DARPA flaunts HD heat vision camera small enough to carry into battle
Thermal imaging cameras are highly useful tools for military and law enforcement types, letting them see humans inside buildings or land a helicopter in the fog. High definition models are too heavy for servicemen to tote, however, so DARPA and a private partner have built a 1,280 x 720 LIWR (long-wave infrared) imager with pixels a mere five microns in diameter. That’s smaller than infrared light’s wavelength, allowing a slighter device without giving up any resolution or sensitivity while costing much less, to boot. Researchers say that three functional prototypes have performed as well as much larger models, allowing them to see through a simulated dust storm, among other tests. If DARPA ever lets such goodies fall into civvy hands, count us in — you can never have too much security.
Filed under: Cameras, Science, Alt
Via: Gizmag
Source: DARPA
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CASIS wants to send your research project into space, give Engadget readers $100 off the application fee
We already told you about the CASIS and MassChallenge startup accelerator partnership aiming to find the next great research project to send into space, and give that project over $100,000 to help bring it to fruition. Now, Engadget wants to help make it easier for you, dear reader, to get your idea into orbit by offering the chance to trim $100 off the $199 application fee.
The process is simple: you click the source link below and fill out a short form outlining your idea and providing your contact info. Then, should CASIS like what it sees, it’ll send out promo codes to ten of you to be used when submitting the full application on the MassChallenge website. Sound good? Well, hop to it folks, because CASIS is looking to deliver the promo codes by April 1st. Not that you should need much incentive to jump on the opportunity… we’re talking about sending your pet project into space, after all.
Filed under: Science
Source: Research proposal form
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Curiosity rover drills into Martian rock, looks for more evidence of water
NASA scientists won’t have to wait until InSight’s 2016 drilling mission to see what lies beneath the surface of Mars — Curiosity is already on the case. After developing a taste for Martian soil late last year, the intrepid rover has started exploring the red planet’s bedrock, drilling a 0.63 inch (1.6 cm) wide hole 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) deep into Mars’ surface. Curiosity will spend the next several days analyzing the resulting powder in hopes of finding evidence of a once-wet planet. The shallow hole marks the first drilling operation ever carried out on Mars, and getting there wasn’t easy. “Building a tool to interact forcefully with unpredictable rocks on Mars required an ambitious development and testing program,” explained Louise Jandura, the chief engineer of the rover’s sample system. “To get to the point of making this hole in a rock on Mars we made eight drills and bored more than 1,200 holes in 20 types of rock on Earth.” The Rover tested its drill by creating a shallower hole earlier this month, though samples will only be used from the second, deeper cavity. Check out the source link for more images of the operation, including an animated GIF of the drill in action.
Filed under: Misc, Transportation
Via: Bloomberg
Source: NASA
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LG’s 2013 AV lineup puts NFC into Blu-ray player, 9.1-channel home theater
LG is in the midst of a whirlwind tour of its 2013 CES introductions, and the next stop is its AV catalog. The running theme this year is NFC: both the BH9430PW 9.1-channel home theater and the BP730 Blu-ray player include the short-range wireless format to simplify mirroring content from your Optimus G (and, most likely, other NFC phones). The surround system also packs an iPod dock and a Private Audio Mode that funnels sound to a nearby smartphone when a quiet house is paramount. Beyond these two devices, LG promises the Bluetooth-equipped, 310W NB4530A sound bar, a ND8630 speaker dock with both Android and iOS support (including AirPlay and Bluetooth) and an NP6630 portable speaker that stuffs AirPlay, Bluetooth and NFC into its frame. We’ll know more at CES next month, but those who want LG’s overview can see it for themselves after the break.
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Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio/Video, HD, LG
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Mid-century Estate Converted Into an Architecturally Diverse Modern “Crib”
Roger Ferris + Partners restored and partially redesigned a mid-century estate located in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. The new additions include a swimming pool, a garage and a modern art gallery. According to the architects, “the concrete volumes of the pool house and garage were minimized by inserting them into the hillside. All new exterior and restoration materials were reviewed and selected on site to harmonize with the existing residence”. The result is an architecturally diverse building, interesting to observe from a variety of standpoints.
The Art Gallery’s sober black creates an interesting backdrop for the transparent house initially envisioned by architect Philip Johnson in 1952: “The interior is designed to be bright, simple, and clean. All lighting is adjustable to best emphasize the art; ventilation is provided by linear diffusers integrated into nearly invisible reveals at the gable ends”. Displaying a variety of materials and textures, this home in Connecticut is more than a shelter for a living space and an art gallery, it is a modern artistic work in itself.
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5 CommentsWater Cleaning Station Converted Into Striking Modern Mansion
Proving that industrial design elements can successfully be integrated in home design, this striking loft-like residence is the result of a water cleaning station conversion. The 5,400 square foot 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom loft belongs to former Belgian army pilot Philippe Tondeur and is located in Villefranche sur Mer on the French Riviera. The massive transformation of the water station took almost 15 years to complete and its modern design was envisioned with the help of Belgian interior designer Bernadette Jacques.
Each of the interiors is defined by elegance and space, making a walk through the residence resemble a gallery tour. The preserved industrial elements (giant pipes, exposed beams and various machines) seem like precious artifacts in an exhibition space. The living room is by far the most spectacular interior of the property with its comfortable set of sofas surrounded by giant windows and preserved parts of the former water cleaning station. [Photos by 3mille]
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5 CommentsFormer Farmhouse Converted into Sophisticated, Yet Bohemian Chalet in the Alps
Belgian decorator Lionel Jadot was commissioned to transform a former farmhouse into a spectacular chalet. Located near Megève, a major tourist resort in the French Alps, the project features two levels, the first of which accommodates the bedrooms. Above, there is an impressive open-plan living area, with a ceiling height of 12 meters. This particular interior is the focal point of the entire cabin. The abundance of wood and the colorful decorations give away a feeling of coziness, while the generously-sized windows flood the room in natural light.
The perfect image of a room surrounded by extensive mountain views is completed in this case by a traditional fireplace, located right in the middle. A lovely mix of vintage and traditional defines the interiors of the chalet; the designer chose to add personality to his project, by embedding various furniture and pieces belonging to different cultures from Africa, Asia and Europe.
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5 CommentsMicrosoft launches Socl into Beta, brings the part(ies) to social networking
Microsoft has unleashed Socl into beta for all comers to probe, bringing it out of the experimental stages and a step closer to a full-fledged site. We first heard about the project back in July when it was dubbed Tulalip, and MS Research’s Fuse Labs officially launched it internally and into some universities back in October last year. The site carries the Windows 8 tiled look, and Fuse says that imagery is emphasized over “blue links” for search, helping democratize the site “even for people who speak different languages.” That lets you find others via posts, a people gallery, or someone’s page — where new posts, people and interests can be viewed all at once. A nav bar allows articles to be created by topics like web, videos or news, and users can create “parties,” where they can chat, create playlists or watch videos with others in a similar fashion to Google Hangouts. The project was coded using Redmond’s Java-hued Typescript to allow for rapid coding changes, according to Fuse’s blog in the source below. To try it out for yourself, check the “more coverage” link.
Filed under: Internet, Microsoft
Via: Techmeme
Source: Microsoft Research FuseLabs
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Striking Venetian-Gothic Water Tower Converted Into Luxury Home in London
The history of this water tower located in north-western London, England, UK is interesting to say the least. Built in 1877 by Fowler and Hill, as part of Lambeth Workhouse and Infirmary (latterly Lambeth Hospital), the Venetian-Gothic construction has been a landmark for centuries. In 2008, Leigh Osbourne and Graham Voce bought the 99 foot tall crowned with a huge steel water tank tower for £395,000 and converted it into a luxury home.
Discovered on 1st Option, the water tower now accommodates four bedrooms with extensive London views (360 degree views to be more accurate), a striking living space entitled “The Cube” and a modern elevator. Each of the interiors display an impressive, minimalist-modern design, suited for a highly unique home. We are certain that the photos below will not leave you indifferent and we would love to find out your honest impressions regarding this original architecture conversion
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5 Comments10 Insights into the Design Mind of Philippe Starck
Philippe Starck is one of the most prolific designers of our time. He has turned his hand to practically everything there is, from hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, to furniture, tableware, baggage, kitchens and even nutrition. Often regarded as the bad boy of design, Starck is known for his witty reinterpretation of everyday objects and anyone who has had the pleasure of being in the same room as him will undoubtedly find him extremely engaging and most definitely entertaining.
Freshome had the pleasure of encountering Monsieur Starck a few weeks ago in Berlin at the world premiere of his latest bathroom collection for Axor. Held at the E-Werk, the launch of Axor Starck Organic was an elaborate affair that saw Starck unveiling his new creation and allowing all who attended to get an intriguing insight into the workings of his undeniably brilliant mind.
1. Creativity is hard work
“I go to my house in Formentera, which I have had for 46 years. When I am there I am working, working, working night and day with my wife, it’s very boring for her […] I work alone for 8-10 hours a day especially from June to the middle of September and everything is done during this time. This is my period of creativity.”
2. Creativity is not fun
“It’s not fun to create, ask a mother. It is the best time of your life but it is not fun. It is like a drug addiction. You have to know that at the end of August I am destroyed and I have to go to a clinic. After these three months of work, I go to the clinic to rest because I am destroyed and I am in pain everywhere. I can’t make any decisions.”
3. Pressure is not an issue
“I am pressure proof. It is impossible to put pressure on me. I am the freest person in the world. But when you progress, you make better and better and better. When you start to improve it is very difficult to continue.”
4. Design should be timeless
“A designer has a duty to create timeless design. To be timeless you have think really far into the future, not next year, not in two years but in 20 years minimum.”
5. Success isn’t about numbers
“I have worked all my life to stay the smallest possible. For me it was possible to become a business man with 400 designers making a business and becoming very rich. But I didn’t want this. Two years ago when there were 60 or 70 of us, I closed down the company. I paid everybody and destroyed the company so I could start again from scratch to be sure that I could always stay the smallest possible.”
6. Creativity is a personal thing
“Creativity is not industry, creativity is not inspiration, it’s just a guy, naked in front of the page. That means everything you see that is good, it was me, everything that you see that is bad, it was me.”
7. Design cannot solve everything
“Every time has its own tool or its own weapon and every tool or weapon has its own time. For the challenge we have today, the violence of the challenge and the urgency of the challenge, design is perhaps not the right tool for the next 20 years.”
8. There are 2 types of design
“There are two types of design: Useful, which saves lives and useless, which doesn’t save lives. Today design doesn’t save lives. Design has never ever saved lives but before this was not so urgent. Design at best can try to improve life.”
9. What is happiness?
“I don’t know what happiness is, but since I married Jasmine I start to understand.”
10. Never be satisfied
“I am always disappointed. Sometimes, because I am very feminine, I cry when I see the results. I never go to hotels or restaurants that I have designed because for me they are like a mirror that reflects all my mistakes, my weaknesses. I am always disappointed in myself.”
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