Archive for Illumination
October 29, 2008 at 6:48 pm · Filed under Illumination, Animal, Video, Biota
Smooth nylon shrimp (Heterocarpus laevigatus) inhabiting the dark depths of the Pacific employ a brilliant method of defense. When threatened with attack, the creature spits a cloud of glowing blue fluid from its mouth, temporarily blinding its predator and allowing escape.
This rarely seen footage of the creature’s defense mechanism in action was shot at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
See also:
- Video: Tremoctopus defense mechanism
- Video: Three bioluminescent sea creatures
Original post by Edo
June 26, 2008 at 3:27 pm · Filed under Illumination, Smart Tech, Sentient Tech, Imaging/Display, Household, Display
IT company Kayac has teamed up with researchers from Keio University to develop a high-tech brainstorming room that listens to its inhabitants and feeds them a barrage of related data and images in order to boost creativity and fuel the imagination.
The system — called “Kage Roi” — relies on a speech-recognition capable computer that monitors the brainstorming session via microphone, identifies keywords, and automatically crawls the web in search of related information and images. A ceiling-mounted projector then casts the retrieved data and imagery onto dark, human-shaped shadows on the table during the course of the meeting. The brainstormers can free-associate on the projected data, use it as a tool for discussion, or rely on it for helpful cues if ideas are running short.
Read the full post (254 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
December 10, 2007 at 10:08 am · Filed under Illumination, Art, Transportation, Simulacra, Video
For decades in Japan, dekochari (deko means “decoration” and chari means “bicycle”) have been the ride of choice for hardcore dekotora fans that are too young to drive. Modeled after Japan’s celebrated art trucks, dekochari typically feature large front bumpers, ornate luggage racks, rear-mounted boxes that resemble truck trailers, colorful paint jobs, lots of chrome, and sophisticated electric light displays. This video pieces together random night scenes from Dekochari Yarou, a documentary that profiles a few dekochari enthusiasts and their custom rides. The soundtrack is “Ichiban-boshi Blues” (sung by Bunta Sugawara and Kinya Aikawa), the theme song from the Torakku Yarou movie series that sparked Japan’s dekotora craze in the ’70s. [Video]
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Original post by Edo
October 26, 2007 at 3:54 pm · Filed under security, Illumination, Crime, Simulacra
The Osaka Prefectural Police Department this year has reportedly purchased 800 rabbit-shaped roof-mount strobe lights for use on special patrol cars that cruise the streets around schools. Custom-built by warning equipment manufacturer Patlite, the blue bunny beacons are designed to win the admiration of children while they send the bad guys packing.
Here is a short video of the rabbit lights on display at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.
[Via: Gizmodo Japan]
Original post by Edo
September 2, 2007 at 5:02 pm · Filed under Illumination, JAXA, Space
The Tokushima-Kainan Observatory has posted a terrific series of photos of Japan’s space fireworks show.
Original post by Edo
August 30, 2007 at 11:29 am · Filed under Illumination, JAXA, Space
People in Japan this Saturday evening will be treated to a “space fireworks” show consisting of three balls of red light in the sky, each glowing as bright as the moon.
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Original post by Edo
August 28, 2007 at 7:12 pm · Filed under Illumination, Animal, Video, Biota, Cephalopod, Toyama
This video clip from Japanese TV program “Best House 123″ shows the top three glow-in-the-dark sea creatures selected by Hokkaido University professor Yoshihiro Omiya, a specialist in the study of bioluminescent organisms.
Read the full post (255 words, 1 image)
Original post by Edo
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