ISIS - 360º Surveillance Camera

The Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate is currently developing the Imaging System for Immersive Surveillance (ISIS).

This is a video surveillance camera capable of recording 360º footage simultaneously.

The Imaging System for Immersive Surveillance (ISIS) makes use of new video camera and image-stitching technology and can be bolted to a ceiling, mounted on a roof, or fastened to a truck-mounted telescoping mast. The unit makes use of a series of individual cameras to create video that is stitched together into a single, 360-degree, live view like a high-resolution video quilt. This means that, unlike traditional surveillance cameras, the device allows law enforcement to zoom in on a specific point of interest without losing visual contact with the rest of the scene.

"Coverage this sweeping, with detail this fine, requires a very high pixel count," says program manager Dr. John Fortune, of S&T's Infrastructure and Geophysical Division, "ISIS has a resolution capability of 100 megapixels." That's as detailed as 50 full-HDTV movies playing at once, with and means it can zoom in closer and closer without losing clarity.

Many of the ISIS capabilities were adapted from technology previously developed by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory for military applications, which built the current system with the help of technology experts from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory using commercial off-the-shelf cameras, computers, image processing boards and software.

ISIS creators already have their eyes on a new and improved second generation model, complete with custom sensors and video boards, longer range cameras, higher resolution, a more efficient video format, and a discreet, chandelier-like frame – no bigger than a basketball. Eventually, the Department plans to develop a version of ISIS that will use infrared cameras to detect events that occur at night.

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iLOQ - The Future Is Upon Us

A revolutionary new concept in cylinder locking design comes from Finland, the original home of the famous Abloy manufacturing company.

The patented award winning iLOQ locking system offers advanced security andconvenient access management for master-key locking environments. The system is specified for applications with a need for high security combined with flexible management of access rights to facilities secured by doors, remote locations secured with padlocks, lockers and cabinets secured with cam locks.

A fast growing application base shows that the benefits of the iLOQ S10 locking system improve security and locking management convenience in commercial premises, office buildings, apartment houses, governmental and municipal authorities, banks, hospitals, schools, universities, rental buildings & cottages, infrastructure suppliers (telecom/energy/water), public transport, etc.

Benefits of the solution

The revolutionary iLOQ electronic locking solution integrates modern communication and software technologies enabling a new level of high-security throughout the lifetime of a locking management system. The system is specified for use in master-key locking applications like commercial premises, office buildings, as well as in apartment buildings, providing benefits in applications where high security level as well as advanced access management is required.

The iLOQ S10 locking system offers a number of benefits:

Upgrading Security

The patented self-powered electromechanical iLOQ lock cylinder can replace traditional mechanical cylinders. Powerful encryption and security feature grant that the security level of existing mechanical are shifted on digital high-security level.

Breaking down keying restrictions

The iLOQ locking system has nearly unlimited keying options including blacklisting of lost keys and recording audit trail.

Saving time, money and the environment

The installation of the iLOQ cylinders is very easy as no cabling or wiring is needed. Being self-powered, the iLOQ solution eliminates work, costs and waste associated with battery changes. The iLOQ system enables powerful multi site administration increasing operation efficiency. Lost key costs are very low due to easy blacklisting of lost keys.

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Sliding Patio Doors - One Of The Weakest Links

The above video is actually an explanation of how to replace a sliding door installation with french style doors but it does highlight the ease in pulling the common sliding door from it's tracks.

I am called upon often to repair sliding doors, that have become increasingly harder to operate. There are multiple reasons that doors can become inoperative, but we will leave that for a later article.

The reason I decided to include the above video here is to highlight the extreme weakness that almost all sliding patio doors suffer from.

You can see how easy it is to lift the door from it's track. When the door is closed, it is usually held locked by just a metal hook. Often that hook is all that is preventing the door from being opened. I have seen many instances where the sliding door is the principle method of surreptitious entry. Often intruders simply use a large screwdriver or prybar/crowbar (found in most automobiles) and lever under the bottom of the door, raising the whole door frame enough to remove the door completely from the track. Even while still locked.

There is a very simple and cost effective measure that can be applied to prevent most sliding doors from being removed in this fashion.

Simply, install a self-tapping screw into the top track, so that the head is protruding enough to allow the door to still slide but reduce the lift, or amount the door can be raised.

Some lock manufacturers include anti-lift pins in their locks to help with this problem, but often the parts are made from die-cast aluminum, which is weak and brittle.

For about 50 cents you can prevent the door from being lifted off it's track.

Many people insert a piece of dowel or length of wood into the track behind the door. While this is probably one of the cheapest and best methods for preventing the door from sliding open, it does nothing to stop the door from lifting up.

Top 10 Searches for May 2010

375 total visits from 307 search terms across the multiple search engines, including Google, Yahoo, Bing, Ask, AOL, Search and Yandex.

Interestingly, Schlage Securekey is very popular this month as is Keyed Pocket Door Locks.

To average 10 hits a day from search engines, may not seem high, but considering my niche, I think it is doing okay.

In the 12 months to May 31st, 2010 this site yielded 6390 total visits from 4397 keyword searches.

How many did your site get?

Latest Crime Statistics St Louis County May 31, 2010

Pictured below is the latest map of the reported crimes to St Louis County Police, as at May 31st, 2010.
Burglary - 195

Robbery -21

Larceny - 518

Arson - 4

Vandalism - 42

The green dots represent the above numbers.

If you live in these areas, it is worthwile to be aware of the local targets and your responsibility to secure yourself adequately.

We can help!

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NEMA - The Multi-Purpose Product

We are currently experimenting with another unique product coming from that great Australian forward thinking company, HM Cowdroy.

Nema - The Multi-Purpose product is manufactured from a unique composite polymer material in a carefully controlled air injected extrusion process. The ideal applications are where weight, temperature and sound insulation, humidity and water exposure are of concern. The vast range of Nema products address these concerns and much more!

NEMA is measuring up to be a phenomenal, inexpensive product that is proving easy to work with - drill, screw, rout, nail, machine and glue. It is lightweight and strong, thermal insulating, immune to attack by insects, non-corrosive, alkaline and acid resistant.

It also offers good sound and acoustic installation.

NEMA is an excellent thermoform material. It is self-extinguishing and mould resistant.

NEMA is offering numerous surface finishing possibilities including but not limited to, water proof, can be heat formed, printable surface for use in signage applications, chemical resistant, color stable, allows laser engraving and can even be welded. We are noticing significant weather proof tendencies too.

Potential applications for this incredible product include:

Outdoor Signs

Outdoor Furniture

Concrete Formwork

Skirting, Trim and Architraves

Boxes in Wet or Outdoor Areas

Exhibition Displays

Wall Cladding (external & internal)

Partitions

Wet Area Doors

Cavity and Pocket Doors

Cupboards in Wet Areas

Showcases

Cabinets

Ceilings

False Ceilings

Washroom Partitions

Coolrooms & Freezers

Office Partitions

Flooring

Caravans & RV's

Boating and General Marine Industry Applications.

Whether your requirements include exterior cladding, barge boards, deckings or railings, NEMA boards are extremely versatile.

Are your doors warping due to wet area exposure? Not providing adequate sound insulation? Or just too heavy for the application? Waterproof, light, sound and thermally insulating, NEMA doors provide that long awaited solution.

Reveals in wet areas are prone to cracking, swelling and warping. Not anymore thanks to NEMA with the added benefits of sound and thermal insulation and insect and vermin resistance.

The ideal sheet flooring. paneling, cladding or anywhere moisture, water and weight are problems, NEMA is the sheet material that meets these needs.

NEMA sheet and board can be finished in a variety of ways including, laminated, veneered, silk screen printed, film printed, vinyl stickers etc. It can be acryllic painted and enamel painted. (Similarly to wood, NEMA should not be painted in dark colors because exposure to high temperatures can cause expansion).

NEMA boards and sheets are easy and fast to clean with a clean and/or damp cloth. If necessary one of many common household cleaners such as glass cleaners can be used. The cleaning solution should be applied and immediately wiped dry. No cleaning solution should be left to stand on the board for an extended period.

For more information, please email us.

Flo Control

Flo Control is a unique variation on the pet door. This concept device uses image recognition technology to recognize your individual pet and allow them access to your home.

The built in camera, has an image sensor that see's your pet on approach, compares it to the file image stored in it's processor and if it is a successful match, the door unlocks.

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Cat Mate or Dog Mate

Cat Mate is a unique security device perfect for securing your pussy door or doggie door.

It uses a magnet strapped to your pets collar to allow only your cat or pet into your home.

On approach, the magnet deactivates the latch and allows your pal into your home, at the same time blocking unwanted animals from entering.

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