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Domain: e4engineering.com

Stories and comments across the archive that link to e4engineering.com.

Comments · 6

  1. This is an article from last year. by Animats · · Score: 1 · on Ultra High Definition Video
    This was shown publicly last year, and published in September 2003.

    Super high resolution monitors have been done before, but usually as CRTs. Greyscale CRTs are easy to make, and have been used for medical X-ray viewing, where 5-megapixel displays are often used. The medical monitor makers are now offering 5-megapixel greyscale LCD panels. Color panels still have lower resolutions.

  2. $110 million for enzymes for clean fuel renwabl... by wtoconnor · · Score: 1 · on Ethanol From Waste Straw
    $110 million for enzymes for clean renewable fuel.

    How many useful enzymes might we develop for the $90 billion we are spending in Iraq per year or the $$$$ developing a laser cannon (see Airborn Laser ) Makes you wonder why the rest of the world might think the US a tad militaristic.

    Something to think about.

  3. New EU patent law will stop all this!! by david1234 · · Score: 2, Interesting · on Microsoft Patents 'Phone-Home' Failure Reporting

    On September 24, the European Parliament gave its initial approval to a 'Directive' on the 'Patentability of Computer-Implemented Inventions'. Before it did, however, it threw in loads of amendments, some of which were aimed at stopping these US practice of patenting 'business methods and software'. You can read more on e4engineering here.

  4. Great idea! by tyroneking · · Score: 2, Interesting · on Honda Crash Detection System

    Sounds like a great idea, if a little worrying at first.

    I think the article gives slightly the wrong impression; implying that the car takes control if it detects a crash is likely to happen - a good trick if a piece of hardware can predict a crash before a human can ;)

    In fact the system seems to detect the liklehood of a crash and warn the driver, tightening seatbelts and readying brakes, and if the driver agrees that a crash is possible and applies the brakes, the system helps this process.

    Some good info on the Honda site (good graphics too), here's a snippet:

    "This system determines the likelihood of a collision based on driving conditions, distance to the vehicle ahead, and relative speeds, and uses visual and audio warnings to prompt the driver to take preventative action. " ... and I suspect that radar is not the only component.

    Seems like this is part of a long term drive in Japan to make safer cars: remember the device that sprayed the driver with lemon scented water if it sensed him/her getting drowsy? Or the breath-alcohol test device that prevented drunk drivers from starting their vehicles?

    Apparently, part of the CMS system will also keep the driver in their lane too.

    Not sure why such systems are not more available in the West, maybe Japan's drivers are more ready to accept such restrictions on their driving freedom. Whatever the reason they seem to have reasonably safe roads even by Nordic standards

    I guess in the West drivers are keener to protect their driving freedoms; this is certainly the case in the UK, but let's face it, most people can't drive well most of the time because driving is risky and stressful. Speeding, driving whilst talking on a mobile phone, driving when sleepy, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or prescribed medicines, are too common - and at the end of the day it's just another poor working stiff who ends up in hospital or the cemetery.
  5. Re:no mention by g4dget · · Score: 4, Informative · on Europe Heads for the Moon in July
    The US calls the shots when it comes to the ISS, and the limited role the Europeans play is because the US is miffed at European foreign policy and thinks that European engineers are dolts (see here).

    If you want to know what parts of the ISS the US has assigned to other nations, you can find it on Google (e.g., this and this). Ariane rocket launches also are used for a lot of components, although US media don't seem to have much interest in reporting this (e.g., here).

    The main reason for NASA to favor international involvement in something like the ISS is because it makes it harder for Congress to cancel the project; otherwise, it looks like they'd just as soon go it alone.

  6. Re:The mute and deaf by P!Alexander · · Score: 2, Interesting · on Talk ... Without Speaking

    Combine it with an avatar and let the deaf read lips.

    I just want a jewel in my ear that will let me communicate through subvocalizing to an all-knowing computer network/alien being (a la the Ender's Game universe)!