periscope
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Background: Most laptops include a built-in camera, typically located just above the top edge of the screen. This type of camera is generally marketed as a “video chat” or “conference call” camera. The issue: When a person is on a video call, they tend to look at the image on the screen instead of directly…
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Background: Modern submarines use a periscope-like electronic camera (a “photonics mast.”) to view the world above the waves. The issue: The problem is twofold: If an adversary spots a periscope, there isn’t much doubt as to what’s under the waves: it’s a submarine (Figure 1). Periscope designs are apparently specific to each nation, so just…
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Background: One of the most common complaints about nearby construction is the potential for new structures to block the views of existing residents. The issue: Existing residents in a neighborhood occasionally attempt to block nearby construction (often coming up with extremely implausible reasons as a smokescreen), when the real reason is that they just don’t…
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