New Ways AI and Ultrasound are Working Together

During a prenatal ultrasound, the technician’s job is to scan the pregnant woman’s womb and get images of the baby. Depending on how far along the mother-to-be is, the baby may be active and moving in the womb, which can pose a challenge for the tech. Furthermore, a standard ultrasound scan produces hundreds of images—if a doctor wants to see a specific one, then they have to flip through all the images to find it.

Artificial intelligence is helping to ease challenges like these. AI can consume, process, and analyze massive of amounts of data in real time at high speeds, improving efficiency and diagnostics and creating clearer images during these medical exams. With its ability to pick out the ideal image from thousands in a data set, artificial intelligence is leading to the automation of time-consuming tasks.

Ultrasound technology has vastly evolved over the years, and integrating AI into ultrasound systems began a few years ago with the goal of increasing workflow and speed. Artificial intelligence makes it possible for the doctor to pull a specific image and all associated images automatically. It can also select the best scanning slice view for a specific exam, extract it from a 3D dataset, and improve the reproducibility—all regardless of the sonographer’s skill level. Many high-end medical systems have already integrated some level of AI, and most new systems going forward will automatically feature AI.


Ultrasound machines use anatomical intelligence, whereas AI can instantly identify, color-code, and segment the anatomy in the scanning area. The automation provides visual mapping of screened anatomy with minimal user interaction. In a standard exam of the human brain, it takes several minutes for the user to identify the planes in the brain, and knowing the planes requires a lot of training and work. With AI, the user will only need a starting point on the brain, and the system will take the necessary measurements and store them.

Some companies are also adding AI voice recognition features to their ultrasound machines. The new voice-activated controls will allow the sonographer to operate the machine hands-free. Alternatively, the technician can hold the probe in one hand and the needle in another and conduct the procedure without an assistant. Voice activation frees up the tech to focus on the patient and the image instead of switching hands and reaching to adjust the machine.

Four Unique Ideas for Smart Home Upgrades

If you’re thinking about transitioning into a smart home, here are some unique ideas for smart phone upgrades that can optimize your home’s capabilities.

Smart locks

Smart locks are great additions to any smart home, allowing users to lock and unlock doors with a single click on a smartphone. Most are compatible with virtual assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. When they’re paired with a smart doorbell or door camera, smart locks are also helpful for people who can’t always get to the door quickly. See who’s at the door, communicate through the doorbell device, and even unlock the door without the hassle of rushing to the door. You can also give out temporary “guest keys” for visitors. This feature is perfect for overnight visitors or for rental guests if you’re renting out your home or using room-sharing platforms.


Smart garage door

Smart garage doors add security. You’ll no longer need to press an opener multiple times to open the garage door, and you can open and close the door from anywhere with your smartphone. Most smart doors are also compatible with virtual assistants, which can notify you when the door is left open and swiftly close it. Pair the door with security cameras for a live feed of the garage and surrounding areas to remotely monitor it.

Smart window treatments

Smart window treatments are a relatively new smart home option. Investing in smart blinds can save energy and add convenience. Dog barking up a storm outside? Close the blinds to minimize the noise. You can also close your blinds at the hottest point of the day to protect your furniture and hardwood flooring from sun damage and to keep your house cooler naturally. Best of all, you can control your blinds from anywhere. Even when you’re at home, you can use your smartphone or virtual assistant to control your blinds so that you don’t have to get up and close all your shades.

Smart refrigerator

A smart refrigerator can make life a lot easier. Features differ greatly by model, but here are some of the most common features:
  • Looks up recipes. Your smart refrigerator can browse the Internet for recipes, add ingredients to your shopping list, and tell you how to make a dish. Say goodbye to throwing together last-minute meals.
  • Creates grocery lists. Some smart fridges can learn your eating habits and add items to your grocery list automatically. Drink a can of soda every day after work? Never worry about running out again—your fridge will plan for you.
  • Shows you what’s inside. Many models have interior and exterior cameras so that you can check what you need while you’re shopping for groceries. Not sure if you need more eggs? Peek inside your fridge remotely to check.
  • Tells you when food expires. Some models allow you to input expiration dates, and then they notify you when your food is about to or has already expired.

How Robots Benefit Different Industries

The science fiction novels of decades past are coming true at last. Many industries utilize robots to improve efficiency, carry out precise tasks, or cut down on employment costs. Recent years have seen vast improvements in the world of robotics. In today’s article, we’ll explore a few different industries that use robots.

Health Care

Robots are sometimes used to perform intricate surgeries. A number of surgical applications require cuts so miniscule that doctors cannot make them. As a result, robotic arms are increasing in popularity for this task. Though doctors control the arms, the arms carry out the physical work. Robots can also package and distribute some medications as well as sanitize rooms.

Automotive

Several welding applications in the automotive industry require the use of robots, which can complete jobs in a more timely manner. Robots can also assemble small parts such as windshields and wheel bearings.


Agriculture

Robotics have greatly improved the agricultural industry during the last several years. Robotics can complete simple chores such as harvesting and spraying, and drones can monitor large fields and take detailed pictures that allow farmers to collect essential data. GPS, joined with other applications, can also be used to drive some farming equipment autonomously.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing often requires a large amount of monotonous movements, many of which are easily carried out by robotic devices. Robots are used for tasks such as material handling, removal, and assembly. They can also apply materials such as glue or paint to objects.

Food

Robots are being introduced to several areas of the food industry. They’re often programmed to clean, blend, and sort different types of food, such as meat or vegetables. Robots can also package food before it’s shipped out and stack boxes. Robots can also be used for different forms of food delivery.

Innovative Ways Technology is Used in Restaurants

Technology can be seen in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Though these influences may be subtle, they can still impact our lives greatly. The impact of technology on the restaurant industry, for instance, often goes unnoticed by diners. However, the ways technology is used in restaurants helps create a more relaxed dining experience for patrons and streamlines many of the processes restaurant employees use.

Online menus

For many diners, a restaurant’s menu is the most important factor in deciding where to eat. To entice diners, many restaurants have elected to update their menu and create an online version for easier viewing. This simple change encourages diners to stay on the restaurant’s website longer as they browse through the menu, and can lead to an increase in traffic and sales. When updating your restaurant’s menu for online viewing, be sure to organize it in a user-friendly way and choose colors that will appear well on a screen.

Digital payment options

In recent years, cash has become a thing of the past. Rather than carrying around bills and coins, diners now pay for their meals with credit cards or digital payment apps. Even with the added ease of credit and debit cards, the process of paying a bill can sometimes be lengthy. Digital POS systems expedite the process and move diners through the restaurant faster. Some restaurants also allow diners to pay for their meal using mobile apps such as Apple Pay.


Digital ordering

With the increased interest in food delivery services, digital ordering is now one of the most popular ways technology is used in restaurants. Many restaurants have introduced digital ordering options in which the user can order their meal directly from the restaurant’s website. These meals can then be picked up in the store or delivered directly to the user’s home; these are great options for busy individuals. Some restaurants have even introduced digital kiosks in their stores. These kiosks allow the user a bit more control when ordering and helps them ensure their order is placed according to their exact specifications.

Digital scheduling software

Not only does technology in restaurants make ordering easier for the diners, but it can also relieve stress and expedite processes for restaurant employees. Digital scheduling software enables restaurant employees to easily access and manage schedules from almost anywhere. This software makes the scheduling process easier for managers too, as they are now able to view time off requests and availability for all employees at once. The ease of access for digital scheduling software ensures that no shifts are ever forgotten, and the restaurant is always properly staffed.

Voice Over Recording Tips for a Successful Session

You just finished recording and editing your video. It’s perfect, worthy of an Oscar—or least a People’s Choice Award. All it needs now is some audio. With a polished script in hand, it’s time to lay down the dialogue and complete your production. To create a professional video, visual and audio elements must be excellent. To accomplish this, use these voice over recording tips.

Find a Good Spot

Even if you don’t have a huge budget, you can still create a professional home studio. You only need a few key components. Most people already have a computer and a microphone—that puts you halfway there. Purchase some headphones and recording and editing software to finish your set up. From here, you’ll want to choose a room in the house that has the best acoustics. Read the script in each room to ensure you pick the best one.

Get a Pop Filter

You’ll want to avoid plosive and sibilance—these are fancy words for the sounds associated with words starting with “P” or “S.” That extra pop or ess sound can make your recording sound unprofessional. As such, invest in a pop filter for your microphone to reduce or eliminate these sounds.


Do a Practice Read

The script might read amazing, however, when said aloud it might come across completely different. What sounds good in your head might not sound good to your ears. As such, read the entire script a few times and edit it as needed. Remove any words that you trip over and are hard to say—keep it concise and easy to pronounce.

Use a Stand

No matter how far away from the microphone you are, it will pick up the sound of paper rustling. To avoid this, don’t hold the script in hand while performing the read. Put the script on a stand so you don’t have to handle it.

Battle Dry Mouth

If you have a long script, prepare for the dreaded dry mouth. Talking a lot will quickly dry out your mouth. If you’re doing a long recording, keep water close by to sip throughout the session. However, be cautious about how much water you drink. Multiple bathroom trips will take away from recording time. Another good trick is to bring a Granny Smith apple with you. A quick bite will naturally get your mouth watering.

What You Should Know About LCD Technology

LCD, or liquid crystal display, has changed the way we think about our everyday flat-panel devices—take, for example, our laptops, phones, and TVs. Over the years, LCD replaced the technology that powered older electronics, as it offers numerous benefits. Not only is it light and thin, but it also produces impressive images without consuming a ton of power. We want to emphasize its impact, so we created a brief guide that details what you should know about LCD technology.

When Did It Rise in Popularity?

Although liquid crystals seem like a recent development, they’ve been around since the late 1800s, and Austrian scientist Friedrich Reinitzer first discovered them. He made this discovery completely by accident, but it paved the way for future pioneers in the 20th century. The military found the technology useful, and it quickly took the world by storm.


How It Works

Liquid crystals are molecules in between a solid and liquid state. When electricity triggers the liquid crystals, they’ll open or close. Multiple liquid crystals form arrangements that turn into pixels. The pixels have two polarizing glass filters, one behind them and one in front of them. When they open and close, or twist and untwist, the crystals’ movement changes the angle at which light comes through the filters. As the liquid crystal structure rotates, it can block polarized light or reflect red, green, or blue light. This is how displays can turn their pixels “on” and “off”, thus creating a full color display between two glass panels.

 To ensure their products meet lighting requirements, companies should have their devices undergo display testing. Generally, this process entails using a spectroradiometer to measure a display’s color and luminance.

How LCDs Differ from LEDs and OLEDs

Today, LED and OLED products compete against LCD technology. LCD technologies can produce sharp images much like LED and OLED; however, LCDs surprisingly don’t emit light on their own. Instead, they can control how much light passes through them. In most cases, LCD devices will have a backlight or will reflect light from external sources. You may also notice a difference in response time between these different technologies. The pixels in LCD devices will change colors at different speeds than LED or OLED products. Finally, screen brightness will vary; brightness is measured in NITs or candelas, and the higher the device’s NITs, the brighter the screen. LCD products often have fewer NITs than LED and OLED displays.