All Posts in "Inspector Gadget Gadgets"

Civilian Applications of GPS Technology

Aviation

GPS technology is now very much prevalent in commercial aviation. Most commercial jetliners now increasingly employ GPS navigation for initial and non-precision approach to specified airfields. The Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADB-B) is the futuristic primary guidance and navigational GPS technology for which a substantial amount of research, development and investments are being poured in. The ADB-B technology also involves direct inter-aircraft communication within a pre-defined radial proximity wherein it enables the aircraft to inter-communicate their relative speeds, distances, flight paths and locations. The development of this technology is not confined to any one country but is being developed globally through strategic technological multi-lateral alliances. Besides its use in commercial aviation, the GPS ADB-B technology is also being employed in the navigation Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The UAV’s are primarily used for resource mapping and air surveillance imaging – a task that was previously tasked to earth orbiting satellites such as the NASA Landsat.

Shipping and Rail Transport

The all encompassing, all progressing GPS technology has further underlined its presence in the field of maritime technology. GPS digital technology has since replaced conventional electronic maritime technology and is now being employed to include such vital operational parameters as ocean and inshore navigation, dredging, port and harbor entrance approach navigation and docking, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), Automatic Identification System (AIS), hydrographical data collection and cargo logistics.

In regard to railroad navigation, GPS technology is widely used today to streamline such navigational essentials that include the management of rolling stock, … Read more

Marion Kozub by — June 29, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets
Assistive Technology Advancements Offer A New Wave of Possibility For Your Child With Special Needs

Technology has a way of skidding from science fictions’ past into the present like Michael J Foxs’ Delorean in “Back to the Future”. Remember those sliding doors in Star Trek on the U.S.S. Enterprise? We take them for granted now. And every time I see someone flip open a cell phone and talk to someone, I expect to hear them say “Beam me up Scotty.” The day of live streamed video mail is coming soon -very soon. Every science fiction movie I ever saw had someone talking to someone else from a TV screen and we all laughed, yet today I heard that our IT department is supplying built in web-cams standard on all newly issued laptop models.

I had a real wide-eyed moment today and I have to share it with you. I watched our doctor wave a Dr. McCoy-Star Trek-type “tricorder” over my sons chest. “What IS that?” I had asked. The doctor explained that it would “re-align the electrical impulses that were out of sync so his respiratory infection could heal.”

“Seriously?” I thought to myself. This was real. My son thought it tickled and the doctor did the treatment until the levels on the front showed the body had re-calibrated. Just when you think you are getting a handle on things, something new pops up and surprises you.

I am a specialist in assistive technology. I see new things that come out on the market all the time. I have been following the research and development … Read more

Marion Kozub by — June 25, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets
The History of 3D Technology

3D technology can be traced all the way back to the beginning of photography. In 1844 David Brewster invented the Stereoscope. It was a new invention that could take photographic images in 3D. Later, Louis Jules Duboscq took that invention and improved on it. Louis took a picture of Queen Victoria using the improved technology and displayed it at the Great Exhibition in 1851. This picture became very well known throughout the world. Steroscopic cameras started to catch on and became fairly common for personal use by World War II.

In 1855 the Kinematascope, a stereo animation camera, was invented. It was able to create 3d motion pictures. In 1915 the first anaglyph movie was produced. Anaglyph technology used 3d glasses with 2 different color lenses that would direct an image to each eye. In 1890 William Friese-Greene, a British film pioneer, filed a patent for the 3D movie process. In 1922 the first public 3D movie, “The Power of Love”, was displayed. In 1935 the first 3D Color movie was produced. The use of the technology would remain dormant for over a decade.

In the 1950s, 3D technology made a come back. During this era, TVs had become extremely popular and had started appearing in many households. In the 50s a number of 3D movies were being produced. In 1952 “Bwana Devil” by United Artists was shown across the United States. This was the first 3D movie of the 50s. The film was shot using a process called Natural … Read more

Marion Kozub by — June 20, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets
T Is for Technology in Triathlon Training

The original triathletes were amazing. Dave Scott and Mark Allen accomplished amazing feats in triathlon long before technology took over the sport. They didn’t have metrics like we have today and they certainly didn’t have all of the information gathering abilities we have. Yet, they set records and competed valiantly. In fact Mark Allen still holds the marathon record in Kona to this day. Technology is a great friend to triathletes but is does have a downside.

TECHNOLOGY ITEMS

So technology has taken over every part of triathlon. One of the most widely researched areas is the area of the triathlon watch. Each and every year there are new watches available for purchase that have ever increasing measurements for the triathlete. My personal favorite is the Garmin 910XT. This watch gives me heart rate, power (with a power meter), pacing (with optional foot pod), speed, cadence (with optional cadence sensor), mileage, yards in swimming, and much more. Each of these measurements aid me in measuring my success or failures in each and every training session and race.

Technology has been making huge strides in bicycles and wheel sets. The amount of research going into these two items within the world of triathlon is incredible. Each and every year there are new and exciting advances in aerodynamic speed in bicycles and wheel sets. Much of the time these technologies can take on two very different vantage points. This was most evident at the 2016 World Championships in Kona. Diamond Bikes unveiled … Read more

Marion Kozub by — June 10, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets
Upgrade With an Android Navigation Head Unit – Say Goodbye to the Factory Car Stereo

Does your factory car stereo look plain and boring or maybe it lacks important features such as navigation? Outdated car stereos don’t serve much of a purpose. Most of them don’t have navigation systems and play only radio and CD music. Upgrade your factory car stereo with an Android aftermarket navigation head unit to experience the best of today’s technology.

Replace your outdated head unit for more high-tech functionality. Automotive navigation systems are an essential part of today’s modern vehicles but don’t worry, you don’t need to buy a brand new car for these commodities. The aftermarket offers a variety of multimedia Android head units, which are convenient devices and allow you to connect your Android phone to your dash and control some of the most important features. With an Android head unit, you can play music, use Google Maps navigation which is far more advanced than the basic BMW navigation, make calls and send messages.

  • Having an Android head unit has tons of advantages.

This is not just a typical car stereo, we are talking about a multi-functional device that will make your car rides pleasant and relaxing. Your Android phone is connected to the dash via USB which does not mirror every app you have on the device. Only the apps that are authorized by Google Play can be visible on your unit because of drivers’ safety regulations. You will be able to use Google Maps as a reliable navigation system as well as play music from your … Read more

Marion Kozub by — June 1, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets
The Benefits of Music Technology in Schools

1. Music technology helps to improve the understanding of musical theory

“You can use it [Logic Pro] to teach students pretty much any topic especially the use of dynamics, in a hands on practical way”. J Clarke BDA, Head of Music.

The plug-in and automation features in Logic Pro and most music software, enable students to understand classical terms such as crescendo and diminuendo on an interactive platform. Automation tools also give a level of interaction during the process, as they are able to control the dynamics according to each section and instrument. Plug – in controls such as attack, release, sustain and decay help students to visually interact with terms such as staccato, legato and accent; all essential tools when creating a highly expressive composition.

2. Develops performing, composing and arranging skills through an integrated approach

“It can enable them [students] to access compositional and arrangement techniques in a creative way from a young age”. M Barbe, MBP Head of Music.

When composing a song using an acoustic instrument, it can be challenging to write parts of the composition, plus arrange different sections – without an understanding of compositional structure and the ability to play a musical instrument. Using software solutions such as GarageBand, students are able to substitute these requirements through access to a world of instrumental loops and samples, whereby students may listen, cut and paste various samples to begin to build their own composition. The software allows students to use the interface as a canvas for … Read more

Marion Kozub by — May 29, 2023 in Inspector Gadget Gadgets