Wednesday, March 28, 2007
What is a compass?
This magnetic device is known as an old Chinese invention. Compass' ancestor is called lodestone, and it was used to construct fortune telling boards. But later on someone noticed that lodestones point out real directions, that was the beginning of a first compass. The pointing need in that early time compass was a lodestone spoon-shaped device, with a handle that always pointed south.
Posted by OpticsPlanet at 2:14 PM Read Article 0 comments 
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Six thermal imaging cameras to firefighters
The department's first thermal-imaging camera was purchased by a senior-care community - Care One. It was donated about eight years ago.
Evesham Fire-Rescue is the first department in Burlington County to outfit every frontline fire apparatus with thermal-imaging technology.
According to firefighters, this equipment will do much to not only protect their lives, but will also allow them to rapidly locate victims.
Thermal-imaging cameras are also used by firefighters to locate fire hidden in walls and in ceilings.
Each of the thermal camera units features color screens and digital temperature readouts.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Surveillance cameras in Philadelphia
Mayor plans to put 250 cameras out to watch the meanest corners of Philadelphia. It turns out it's not even clear if cameras reduce crime or not. Police testified that in some areas crime statistics have significantly increased after the installation of cameras.
A citywide referendum passed last May approved the installation of 250 cameras in the city as crime-fighting tools.
There are many private groups around the city that have placed surveillance cameras on or around their property. The school district also has surveillance cameras around many of its schools.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Israeli Firm supplies Night Vision to India
The Israeli Defense Ministry recently informed that last year India was its single largest defense equipment importer worth 1.5 billion dollars. It comes to about 50 per cent of Israel's defense exports, and at the same time about 30 per cent of India's imports.
Laser Sights: be armed and ready!
Laser Sights look like conventional 40 caliber Glocks, but when you press your palm against the butt of the gun, a small red laser puts a dot on the target. The idea is - when a suspect realizes he's clearly in the sights, he will give up.
Officials say that situations calling for the use of a laser sights aren't all that frequent in Houghton County, but now they're armed and ready. But still they hope that with laser sights those situations will be quickly and safely solved.
Prescription Goggles for swimming
Good vision is very important not only when driving a car, but everywhere else, even in the swimming pool. Surprisingly, these goggles didn't appear to be a new invention. Persian drivers, in the early 14th century, used protective goggles made from the polished shells of tortoises. There are no doubts that since those times tactical goggles have come a long way and have changed for good, but no matter what changes they've gone through, only safe and clear vision is everything that matters!
Friday, March 16, 2007
Surveillance cameras to reduce crime
There was a request from the city's Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for nearly $ 1 million to buy and install surveillance cameras and CCTV Cameras. And this request was approved, the exact amount awarded is not known, but surely known that the request was granted.
For now the city already has 12 wireless outdoor cameras, which are installed mostly in high crime locations. Police hope that the surveillance equipment will not only cut down the crime rate, but also illegal dumping. Hopefully these surveillance cameras will be installed and start working in a few weeks.
Leica C-Lux 2 Digital Camera
The Leica C-Lux 2 camera will be available in May 2007 with a black or silver finish. It will come with 64 MB Sd card, and will be compatible with an adapter for connecting Leica Spotting Scopes.
Tactical Vests for Israeli Defense Ministry
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Pentax Optio T30 Digital Camera
Monday, March 12, 2007
Thermal Imaging equipment for the fire department
These funds will help firefighters continue their work in helping members of the Coventry community. It is imperative that emergency responders have the most up-to-date gear and equipment they need to continue protecting and assisting RI citizens.
Fire Chief said that the department would use the money to purchase a thermal imaging equipment. A thermal imaging camera is definitely important for them to have. It senses heat and distinguishes between temperatures, so, if a firefighter is in a smoke-filled room, the camera will show the outline of someone's body if they are in the room. Basically, it will allow the firefighters to see through the smoke and help get people out of the building.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Small size electronic compasses
Micromechanic magnetometers can be used in applications such as more sensitive electronic compasses integrated in mobile phones or other mobile devices. Integrated in a mobile phone, this compass can be used to locate, for example, the nearest ATM, pharmacy or doctor's clinic. For manufacturing magnetometers, VTT has developed a new processing method for silicon wafers. The size of the compass can be smaller and the manufacturing costs for mass production can be lowered.
Commercial manufacturing of the component is expected to begin in Finland in a few years time.
DVS Thermal Imaging
The DVS gives traveling soldiers the "vision" they need to make better decisions.
The DVS thermal imaging system, which detects heat signatures, lets soldiers see in total darkness and weather conditions including haze, rain and smoke clouds resulting from explosions that occur frequently during wartime battles. The DVS also allows soldiers in TWVs to travel at night, limiting the risk of being detected by the enemy. DVS offers unparalleled user controls, allowing the operator to make scene/environment induced adjustments from a comfortable driving position within the vehicle cab. The operator may self-select the polarity setting, display brightness, sensor level and sensor gain. With the pre-installation of mounting kits, the DVS can be easily swapped between vehicles resulting in more effective use of the system across the fleet.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Surveillance cameras are watching you!
Researchers are developing cameras, which will not only watch you, but also interpret what thay see.
Some surveillance cameras are supposed to be able to analyze how you walk, guess your height, and even if you're hiding something.
At the University of Maryland, engineering teacher and his team of graduate students have worked on surveillance equipment that can identify and interpret a person's unique gait or the way a person walks.
These kinds of cameras can monitor airports and ports, help secure houses and watch over vast borders, and other very important security objects.
Sector "Z " through military binoculars
Only a few years ago, there thousands of undocumented aliens flowing through this hole. But no more now. The Tennessee National Guard has been a big part of that. There 220 Tennessee Guardsmen in that sector, and they are definitely making a difference. At this point arrests of illegal immigrants are down 68% this fiscal year compared to the same time last fiscal year. The guardsmen are equipped with high-powered military binoculars, and night vision equipment, which helps them a lot. The only thing they can do now is to be eyes and ears. And though they are sure that some illegal immigrants still get through the fence, they are turning many of them back.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Metal Detectors put an end to British crime
It is not decided yet how many mobile scanners will be given to police. The first metal detector will be put up in London, and after that they’ll be put up in any potential problem areas, and could even be used outside pubs, schools, and even colleges.