The "To Keep Up" Wiki

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
~~NOCACHE~~ <fc #a0a0a0><fs small>//This page last changed ~~LASTMOD~~ visits: {{counter|today| time| times}} today, {{counter|yesterday| time| times}} yesterday, and {{counter|total| time total so far| total times}}//</fs></fc> 

====Meeting Summary for Lex Computer Group Oct 30, 2024 on QR Codes and Drone Light Shows====

A video covering the evolution of communication and information storage, focusing on the development of Morse code, barcodes, and QR codes. It also introduced the concept of error correction in data transmission using QR codes and the process of creating an Intel drone light show. The Intel team shared their experiences and insights on the development and execution of a Walmart holiday drone show, emphasizing the importance of creativity, technical skills, and teamwork.

====Summary====

Evolution of Communication and Barcodes

The evolution of communication and information storage. It began with Samuel Finley Breeze Morse, who developed the electric telegraph and Morse code, revolutionizing long-distance communication. Morse code was widely used in various industries, including the military, maritime, and aviation. Peter then shifted to Bernard Silver and Norman Joseph Woodland, who created the first barcode in the late 1940s. The barcode was initially used to speed up the checkout process in supermarkets and has since evolved into the universal product code (UPC) barcode. Peter explained the structure and functionality of the barcode, including the check digit verification system. He concluded by mentioning the limitations of the barcode system, such as the inability to store extensive information about a product.


QR Code Evolution and Benefits

Peter discussed the evolution of barcodes, from the insufficient code 49 to the more efficient 2D data matrix. He then focused on the QR code, its development by Masahiro Hara, and its features such as the position squares, alignment pattern, timing strips, and format strips. Peter also explained how data is stored in a QR code, including the use of error correction codes. He concluded by discussing the benefits of using QR codes, such as the ability to store a significant amount of data and the possibility of error correction. He also mentioned the video sponsor, Sali, which offers affordable cell plans and data in over 150 countries.


Error Correction in QR Codes

Peter discussed the concept of error correction in data transmission using QR codes. He explained the use of Hamming Distance and Reed-Solomon error-correcting codes to ensure data integrity. He also touched on the practical application of QR codes in various scenarios, including the Mad Cow Disease outbreak in the UK and the COVID-19 pandemic. Peter highlighted the importance of QR codes in storing vaccine records and personal health information. He also mentioned the potential for QR codes to be used for electronic authentication and the need for better control over their usage.


Intel Drone Light Show Process

Peter discussed the process of creating an Intel drone light show, highlighting the various steps involved, from site planning to the final performance. He also introduced three colleagues: Charlene, an animator; Chilpa, a project manager; and Clay, a pilot. Charlene shared her experience working on a challenging show in Malaysia, while Shilpa expressed her admiration for the Apollo 11 Moon Landing 50th anniversary show. Both shared their educational and career paths, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and the connection between technological advancement and societal progress.


Intel Drone Light Show Operations

Peter, Shilpa, and Clay discuss their backgrounds and how they came to work on Intel's drone light shows. Clay, a former air traffic controller, explains how his experience navigating regulations helped him join the team. The drones can fly up to 400 feet high, sometimes higher with FAA permission, to avoid interfering with low-flying aircraft like helicopters and planes near airports. Wind conditions also impact flight duration, which ranges from 8-15 minutes before the drones need to recharge for 30-45 minutes.


Drone Show Creation and Collaboration

Peter and Charlene discussed the process of creating a drone show for a client, such as Walmart for a holiday show. Charlene explained that the process begins with sketching and ideating the concept, which is then refined into a 3D shape containing drone vertices. This 3D shape is then animated and moved, and the animated mesh is put into software for technical validation and to get the creative assets into a flyable state. Charlene also mentioned that the process involves collaboration with the client to understand their desired story and narrative. Peter asked about the transition from pencil sketches to computer programs, and Charlene explained that the sketches are made into 3D shapes, which are then animated and moved. The project manager, Chilpa, then brings all the elements together, combining the creative elements with logistics, FAA requirements, and client decisions.


Drone Light Show Execution Process

Peter, Shilpa, and Clay discussed the process of creating and executing drone light shows. They explained how the creative assets are transformed into a code that the drones can understand, and how each drone has its own individual flight plan to avoid collisions. They also discussed the challenges of extreme temperatures and high winds, and how they have developed procedures to handle these conditions. The team also touched on the safety of their proprietary software and the logistics of setting up and executing the shows. The process from start to finish takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Peter also asked about the technical skills required to be a drone pilot, and Clay explained that becoming a certified remote pilot involves studying the rules of the airspace and passing a test.


Walmart Holiday Drone Show Discussion

Peter led a discussion with Charlene, Shilpa, and Clay about the development and execution of a Walmart holiday drone show. The panelists shared their experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of creativity, technical skills, and teamwork in creating such a show. They also encouraged the audience to pursue their passions and not be intimidated by the technical aspects of their chosen fields. The conversation concluded with a video showcasing the drone show and a call to action for the audience to share their thoughts on the possibility of future drone shows.