Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Embedded Linux On a High Speed Camera

Posted by timothy on from the cool-hardware dept.

destructor writes: "Linuxdevices has an interesting article on a High Speed Gated Intensified Camera that "combines a fast gated micro-channel plate (MCP) image intensifier, a CMOS image sensor, and an embedded computer based on an Axis Communications ETRAX RISC processor running Embedded Linux." The camera (Elphel Model 303) itself is network operable and can be used for capturing images of explosions, lightning bolts, etc. Link found via. megarad.com."

4 of 91 comments (clear)

  1. Too limited! by QuickFox · · Score: 3, Funny

    The camera [...] can be used for capturing images of explosions, lightning bolts, etc.

    Wouldn't it be better to make a camera that can be used for ordinary pictures?

    Give a man a fish and he eats for one day. Teach him how to fish, and though he'll eat for a lifetime, he'll call you a miser for not giving him your fish.

    --
    Terrorists can't threaten a country's freedom and democracy. Only lawmakers and voters can do that.
  2. Ah, but can it.... by The+Fred · · Score: 2, Funny

    Catch the speed at which this site is going to be slashdotted?

  3. Re:pr0n? by servasius_jr · · Score: 4, Funny

    What precise effect will this play on the online pr0n industry?

    That depends on how many people are turned on by explosions and lightning bolts.

  4. I worry. by xxSOUL_EATERxx · · Score: 3, Funny
    This camera is unquestionably an exciting use of embedded Linux. Few things rival the coolness factor of a panoramic lightning storm color photo spread. But I worry.

    ...what's next?

    I think back to the film Real Genius probably the high point of Val Kilmer's acting career. In the film, the character of Hollyfield, a madman who lives in a closet, is described as "a gifted scientist, until he found out the government was using one of his inventions to kill people " (emphasis mine).

    With that thought, the chilling possibility arises: if Linux can be used for good, like in cameras, how long before it is used for evil? How will Slashdot report on the first embedded-linux-using guided atomic bomb?This is something the needs to be seriously considered now. The Linux community cannot afford to wait until embedded Linux is used in torture devices by some fascist regime before confronting the possibilities of using Linux for evil.

    A "Linux Bill of Rights" should be drawn up, roundly condemning the use of Linux for destructive, sexist, racist, or environmentally degrading practices. So much progress has been made through Linux. This great OS, the product of strong, free geeks, must not be allowed to become a tool for evil. The voices of the Linux community must be heard: rememer the lesson of Real Genius!