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No. 12/2018 (March 19, 2018)
To see the invisible.
A team of researchers from Stanford University has developed a new laser imaging system that, along with an effective algorithm, can generate images of objects hidden "around the corner". Regardless of whether it would be a child running out of an obstacle or a damaged car standing behind a bend, the possible consequences of a collision with a moving car could have been very severe. The scientists say that cars of the future could predict such dangers. According to Ph.D. Matthew O’Toole, co-author of the study from Stanford University, they have found ways to get around situations where an obstacle is blocking the direct view of an object, so that have been able to invalidate the notion that it is impossible to image objects that aren’t directly visible to the camera. "It is almost like magic", but the idea of non-line-of-sight imaging turned out to be possible. A significant challenge was to find an efficient way to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the hidden objects. Researchers focused on using laser technology similar to that for autonomous vehicles (LIDAR systems), however in non-line-of-sight scenarios.
In the experiment described in "Nature", the scientists set up a source of laser radiation next to a very sensitive photon detector, which was able to register even single photons of the reflected light. After reflection from the wall, the very short pulses of light invisible to the human eye were scattered and the light illuminated the object behind a barrier. After different numbers of reflections from the object and the wall, some photons were returning to the detector. However, the number of the photons was so small that it was very difficult to recreate the three-dimensional structure of the object. The key task was to develop an algorithm and software capable to solve the problem in an efficient and fast way. In the experiment, the scanning lasted from two minutes to an hour, depending on the lighting conditions and the reflectance of the surface of the "discovered" object. The data processing algorithm had been refined to such an extent that the reconstruction of the image of each object took only a few seconds. An interesting fact was that such computations could be done on a typical laptop.
Playback of recordings from HDD(s) of a DVR/NVR directly on a PC.
The Local Playback app, a component of the free application suite for the users of Hikvision DVRs/NVRs, allows for playing back recordings from HDDs taken out of the devices directly on PCs running Widows systems. In order to play the recordings on a PC, the user should connect the HHD e.g. by inserting it into a HDD bay of the PC. The Local Playback app identifies such HDD and can read its content without any additional drivers or plugins, in an orderly fashion - the files are presented on a timeline.The program allows playback from up to 16 channels/cameras in two modes, synchronous and asynchronous. The recordings can be searched by date and time and filtered in terms of the type of recording, activation of an alarm input or VCA results. It is also possible to export any recordings to the HDD of the computer.
A screenshot from the Local Playback app
Wide Band SMATV systems - two satellites via four cables.
Multiswitch systems with quatro LNBs receiving signals from two satellites (e.g. HotBird 13.0E and Astra 19.2E) have to use 8 coaxial cables (RG-6). A Wide Band LNB (e.g. A98222) has two outputs (H and V polarizations) and the distribution of signals from two satellites requires only four coaxial cables between the LNBs and the suitable multiswitch, reducing by half the number of the cables. With single local oscillators operating at 10.41 GHz, such LNBs provide much wider intermediate frequency band (290...2340 MHz) than conventional (legacy) LNBs.The Wide-band LNB A98222 cooperates with Terra SRM-581 R80581 dSCR multiswitch that has 5 inputs. Two pairs of SAT IF inputs (V1, H1, V2, H2, 290...2340 MHz) should be connected to two Wide-band LNBs A98222, the fifth input (of active terrestrial path) is intended for DVB-T, DAB(+) and FM radio signals. The AGC system ensures stable 84 dBμV output level, and the die-cast housing provides high screening efficiency (class A). In dSCR mode, each of the eight Legacy / dSCR +Terr.TV outputs allows for independent operation of up to 16 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs (EN50607) fed via one coaxial cable, or, in the Legacy mode, can be connected to a legacy SAT TV receiver, in exactly the same way as an output of a Universal LNB or of a standard (legacy) multiswitch.
The SRM-581 R80581 multiswitch has been equipped with efficient AGC system stabilizing the output level at 84 dBμV. This means that the installer does not have to worry about signal level adjustments of the multiswitch - it is sufficient to provide input signals at levels within the required ranges.
An example of SMATV system distributing satellite channels in dSCR/Unicable technology, along with amplified terrestrial broadcasts. In dSCR mode, each of the eight Legacy / dSCR +Terr.TV outputs allows for independent operation of up to 16 SAT dSCR receivers/STBs (EN50607) fed via one coaxial cable. Each satellite receiver in the installation has an assigned User Band (UB) with bandwidth approximately the same as a satellite transponder. The receiver determines which input frequency from the Ku band is selected and converted to the UB. The selection is performed with DiSEqC command from the receiver (from among up to 8 signals that can be delivered by one cable - EN50494, or from among up to 32 signals - EN50607.
DIPOL at Automaticon fair.
We would like to invite everybody to see our Singing Robot at the International Fair for Industrial Automation Automaticon 2018 taking place from March 20th to 23rd in WARSAW EXPOCENTRE XXI. In addition to the Robot, we will present new solutions for telecommunication, low voltage, RF and optical systems used in video surveillance and distribution of TV and audio-video signals, as well as equipment and techniques for splicing and installing fiber optic systems. The entrance for visitors is free.
Corridor mode in Hikvision cameras.
Hikvision cameras have "Rotate Mode" which is particularly useful for observing areas such as corridors or hallways, characterized by a large disparity in size between the depth (visible by a camera as the height) and width of the scene. In this mode, one camera is capable of capturing a "deep" or "vertically-shaped" scene from a comparatively short distance, cutting out the inessential information from the both sides in the immediate vicinity of the camera. For this mode it is necessary to turn the camera by 90° with respect to the normal position, which changes the aspect ratio of the image from e.g. 16:9 to 9:16. |  |
An image from a Hikvision camera in the normal position | An image from the camera after turning it by 90° and activating "Rotate Mode" |
Easy remote control for homes.
F&Wave is a family of devices managed wirelessly over distances up to 100 m, for control of various electrical appliances. The receivers/actuators have versions suited for installation on DIN rails (1S modules) or for placing in Ø60 round recessed boxes. They can be controlled via additional local buttons, or remotely, with handheld or fixed remote control units. A unique feature of the system is the retransmission of the control signals through the modules, which improves reliability and extends the range of operation.
Applications of F&Wave system
Components of the F&Wave system:
- A - LED strip controllers
- LED strips are controlled with dedicated controllers, managed by local buttons connected directly to a controller, or, more conveniently, by handheld remote controls. The strips can be switched on/off and dimmed. There are two versions of 2-channel LED controllers:
- B - roller blind controllers
- Roller blinds are controlled (raised/lowered/stopped at a specific level) with dedicated controllers, managed by local buttons connected directly to a controller, or, more conveniently, by handheld remote controls. There are two versions of the controllers (230 VAC):
- C - ON/OFF control of electrical appliances
- This type of devices can be controlled with relay modules. The dedicated relay modules are composed of one or two relays. The switch ON/OFF function can be performed locally (with additional keys connected to a module) or wirelessly, by a handheld remote control. The available relay modules:
- D - control of dimmable light sources
- The control of dimmable light sources is carried out by dedicated dimmers. A light source can be switched ON/OFF and dimmed/lightened to a desirable level either locally (with additional keys connected to the dimmer module) or remotely ( with a handheld remote control). The available dimmers:
- E - 5-button transmitter (to be placed in a Ø60 flush-mounted box)
- The transmitter controls paired modules.
- FW-RC5 F3105
- F - handheld remote controls
- Handheld remote controls allow users to control paired components of F&Wave systems. The available units:
Colors of fiber-optic connectors and adapters - are they important?
In the case of single-mode connections, any type of the connector can be made either with PC ferrule (Physical Contact) or APC ferrule (Angled Physical Contact, 8° angled end-face). The use of a specific version depends on the requirements for an application, kind of equipment etc., and is mostly connected with the desired reflectance loss (APC connectors feature the lowest optical back reflection). As a standard, the body of a PC connector is blue, and of an APC connector is green.The same applies to adapters. Despite the fact that the other version of a connector in the different color would physically "fit" into an adapter, the mixing of them is unacceptable. The different colors make it easier to avoid such situations.
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An SC/PC adapter has a blue body | An SC/APC adapter has a green body |
So, the color of an adapter informs the installer about the required version of the connector (patch cord) to be inserted into. The visible parts of the adapters mounted in optical boxes, distribution frames etc. help the installer to eliminate mistakes during installation work.
The adapters and pigtails in the fiber optic box are green, so it is obvious that these are SC/APC connectors
 | IP to 4x DVB-C Transmodulator TERRA miq-440 (100/1000Mbps, USB port) R81631 converts IP stream (TSoIP) provided in UDP/RTP protocols (unicast/multicast SPTS and MPTS transmissions) and RTSP stream (from IP cameras) to DVB-C QAM standard. One miq-440 R81631 panel receives IP stream with bit rate up to 200 Mbps and creates 4 freely configurable neighboring DVB-C multiplexes, each with maximum bit rate up to 53 Mbps. In practice, each of the four multiplexes can carry 8 SD channels or 4-5 HD channels. | |
 | DVB-T/T2/C & DVB-S/S2 Meter WS-6980 (built-in receiver) 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. | |
 | Optical Node TERRA OD-007 (FTTH receiver) R81764 is a component of TV antenna systems involving fiber optic technology. Due to small size, modern design and suitable parameters, the OD-007 R81764 device is ideal receiver for FTTH systems providing satellite and terrestrial TV and radio channels via optical links. The SAT TV, DVB-T and DAB/FM radio signals provided via optical fiber are converted by the device into RF form distributed in the building (one-family home, apartment, office) via coaxial cabling. | |
Worth reading
Strengthening cell phone signals. Mobile phone conversations in buildings are often difficult to carry on, if not impossible. This is due to the signal attenuation through walls, window panes, ceilings (underground). The problems occur in stores, tunnels, underground car parks, petrol stations, airport halls, hotels. A similar situation can be found in buildings located on the border range of base stations (recreational areas, mountains etc)... >>>more
Example of installation improving GSM coverage in a house
Faster with LTE antenna!
