Tag: sensor

French startup reveals quasi-immortal sensor that doesn’t need energy to work — SilMach’s ultra cheap microsensors can be used in a dizzying array of use cases

[ad_1]

France 2030 is a strategic €34 billion investment by the French government aiming to kickstart economic growth in the country.

As part of this initiative, the SIRCAPASS project (Surveillance of Road Infrastructures by Passive Sensors) has chosen French firm SilMach to provide ultra-cheap microsensors to monitor and ensure the structural health of bridges across the country.

The €1.7 million project is aimed at monitoring road infrastructures through passive sensors, specifically targeting impact detection, fatigue monitoring, exceptional overload, and crack identification – all tasks that previously were handled manually.

Operate effectively in harsh environments

Built around hybrid MEMS micromechanical sensor technology, these microsensors can record critical structural events without a power source, potentially identifying any hazards that might compromise a bridge’s structural integrity, and hopefully ensuring public safety.

“France 2030 marks a crucial step in SilMach’s development,” said Co-CEO Pierre-François Louvigné. “We are proud to lead this public-private consortium with key actors capable of providing a technological solution for the safety of the French and our economy.”

Fellow Co-CEO Jean-Baptiste Carnet added, “Everyone knows the human and economic cost of a bridge collapse. Our innovations are here to provide a new response to a major societal challenge.”

SilMach says its energy-free microsensor sensors operate effectively even in harsh environments including underwater and in space. With a communication module linked to an information system, the sensor can relay critical data and provide a mechanical memory ensuring access to raw data in a directly exploitable format.

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 works with HomeKit

Post author By miranda cosgrove
Post date April 10, 2024
No Comments on Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 works with HomeKit

[ad_1]

The new Thread- and Matter-enabled Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 came out Tuesday for use with HomeKit and other smart-home platforms, the company said.

“In the rapidly expanding global market for Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, Aqara has achieved remarkable success, distributing over 100,000 units last year,” noted Cathy You, Aqara’s senior VP of Global Business and Strategy.

“The launch of the Motion and Light Sensor P2, which combines our renowned sensor technology with the latest in connectivity protocols and standards, encapsulates our forward-thinking approach and our commitment to delivering smart home solutions that are ready for tomorrow’s advancement,” she added.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2

The new motion and light sensor from Aqara contains an ultra-wide angle PIR motion sensor with a standalone illumination sensor. That technology enables detection up to 23 feet away and across 170 degrees horizontally.

So you can use the sensor to automate lighting, enhance security and help manage climate control. For example, you could automate a temperature change after dark.

Unlike some sensors on the market, Aqara’s P2 measures light intensity and motion separately. So it won’t interfere with the lighting- and window-covering control you put in place for comfort and energy efficiency.

The sensor’s battery lasts for up to two years, Aqara added.

Native Matter support and Thread border router functionality

Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 with iPhone-2 — You can control the sensor using Aqara’s app or the Home app on your iPhone.
Photo: Aqara

Here’s more from the company about the device:

As a Thread-enabled device, the Motion and Light Sensor P2 connects to any Matter controller with Thread Border Router functionality. And [it] allows use across multiple compatible platforms thanks to Matter’s multi-admin feature.

Furthermore, the sensor offers a few Aqara Home exclusive features such as customizable sensitivity and detection timeout settings for tailored performance.

Users can fine-tune both parameters through the Aqara Home app. [It] requires Aqara’s Thread-enabled Matter controller, for example the upcoming Hub M3.

Aqara also mentioned it will release additional Thread devices in the coming months. Those should include Hub M3 mentioned above and Smart Lock U200. Aqara said in February Home Key support would come to the lock with software updates.

You can pick up Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 for $33.99 on Amazon.

Where to buy: Amazon

Source: Aqara

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Tags Aqara, HomeKit, light, motion, sensor, Works

Entertainment

Leica’s SL3 mirrorless camera offers a 60-megapixel sensor and 8K video

Post author By lisa nichols
Post date March 10, 2024
No Comments on Leica’s SL3 mirrorless camera offers a 60-megapixel sensor and 8K video

[ad_1]

Leica’s SL family has always been the most “mirrorless” looking of its cameras, offering pro photographers handling that’s similar to rivals like Canon and Sony. That continues with the launch of the SL3, a 60-megapixel (MP) model that looks nothing like its famous rangefinder cameras, offering a new phase-detect autofocus system, 8K video capability and more.

The new model has the same sensor as the M11 rangefinder and Q3 compact models, but very much resembles the SL2 and tips the scale at a hefty 767 grams. It’s also IP54-rated so you can shoot in weather conditions ranging from 14 to 104°F without worrying about dust, moisture etc.

Leica's SL3 mirrorless camera has a 60-megapixel sensor and 8K video — Leica

The biggest change in the layout is a new dial on the left top (all the dials are blank as you can customize them any way you want). At the back, Leica moved the three key buttons (play, function and menu) to the right, and changed the power switch to a button.

The SL3 now has a new 3.2″ 2.3m-dot LCD, and unlike past models, it can tilt (but not swivel). The EVF has also been updated to a higher-resolution 5.76m-dot 0.78x OLED version. As for storage, it supports both CFexpress type B and SD UHS-II memory cards. It comes with a full-sized HDMI and USB-C charging ports, along with mic/headphone jacks.

The new sensor increases resolution from 47 MP on the SL2 up to 60 MP, a significant bump. It’s likely similar to the sensor Sony uses on the A7R V, and supports a wide native ISO range from 50-100,000, with a claimed 15 stops of dynamic range.

It can shoot bursts up to 15fps, but more importantly, offers a new phase-detect AF system that’s faster and more intelligent, according to the company. It combines phase detection, contrast and object autofocus for faster and more consistent performances. That includes face and eye detection, along with a new animal detection feature. It’s also supposed to be better at tracking action, Leica says.

As for video, the SL3 can record internally in DCI 8K 8192 x 4320 at 30 fps and DCI 4K at up to 60p with a maximum bitrate of 600Mb/s. It can also record externally via the HDMI output, also at DCI 8K and DCI 4K up to 60fps. Those resolutions are all available in 10-bit with the choice of L-Log Rec. 2020 and HLG Rec. 2020. It supports ProRes recording, but only up to 1080p.

As you’re probably expecting, the SL3 isn’t cheap at $6,995, though it is significantly cheaper than the $9,000 M11. It’s now available at B&H Photo Video and elsewhere.

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

[ad_2]

Source Article Link

Tags 60megapixel, camera, Leicas, mirrorless, Offers, sensor, SL3, video