Visible light communication Visible light communication (VLC) is a data communications medium which uses visible light between 400 and 800 THz (780–375 nm). VLC is a subset of optical wireless communications technologies. The technology uses fluorescent lamps (ordinary lamps, not special communications devices) to transmit signals at 10 kbit/s, or LEDs for up to 500 Mbit/s. Low rate[vague] data transmissions at 1 and 2 kilometres (0.6 and 1.2 mi) were demonstrated.[1][2] RONJA achieves full Ethernet speed (10 Mbit/s) over the same distance thanks to larger optics and more powerful LEDs. Specially designed electronic devices generally containing a photodiode receive signals from light sources,[1] although in some cases a cell phone camera or a digital camera will be sufficient.[3] The image sensor used in these devices is in fact an array of photodiodes (pixels) and in some applications its use may be preferred over a single photodiode. History[edit] In December 2010 St. See also[edit] References[edit]
6 Socially Conscious Actions That Only Look Like They Help There are those who want to improve the world around us and who do so in intelligent, well-thought-out ways. Then there are those of us whose desire to help the environment is mostly based on being bored or shallow or wanting to fit in after we get lost in Whole Foods. Unfortunately, most of humanity is made up of the latter type. Also unfortunately, a lot of the half-assed stuff we do not only doesn't help but actually ends up making things worse for everyone. Rescuing Oil-Covered Birds The Idea Imagine an oil spill, and chances are the first thing you'll think of is an oil-covered bird helplessly flapping its wings. "Hold on, rocks. How We Half-Ass It Although it seems like something that can be done with a net, a bottle of shampoo and some dead fish, bird capture is really a job that should be reserved for the experts. "The Monday Margarita Breakfast is great for morale but hard on the wildlife." Volunteering Overseas This isn't a new trend among rich white people, either. So what? "Ooh!
A Snapshot of Australia’s Digital Future to 2050 - Australia Thank you for your interest in A Snapshot of Australia’s Digital Future to 2050 report. A world-first, the report reveals information and communications technology (ICT) enhanced with ubiquitous high-speed broadband is becoming Australia’s new utility – as historic and game changing as electricity or telephony. Written by Phil Ruthven, Founder and Chairman, IBISWorld, and commissioned by IBM, the report looks ahead of existing research to examine how Australia can harness this new utility to transform our lives, our cities and the way we interact. The report rates all Australia’s industry classes (509) against the impact of the new utility. Ruthven and his extended Industry Impact Panel assessed the prospects of the 509 classes of industry in the Australian economy over the next 40-50 years. The report finds by 2050, this new utility will generate around $1 trillion in revenue for Australia – almost eight times the $131 billion it generates today.
Photophone This article is about Alexander Graham Bell and Sumner Tainter's optical phone. For the sound-on-film technology, see RCA Photophone. A historical plaque on the side of the Franklin School in Washington, D.C. which marks one of the points from which the photophone was demonstrated A diagram from one of Bell's 1880 papers Bell believed the photophone was his most important invention. The photophone was a precursor to the fiber-optic communication systems which achieved worldwide popular usage starting in the 1980s.[9][10][11] The master patent for the photophone (U.S. Design[edit] A photophone receiver and headset, one half of Bell and Tainter's optical telecommunication system of 1880 The photophone was similar to a contemporary telephone, except that it used modulated light as a means of wireless transmission while the telephone relied on modulated electricity carried over a conductive wire circuit. Bell's own description of the light modulator:[12] Reception and adoption[edit] See also[edit]
5 Terrible Situations for the Socially Awkward Man You probably know how to function in society. You know how to talk to new people, how to order food in restaurants, and you know exactly what time you're supposed to show up at parties. I'm here to let you know that there's an entirely separate class of people that doesn't know all of those things. They are socially awkward, they are everywhere, and these are their nightmares. Massages are probably really great. Getting a massage means being mostly naked while getting intensely rubbed by a complete stranger while something shitty, probably Enya, plays in the background. "Look, your head is full-on inside her vagina, there's no way this is against the rules, I'm gonna stop by and say Hi." Except, that is, during a massage, where you must recondition your body and fight all of your instincts which, if you're unfamiliar, is one of the least relaxing things one could do, (as far as boner relations goes). And that will never make sense to you. Standing Next to Someone at a Urinal *He can hear.
Watches that fulfill that Dick Tracy Fantasy by James It’s Watch day here at Coolest Gadgets and for stocking stuffers, you just can’t beat these two beauties: First, comic boon detective fans can get half their Dick Tracy fantasy with the Touchscreen Cell Phone Wristwatch. This unlocked GSM cell phone uses any sim card from an iPhone or from a GSM Cell Phone from AT&T/Cingular or T-Mobile. It makes standard cell phone calls (you dial by pulling the tiny included stylus from the side of the watch and tapping the numbers on the screen ) and will also receive. In addition, with 60MB of storage, users can play MP3 files, watch movie clips, and store hundreds of phone numbers. Cost is $249.99 but you can get 20% off at Think Geek. For about half as much ($124 – less 20% at Think Geek), users can still enjoy television and music with the Video Watch. Oh, and both watches tell time too. Source: Gadgetizer
Volta Laboratory and Bureau The Volta Laboratory, also variously known as the "Alexander Graham Bell Laboratory", the "Bell Carriage House" and the "Bell Laboratory", plus the Volta Bureau, were created in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. by Alexander Graham Bell.[3] The Volta Laboratory was founded in 1880–1881 with Charles Sumner Tainter and Bell's cousin, Chichester Bell,[4] for the research and development of telecommunication, phonograph and other technologies. Using funds generated by the Volta Laboratory, Bell later founded the Volta Bureau in 1887 "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge relating to the deaf", and merged with the American Association for the Promotion and Teaching of Speech to the Deaf (AAPTSD) in 1908.[5] It was renamed as the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf in 1956 and then the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in 1999.[6] History[edit] The current building, a U.S. Transition from the Volta Laboratory to the Volta Bureau[edit] Photophone[edit]
6 Books Everyone (Including Your English Teacher) Got Wrong #3. Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Anybody who grew up in the 1960s (and still remembers anything about it) can tell you what Lewis Carroll's classic children's book was really all about: A girl takes a "trip" down the rabbit hole and finds herself in a surreal world where animals start talking to her. After she eats some "mushrooms," everything starts to change sizes before her eyes. We didn't really need Jefferson Airplane to clarify it; Alice in Wonderland is the Fear and Loathing of fairy tales. What it's really about: Lewis Carroll was the pen name of the very conservative Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Anglican deacon and professor of mathematics. All the weird drug-trippy stuff that's been misinterpreted since Woodstock is, we're sorry to say, really just an elaborate satire of modern mathematics. What incensed Dodgson was that math no longer had any real-world grounding. Dodgson to new mathematics: "Get the hell off my lawn." #2. Crazy, baby. #1.
Rock Stars of HPC: Dona Crawford In this special feature written by Mike Bernhardt from The Exascale Report, we honor Dona Crawford, the first woman to grace the ranks of our Rock Stars of HPC. I first met Dona Crawford at SC’95 in San Diego when she was the conference Deputy Program Chair and the HPC Challenge Co-chair. Two years later, Dona was one of the most visible leaders in the HPC community as the General Chair for SC’97 in San Jose. I have worked with many top corporate and agency executives during my 23 years in the HPC community, and I have met very few community leaders with the spirit, enthusiasm, and love of life that we see in Dona Crawford. It is indeed a great pleasure to acknowledge and introduce you to Dona Crawford – a true Rock Star of HPC. INSIDEHPC: You have such a rich history in this community and have been involved in so many milestone activities – what would you call out as one or two of the high points of your career – some of the things of which you are most proud? Power.
Efficiency and Beauty in an Underground Mountainside Hotel | Architect Matteo Thun has designed this striking eco-friendly hotel to be located on a mountainside in the National Park of Stelvio in the Italian Alps. Composed of a series of underground buildings linked by undulating green roofs, the complex takes advantage of passive design principles and ground-source heat pumps to conserve energy. In addition, the construction of the units, the way the units are situated on the site, and the materials used have all been carefully considered to minimize the complex’ impact upon the environment. The hotel is comprised of eleven individual units, each appearing as no more than a slight rise in the ground with a large, south-facing window protruding from the hillside. The hotel is meant to offer an entire range of green benefits. + Matteo Thun Via Greenmuze and Ecofriend
The 5 Strangest Things Evolution Left in Your Body If you don't believe in evolution, you have to spend a lot of time wondering about the useless shit the creator threw into our bodies. Why don't our wisdom teeth fit in our heads? Why do we need an appendix? The answer is that evolution is a sloppy and haphazard process. Take a close look at your body and you'll see some of the leftover junk. There is a little girl standing behind you with dark, sunken eyes and a deadpan expression. Did you feel that slight tingling sensation on the back of your neck? But mostly when scared and 11. They can also appear when we feel sexually aroused or when we feel in awe of something, like listening to a moving piece of music, or if you're the type, watching monster trucks smash smaller cars (to each his own). But Why? Ever see the fur on the back of a scared or angry animal suddenly stand straight up? It's that. Like this. There is really no reason to have this reaction anymore as it's of no use to us. Above: not bear-food. For... um, warmth. We warned you.