable compared with a good quality coaxial cable and the reduction of the number of the cables to the single one.

A SMATV system with optical components in a multifamily building
Single-cable dSCR Multiswitch Terra SRM-581 R80581 has eight outputs (four pairs). In dSCR mode, each of the eight Legacy / dSCR +Terr.TV outputs allows for independent operation of up to 16 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs fed via one coaxial cable, or, in the Legacy mode, can be used for connecting a legacy SAT TV receiver, in exactly the same way as an output of a Universal LNB or of a standard (legacy) multiswitch. | ||
DVB-T/T2/C & DVB-S/S2 Meter WS-6980 R10837 measures satellite DVB-S/DVB-S2 (HD), terrestrial DVB-T/DVB-T2 (HD) and cable DVB-C signals. The functions of the meter are clearly presented on color 7" TFT LCD display. The meter is ideal for setup of every TV and SAT TV antenna system. The applications include positioning of satellite dishes and terrestrial antennas, tuning of filters, adjustment of settings of amplifiers. Thanks to built-in receiver, the user can monitor the currently tested channel. | ||
Cat6A RJ45 coupler (socket to socket, shielded) J2209 is designed for connecting two cables terminated with shielded RJ-45 plugs. It is equipped with two 8P8C sockets. | ||
Worth reading
PoC - the equivalent of PoE in HD-TVI video surveillance systems. PoC - Power over Coax - is a new system allowing for transmission of power supply via the video coaxial cable. As the cabling carries power along with the video signals, the installation of the system is considerably simpler - each camera is connected with the system via single coax or a pair from minimum cat. 5e cable. In the latter case, the baluns have to support the PoC function (e.g. DS-1H18 M16641)... >>>more