DIPOL Weekly Review – TV and SAT TV, CCTV, WLAN

Scientists have developed a new system for robot movement.

Scientists at the AI lab at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have designed a new control system that allows four-legged robots to navigate rough terrain covered with crevice obstacles. They demonstrated it on a powerful and agile robot, a mini cheetah, built by their collaborators at the Biomimetic Robotics LAB. Unlike other methods of controlling four-legged robots, the new system does not require prior mapping of the terrain, allowing the robot to move instantly to any location. In the future, this could allow robots to move into the forest on a rescue mission or climb stairs to deliver medicine to the elderly. The novel control system is divided into two parts. First processes real-time input from a video camera mounted on the front of the robot, while the other translates that information into instructions on how the robot should move its body. A new feature of the system is the adaptation of the robot's moving. For example, if a human wanted to jump over a large gap, they could start by accelerating to gain speed and make a powerful leap. Likewise, the robot could adjust the duration of foot contact with the ground to better traverse terrain obstacles. The way these two separate parts (controllers) work together makes this system particularly innovative.

There are already robots in the world that are able to go through various types of obstacles. However, this is not the result of algorithms learned by artificial intelligence, but the use of terrain maps previously created and loaded into the robot's memory. This process is slow and sure to fail if the terrain elevation map is not accurate.

The new system combines the best of the "blind" systems and those that use cameras. The researchers simulated a robot running through hundreds of different terrains covered with crevasses. Over time, the algorithm had learned which actions were successful. For example, when the robot approaches an obstacle it can calculate the best way to move based on learned behavior, using visual information as a guide. Although the researchers were able to demonstrate in the lab that their control system works, they noted that they still have a long way to go before implementing it in the real world. In the future, they plan to increase the robot's computing power and improve its ability to navigate in different lighting conditions.

Operation of CCTV cameras by the monitor of Hikvision IP video intercom system.

A camera built into the video intercom is usually unable to be aimed at the desired point, and its field of vision may be obscured by the caller. A solution to this may be the use of cameras from the existing surveillance system and adding them to the video intercom monitor. Integration is possible through:

Up to 16 IP cameras can be added to the monitor. It can decode images from cameras with a maximum resolution of 720p with H.264 compression set. It does not mean, however, that the monitor cannot be equipped with cameras of higher resolution. For example, if an 8 MP camera is added, where the main stream is set to the maximum resolution and H.265 compression, and the auxiliary stream is set to 640 x 480 resolution with H.264 compression, the monitor will automatically decode the auxiliary stream. If the main stream was downgraded to 720p resolution and H.264 compression was enabled, the monitor would decode the main stream. Adding cameras is possible directly at the monitor level , or using the iVMS-4200 client application. To do this, go to the remote settings and then: Remote settings->Intercom->IP camera details.

An example of direct connection of the Hikvision IP camera
and the ONVIF protocol selected in the G74001 DS-KH6320-WTE1/EU monitor

DVB-T2 signal measurement.

The first European country to begin official DVB-T2 broadcasting was the UK. A test with a TV transmitter was carried out by BBC Research & Development in June 2008. Currently, works on the introduction of digital DVB-T2 terrestrial television continue throughout Europe. In the European Union, DVB-T2 signal is broadcast in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Belgium, Croatia, Romania and France (DVB-T broadcasting is planned to be switched off only in 2024). TV broadcasts in both DVB-T and DVB-T2 standards are carried out by broadcasters in the United Kingdom, Italy and the Scandinavian countries. In these countries, no cut-off date has been set for the DVB-T signal. In Poland, the transition from DVB-T to DVB-T2 is to take place by June 30, 2022.

Polish TVN station and the operator Emitel are testing television broadcasting in the DVB-T2/HEVC standard. Therefore, it was possible to measure this signal and test the capabilities of the Signal ST-5150 R10842 meter.

Full-color technology for better monitoring of night events.

Most disturbing events happen at night. Traditional cameras with IR illuminators capture little image detail when in night mode. They lose all color-related information that may be crucial in identifying details of events. At night, the monitored area should be illuminated with white light or cameras with the full-color function should be used.

They record high-resolution color images, both during the day and at night. It is possible due to combination of an advanced lens and very sensitive sensor. This combination means that the camera requires low-light operation to generate a useful image – sufficient for street lighting or moonlight.

The lens has a large aperture of F1.0, which allows for more light to reach the sensor. The sensitive sensor handles the incident light more effectively, and the signal processor maintains a balance between noise reduction and blur of objects in motion. If there is insufficient light, the built-in white light illuminator is activated.

Color image around the clock ensures better identification of details of vehicles or people. A particularly important advantage in night operation is that there are no reflections from precipitation or insects, which is a common problem with IR illuminators.

Why 6 motors in a splicer?

One of the technical qualities distinguishing a fiber optic splicer is the number of motors. Together with an appropriate optical system and software, it makes the splicer able to precisely align the fibers.

The simplest fiber optic splicers, based on the positioning of fibers in v-grooves, are equipped with 2 motors - one for each fiber handle. These motors are responsible for positioning the fibers horizontally, i.e. ensuring adequate distance between the fiber ends before they are spliced. The proper positioning of the fibers in the vertical axis depends on the cleanliness of the v-grooves in the splicer, as well as the cleanliness of the fibers.

Four-motor splicers are able to position fibers also in the vertical plane. Thanks to this the splicing process is much faster and less problematic. Equipped with an appropriate optical system, they usually use the method of centering the fibers to fit the cladding. This guarantees low attenuation of the splice in the vast majority of cases.

The Signal Fire Ai-8C L5870 splicer has 6 motors: two for positioning the fibers horizontally, two vertically, the 5th and 6th are the auto-focus motors

Does it mean the splicers with 6 motors align the fibers in 3 planes? Well, no. In the Z axis, the fibers remain always in the same position due to the factory arrangement of the v-grooves – there is no need to move the fibers in this plane. The 5th and 6th motors are auto-focus motors, supoorting the function that searches for the core of the optical fibers. To make this possible, apart from additional motors, a top quality optical system is required (the core in single-mode optical fiber cables has a diameter of approx. 9 μm). The ability to find the cores in the fibers allows for a better alignment, thus reducing signal loss at the splice.

Industrial switches.

Industrial switches are dedicated for industrial facilities where unfavorable conditions such as increased dust, high or low temperature or high humidity may occur. Installation of industrial switches is also recommended for overhead cabling on poles or in cable chambers, with the use of sealed enclosures. The switches have Ethernet ports (Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet depending on the model) for connecting of such devices as IP cameras or PCs. ULTIPOWER industrial switches have IP40 rating (protection against access to hazardous parts, protection against solid foreign objects with a diameter greater than 1 mm). All ports support PoE (the switch has to be powered with 48 VDC). The switches are equipped with an SFP port to convert the transmission medium to optical fiber.

The devices also have the following additional functions:

• Extended function that enables powering devices connected with twisted pair with a length of up to 250 m,
• PoE Auto Check automatically performs current restart of the connected device in the event of hanging.
• HiPoE 90 W support for ports 1 and 2 (N299704 switch only),
• PD function enables the switch to be powered via Ethernet port (N299707 switch only).

In the example above, the switches have been installed in sealed boxes on poles. IP cameras have been connected to the switches and powered via PoE (48V 802.3af). Between the poles, optical fiber (single-mode fiber terminated with LC connectors and SFP inserts) cables are laid to create a network consisting of five cameras and an IP camera recorder (NVR). Application of industrial switches increases the reliability of such a system as they are more resistant to surges and harsh weather conditions. Moreover, the fiber optic cable between two poles effectively electrically isolates two locations of camera points.

How to connect optical fibers in a cable chamber? Installing fibre optics outdoors is a simple task as long as the installer is equipped with the right equipment and accessories. The key to the durability of the connections and trouble-free use of the links is the use of suitable joint boxes to protect the connection point and branch connections...>>>more

View of the L56036 joint box

LTE antenna selection