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Archive for the ‘Sensors’ Category

Lytro Camera

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

Lytro is another interesting camera technology. It is a focusless camera. To explain this, we’ll share an explanation from their website:
“Unlike a conventional camera that captures a single plane of light, the Lytro camera captures the entire light field, which is all the light traveling in every direction in every point in space.”

There are two advantages to this. First, it allows you to focus in on individual objects in the frame after the fact. Additionally, since there is no focus, images are captured instantly, without any delay for an auto-focus feature to adjust the lens.

This photo gives you a good idea of the size of the camera.

This type of camera could prove most useful as a vacuum-style collection system. Turn it on and let it run in a wide area surveillance mode, shooting photo after photo after photo. Later, the imagery could be analyzed in a forensic mode to spot individual phenomenon. The fact that such technologies are becoming more widely available at the consumer level makes them great candidates for disruptive technologies.

www.lytro.com

Tags: Lytro
Posted in Gadgets, Optics, Sensors | 3 Comments »

Looxcie

Monday, December 19th, 2011

This is pretty amazing. Looxcie is a video camera that you wear on your ear like a bluetooth headset earphone. Once turned on it records everything in a POV (Point of View) format. It can store data in its buffer, send clips to your email and social media, or stream it live through a wireless connection to viewers of your choice. The possibilities are pretty exciting. In fact, Looxcie is already in use with Kenya’s Rangers who protect wildlife from poachers.

To share clips with your friends using Flashbax, “When something cool happens, simply press the instant clip button to get the last 30 seconds. Press the button longer and the instant clip is immediately shared to your social network.”

Looxcie Live is your opportunity to broadcast what you see discreetly with those you choose via different smartphone app. The broadcast is also available on the Looxcie Live server for up to 24 hours for review with full archiving coming soon. Additional features include text chat and Push-to-talk voice cues to provide feedback to the broadcaster.

This isn’t science fiction or government-only, TLA tech. It’s available now.

looxcie.com

Tags: Looxcie
Posted in Digitization, Gadgets, Optics, Recce, Sensors | 1 Comment »

Newsflash! Military Has Cool Technology (But, Requires Screwdriver to Change Batteries)

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

Go over and read the FLIR Scout TS-Series review on Gizmodo. If you don’t, this article won’t make sense.

Over the past couple of years FLIR has been trying to commercialize their IR sensor technology. FLIR builds a solid product and their military and commercial grade products are everywhere. Considering what you are getting, their personal vision products are fairly inexpensive, and the resolution is pretty good. So good in fact, that Gizmodo’s reviewers came to the amazing conclusion that, “IT LETS YOU SEE IN THE DARK, DUDE.” Amazingly, they were dumbfounded by the notion that although field replaceable, a screw driver was required to change the batteries even though the unit is waterproof. What’s more, they were a bit put off that the FLIR used up batteries even though it only uses 4 x AA.

“You need a screwdriver to remove the batteries, which is screwy because a) They’re supposedly “field-replaceable” and b) The thing eats batteries like they’re covered in sugar and sitting in a pie dish.”

I have to admit I read Gizmodo. But what do hipsters do when you give them military grade hardware? Why, they use it to photograph themselves urinating of course. Score one for the marketing machine at FLIR. It’s the weekend so I’ll give you my opinion raw. When I read this article, I formed this image in my mind’s eye that involves a monkey violating a football.

Bottom line, civilians are absolutely amazed by shit military folks take for granted. Conclusion? They need to man the fuck up and serve their country instead of reading about it on hipster websites.

-EG

Tags: FLIR, Gizmodo
Posted in Media, Sensors | 22 Comments »

GPNVG18

Thursday, October 13th, 2011

The Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle 18 from L3 Warrior Systems‘ Insight Technology division are a modification of the Panoramic goggles originally developed to provide Aviators with a wider field of view. Legacy night vision binocular systems with their 18mm tubes offer a 45 deg FOV while the Panoramic model’s four smaller tubes (16mm) increase that out to 95 deg.

Above you can see the GPNVG18 in Blue Force Gear’s AUSA booth. It is mounted on a Crye Precision AirFrame Helmet with an Adams Industries ANVIS mount.

Click on these photos to enlarge them.

If you’re wondering, yes the GPNVG18 uses a separate battery pack. Remember, it was originally designed for Aviation use so it’s much like ANVIS technology.

Here is the complete kit all snuggled in a nice, padded storage case with removable hard case for the goggle.

There aren’t a lot of these systems out there yet, but they are there. Hopefully, we’ll see more. However, the Aviation folks are already looking at new helmet technology that eliminates night vision goggles altogether but rather puts a panoramic screen in front of the eyes of the Aviator and projects data normally found on a Heads Up Display as well as images taken from night vision cameras on the side of the helmet as well as other locations.

Tags: Adams Industries, AUSA, Crye Precision, Insight Technology, L3
Posted in Sensors | 7 Comments »

idIRt from Cyalume

Friday, September 30th, 2011

If you’ve spent any time at all in the military, then you are well with Chem Lights and perhaps with other Cyalume products as well, but here’s one that’s so new, you haven’t seen it yet.

We called this kind of stuff pixie dust, but Cyalume’s new idIRt (Intrusion Detection InfraRed Traceable) technology brings discreet tracking to the masses. You just mix it up, sprinkle it in an area likely to attract the target, and let him do his thing. Then, you can use night vision systems to track his movements. Naturally, this is great for LE use, but can also be used for other security applications such as catching pilferers or tracking vermin.

idIRt is undetectable with the naked eye so it will blend right in with other earthen materials. However, it emits in the IR spectrum so you can easily detect it’s presence with the aid of night vision.

www.cyalume.com

Tags: Cyalume
Posted in LE, Sensors | 7 Comments »

MDM – CTC Defense

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

CTC Defense has developed the SFL-100 Low Light Aiming Laser for use with the Nammo Talley M72 series of LAW rockets. Available in Red and IR laser (with Green coming soon). This aiming device has been shown to increase night time hits by 20%.

New LAWs are coming with the mount you see here. Take a look at the cams at the aft end of the mount. These are machined to coincide with the type of round and the range settings on the SFL-100. This is because different variants of the M72 have different ballistic properties. These mounts can also be retrofitted on to existing rounds.

The SFL-100 is removable and can used over and over. Powered by a single AA battery, it can be had for under $250.

www.CTCdefense.com

Tags: CTC Defense, Modern Day Marine
Posted in Optics, Sensors, weapons | Comments Off on MDM – CTC Defense

Maneuver Conference – Adams Industries

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

The Air Ground Warrior Battery pack from Adams Industries is crafted from solid Delrin, a high strength composite. It can be machined and is highly impact resistant.

The case is water resistant. Adams Industries developed a battery case that can be powered by two AA or a single 3v CR 123 per side. Additionally, the rotating switch is more robust than the standard ANVIS toggle with 3 positions for left or right bank and “off” in the middle.

It incorporates the standard clip for attachment to a flight helmet or can be mounted via a Velcro field. Additionally, they have provided attachment points to accept the issue counterweights.

www.adamsindustries.com

Tags: Adams Industries
Posted in Recce, Sensors | Comments Off on Maneuver Conference – Adams Industries

Maneuver Conference – BAE Systems

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

BAE Systems demonstrated GEN II Headborne Energy Analysis & Diagnostic System (HEADS) which has just passed First Article Testing (FAT) for the US Army with first deliveries to begin September 22, 2011.

HEADS consists of the sensor which is mounted in the crown of the combat helmet, the software to perform computational analysis of traumatic events and an optional wireless antenna which can be used to interrogate the sensor for data when it is placed in close proximity. Alternatively, the HEADS sensor can be interrogated via a USB connection directly to a laptop.

As you can see from the photo, once data from the sensor has been uploaded to the software a date and time stamped visual display is created to assist medical personnel in correlating their medical diagnosis with actual events. The sensor will record all linear and angular acceleration and blast overpressure information, including multiple events.

It is important to note that the HEADS sensor can be covered with a crown pad within the helmet for enhanced comfort. Additionally, the sensor battery life is one year and can be recharged by tethering to a laptop via a USB cable or you can actually replace the battery with a fresh one.

For more information www.BAEsystems.com/ips

Tags: BAE Systems, HEADS
Posted in Armor, Medical, Sensors | 1 Comment »