security solutions

How Does BAS Use Post-quantum Cryptography To Resist Quantum Attacks? A Practical Guide To Upgrading The Security Of Your Building Automation System

2025年12月22日

A core issue that is often overlooked, the building automation system, also known as BAS in English, is a system whose intelligent upgrades are continuing to deepen. Its network security, especially its ability to resist future quantum computing attacks, has become an urgent issue. Post-quantum cryptography, also known as PQC in English, is a key technology to meet this challenge. It can ensure that key control systems such as HVAC, lighting, and security in buildings remain safe and trustworthy in the era of quantum computing. For BAS, deploying PQC is not only about defending against future threats, but also a necessary measure to deal with the current "capture now, decrypt later" attack strategy.

How post-quantum cryptography protects building automation systems from quantum attacks

Post-quantum cryptographic protection is achieved by replacing the mathematical basis of current encryption algorithms. The current BAS system relies extensively on traditional public key algorithms such as RSA for device authentication and communication encryption. However, the security of these algorithms will no longer exist in the face of quantum computers. Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are based on mathematical problems that are difficult to solve by quantum computers, such as grid and encoding problems.

Within the specific scenario of BAS, this means that all communication links starting from the central server, to the field controller (DDC), to various sensors and actuators, their identity authentication and session key exchange processes must be upgraded using the PQC algorithm. For example, crucial instructions such as controlling the start and stop of chillers or reading access card swipe records must rely on quantum-resistant authentication to avoid being forged or eavesdropped. Such upgrades can resist the long-term threat of attackers intercepting currently encrypted data and waiting for future quantum computers to decrypt it when they mature, thereby ensuring the long-term confidentiality of building operation data.

What are the main challenges in migrating building automation systems to post-quantum cryptography?

When the BAS system migrates towards post-quantum cryptography, it will encounter unique complexity challenges. The primary challenge is the heterogeneity and long life cycle of the system. The BAS of buildings are often integrated by equipment from multiple brands and different ages, resulting in outdated and aging equipment. Its computing resources are limited, and it may be difficult to run new algorithms that require large computing or storage costs. At the same time, building systems are designed to be used for decades, far exceeding the iteration cycle of current encryption equipment, which makes "future proof" issues particularly important.

There are strict requirements for real-time performance and reliability. Related operations such as emergency stop and start of ventilation systems and linkage control of fire alarms have extremely high requirements for communication delay and system stability. Some post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are different from traditional algorithms in terms of signature generation, verification speed or communication bandwidth overhead, which may affect the real-time performance of the control loop. Therefore, the migration plan should undergo strict compatibility and stress testing to ensure that it will not affect the normal and safe operation of the building under any circumstances.

Why Building Automation Systems Need a Hybrid Encryption Transition Plan

For a system like BAS that has extremely high requirements for continuous operation, the risk of directly replacing the encryption algorithm is quite high. Therefore, adopting a hybrid encryption transition solution is currently recognized as a best practice in the industry. During the communication process, this solution uses both traditional algorithms (such as RSA) and a post-quantum algorithm (such as lattice-based -) to perform double signature or double key exchange.

The core advantage of doing it this way is that both smoothness and safety are equally important. During the transition period, even if potential loopholes in post-quantum algorithms are discovered, the system will still rely on traditional algorithms to maintain security; on the contrary, when the threats posed by quantum computers gradually approach, traditional algorithms will fail, and the post-quantum part can still provide protection. Such a mechanism with "double insurance" characteristics allows BAS operators to carry out deployment operations and verify PQC according to stages and devices without causing interruption to existing services, greatly reducing the risks faced by migration to a great extent. Cloud service providers such as Amazon AWS also implement similar strategies, with the goal of achieving a migration that is invisible to users.

How to choose the right post-quantum cryptographic algorithm for building automation systems

When selecting a PQC algorithm for BAS, you need to make a comprehensive and balanced decision on security, performance, and system constraints. At present, lattice-based algorithms, such as Kyber and Kyber, which are standardized by NIST, have become the first choice in many application scenarios because they have achieved a good balance between security and efficiency. They are suitable for very frequent key exchanges and command signing operations between controllers and servers in BAS.

However, for edge devices with extremely limited resources, such as wireless temperature and humidity sensors, it may be necessary to consider a more streamlined implementation, or a hash-based signature algorithm, such as +. Although the latter has a relatively large signature, the computing resources required are more controllable. The choice of algorithm is not single. A large BAS project needs to face three different levels, namely the central management layer, the regional control layer and the field equipment layer. Different algorithm configuration strategies must be formulated for these three levels. When synchronizing, be sure to give priority to those that have undergone strict standardization, such as NIST and IETF, and also provide algorithm libraries that resist side-channel attacks to deal with security threats in the actual physical environment.

What are the specific steps to implement post-quantum cryptography in building automation systems?

Carrying out PQC in BAS is a systematic project. It is recommended to follow the following steps. The first step is to conduct a comprehensive asset inventory and risk assessment. It is necessary to sort out all BAS equipment, communication protocols and current encryption usage in the network. It is also necessary to evaluate which control links, such as energy management and security alarms, are the most critical assets that need to be protected with priority.

The second step is to design a cryptographic agility architecture, which is at the core of a successful migration. This suggests that systems should be designed to dynamically replace encryption algorithms via software updates without hardware replacement and without service interruption. For BAS, this may mean reserving algorithm module slots in central management software or network gateways. Subsequently, in an independent test environment, integration tests were conducted on the candidate PQC algorithm and existing BAS protocols such as /IP and TCP to verify its functionality and performance impact. Finally, formulate a phased rollout plan, for example, starting with new projects or upgrading key systems, and then successively covering existing systems.

What profound impact will quantum computing have on building automation safety in the future?

As quantum computing matures, it will reshape the security paradigm of the entire BAS. Its most direct impact is that all current device certificates and digital signatures based on asymmetric cryptography will immediately lose their validity. This shows that unauthorized entities have the possibility of forging control instructions and can control lights, elevators and even power supplies at will, causing physical security problems and economic losses.

A more profound impact lies in the integration of security architecture. In the future, post-quantum cryptography may be combined with quantum key distribution and other technologies to provide key distribution services based on the laws of physics for occasions with ultra-high security requirements, such as key government buildings and financial data centers. At the same time, for In order to be able to deal with new attacks born from the combination of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, BAS's intrusion detection and abnormal behavior analysis systems also need to evolve simultaneously. Owners, system integrators, and security suppliers should start planning from now on and regard post-quantum security as a necessary attribute of the digital base of smart buildings.

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For those of you who are in the stage of planning or operating smart buildings, after knowing the urgency of quantum threats, have you already initiated a quantum security risk assessment for the building automation systems under your own name or management? What worries you most is the compatibility issues covered by existing equipment, or the risk of operational interruption that may occur in the middle of the migration process? Feel free to share your own views and challenges in the comment area.
How To Use DNA Gate Control? How Is It Safer Than A Fingerprint Password? In-depth Analysis Of Genetic Keys

2025年12月21日

At a time when information security is becoming increasingly critical, biometric authentication technology is developing rapidly. DNA is a unique biomarker, and its use has extended from traditional forensic medicine to the cutting-edge access control field. Access credentials based on DNA represent one of the ultimate forms of identity authentication technology. It uses the genetic sequence that everyone is born with and cannot be copied as a key. The theory provides an unparalleled level of security. This article will explore the principles, advantages, challenges of this technology, as well as the current status and future of its practical application.

How DNA-based access credentials work

Comparing the match between preset genetic samples and real-time collected samples is its core working principle. When users register for the first time, they must provide biological samples through saliva swabs or fingertip blood collection. Laboratory or field equipment extracts and analyzes specific DNA marker sites and digitizes them into an encrypted "gene key."

During the actual verification, the user only needs to provide a small amount of biological samples again, and the verification equipment will quickly perform DNA extraction and targeted sequencing, and then compare the results with the stored encryption key. The entire process may involve fast technologies such as isothermal amplification, reducing the process that took several days in the past to a few minutes or even shorter. The key point is that the system does not store a complete genetic map, but only retains a small number of specific site information for comparison to protect privacy.

Advantages of DNA access credentials over traditional methods

The biggest advantage is security. Traditional passwords can be cracked or stolen. Biometric features such as fingerprints and irises are theoretically at risk of being forged. Everyone's DNA sequence is unique and will not change throughout life. It is technically extremely difficult and costly to perfectly copy the DNA of a living sample to deceive the sensor.

The second step is to prevent forgetting and preventing loss. Users do not need to memorize complicated passwords or carry physical cards. The "you" referred to in biology is the certificate itself, achieving a true integration of person and certificate. This is of great significance in high-security areas or long-term unattended facilities, and avoids a series of management costs such as changing access control and logging off permissions due to lost certificates.

What technical challenges does DNA authentication currently face?

The first challenge is to verify the speed and convenience. Even though rapid sequencing technology has improved, compared with the situation that can be completed in a short moment like "swiping a card and blinking", DNA analysis still takes several minutes to complete. The sampling process is also slightly invasive, requiring the cooperation of the user to provide saliva or contact the sampler, which is difficult to accept in public environments or high-frequency access scenarios.

Secondly, there are problems with equipment and cost. High-precision DNA analysis instruments are expensive, bulky, and sensitive to the environment, so they are difficult to miniaturize and integrate into door locks or mobile phones. The consumption of reagents every time verification is also a continuous expense. Currently, this technology can only be applied to specific scenarios that have extreme safety requirements and can bear the corresponding costs.

In what scenarios may DNA access credentials be used first?

The primary application scenario is the highest security level in the facility. For example, national confidential laboratories, core financial data centers, high-value cultural relics warehouses, etc. There are very few visitors to these places, but permissions are extremely important. In these scenarios, the high cost and long time of DNA verification can be accepted, and the security guarantee it provides is irreplaceable.

Another potential situation is the replacement of long-term and efficient biological keys. For example, during a space mission, astronauts may be required to access the security module of a deep space probe, or in a century-old storage facility such as the "Doomsday Seed Vault", the DNA key can ensure that after the technology breaks down in the future, it can still be opened by the descendants of specific authorized persons. Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!

The ethical and privacy risks of using DNA as a password

The most prominent controversy lies in the uniqueness and permanence of biological information. If the password is leaked, it can be changed, and if the fingerprint is leaked, the validity of its collection can be questioned. However, the leakage of DNA sequence is permanent. Once the database storing genetic information is breached, users will face lifelong privacy risks, and may even involve the exposure of family genetic information.

Secondly, there is the risk of forced authentication. Traditional passwords have the secrecy of "I know" and can be denied or refused to provide. However, DNA information may remain on too many cups that you have touched, and there is a risk of being maliciously collected and used to forge access. This has triggered legal and ethical discussions on whether biometrics can be used as a kind of testimony, posing a challenge to the principle of "not forcing self-incrimination."

How will DNA authentication technology evolve in the future?

Future technologies will develop in the direction of being non-invasive, fast and miniaturized. The focus of research may be on capturing trace amounts of DNA using condensation formed by exhalation or oil present on the skin surface to achieve non-contact sampling. Combined with next-generation technologies such as nanopore sequencing, the time required for verification is expected to be shortened to seconds, making it closer to daily use.

Pointing in the other direction is the approach to a hierarchical hybrid certification system. DNA may not be used as the initial level of daily access, but as a "master key" with the highest authority, or as a final verification method after an abnormal login occurs. For example, when there are multiple incorrect passwords, or when key systems are accessed from unusual locations, the DNA verification link is triggered to achieve a balance between security and convenience.

As this technology progresses, do you think society can build a solid enough legal and ethical framework to regulate the use of DNA, the ultimate biological key, and prevent its abuse? I am happy to share your views in the comment area. If you find this article inspiring, please like it to support it and share it with more interested friends.
How Does Holographic BIM Navigation Solve The Problem Of Positioning In Signal-free Areas? Explain Everything In One Article

2025年12月21日

Holographic BIM navigation combines building information models with augmented reality or mixed reality technology to provide an intuitive virtual-real integration navigation experience for complex indoor and outdoor spaces. It particularly solves positioning problems in environments where global satellite navigation signals are lacking, such as underground spaces and large venues. It is penetrating from building construction to public navigation, operation and maintenance management and other fields, representing an important application direction of spatial computing in the built environment.

How holographic BIM navigation solves the problem of positioning in indoor and outdoor no-signal areas

In tunnels, underground spaces, or complex indoor environments, traditional GPS signals will fail, making positioning and navigation difficult. Holographic BIM navigation responds to this challenge with the help of innovative multi-modal positioning methods. For example, some research proposes encoding location coordinates into QR codes, or encoding them into Chinese characters, and positioning them by scanning the QR code or through voice recognition. This method is relatively low-cost and easy to deploy, and can achieve positioning accuracy from decimeter level to centimeter level. This provides a reliable technical solution for emergency rescue scenarios, facility inspections and other scenarios that require precise operations in a signal-free environment.

Another idea is to combine the capabilities of the mixed reality device itself, such as Microsoft 2 and other devices, which can be used as a scanning tool to quickly generate indoor floor plans. The process is intuitive and efficient, which avoids the shortcomings of traditional 3D scanning equipment in terms of mobility and real-time visualization. By matching and calibrating the real-time scanned environment with the preloaded BIM model, the system can achieve stable spatial positioning and navigation without pre-deploying auxiliary facilities such as Bluetooth beacons.

What are the specific applications of the integration of BIM and AR technology in construction?

During the construction phase, the integration of BIM and augmented reality technology has brought about revolutionary changes. One of the core applications is to become a "see-through eye" and "navigator" on the construction site. Construction workers can use their mobile phones or AR glasses cameras to aim at the site. Accurately superimpose the BIM model onto the real scene, view the predetermined positions of pipelines and equipment from multiple angles, and then clarify the laying plan and optimal installation sequence. This significantly improves the accuracy of complex mechanical and electrical installation projects and reduces rework caused by misunderstandings.

Its value is changing from "discovering problems after the fact" to "preventing problems beforehand." In the past, technologies such as laser scanning were often used for verification after construction was completed, which was reactive. However, AR technology allows virtual verification to be carried out before construction, and then Become a proactive tool. There are cases showing that in a data center project in Europe, the contractor achieved a ninefold return on investment by using AR technology. This was mainly due to the significant reduction in rework. This technology is helping the industry implement the principle of "doing it right the first time."

Why mixed reality headsets are better for on-site BIM navigation than phones

Even though mobile applications are convenient, mixed reality headsets like 2 have obvious advantages in complex construction sites. The most prominent advantage is that it frees your hands. When viewing the holographic BIM guidelines, frontline personnel can still have their hands free to measure, record or operate tools, which greatly improves work efficiency and safety. In addition, headsets designed specifically for industrial environments can provide much higher positioning accuracy than consumer-grade products, and some can even achieve millimeter-level accuracy, which is crucial to ensuring accurate installation.

Head-mounted displays can provide a more immersive and stable spatial perception experience. They use multiple built-in sensors to carry out real-time spatial positioning and map construction, anchoring the virtual model permanently and stably in the real physical space. If the user walks forward around the device The model does not move and the model does not drift. This kind of experience is difficult to achieve with mobile phones. Professional AR companies have developed industrial headsets that have undergone customized processes and directly interface with BIM data in the cloud, thus providing powerful special tools for construction.

What role can holographic navigation play in the smart operation and maintenance stage?

At the stage of building operation and maintenance, the role of holographic BIM navigation extends from "construction navigation" to "information navigation." For operation and maintenance personnel, especially new employees or external personnel, when faced with complex pipeline systems and equipment rooms, holographic navigation can intuitively guide them to the designated equipment location, and superimpose the model, parameters, maintenance records and even operation animations of the equipment in the field of view in real time. This significantly reduces training costs and search time, and improves the efficiency of emergency response and routine maintenance.

The operation and maintenance of public buildings also includes services for visitors. For example, the municipal department in Hamburg, Germany, is exploring the use of mixed reality technology to combine BIM models and digital twins to provide indoor navigation services for citizens who go to government agencies to handle matters. The goal of this research is to resolve the problem that citizens have in finding entrances and specific offices in complex office buildings. The use of holographic road sign guidance can significantly improve the public service experience, which is also a concrete manifestation of smart cities.

What are the main challenges currently facing the promotion of holographic BIM navigation?

When it comes to technology promotion, there are some practical challenges. The first one is the problem of cost and maturity. The initial investment for high-precision professional mixed reality headsets and equipment is relatively high, and most of the overall solutions provided are in the stage of customization or preliminary versions. Many solutions rely on auxiliary facilities such as Bluetooth beacons to carry out indoor positioning. The deployment and maintenance costs are not low, and the signal is easily affected by distance and environmental interference, which hinders the large-scale application of the technology.

It is the technical threshold and industry acceptance. To achieve stable and reliable holographic navigation, it is necessary to integrate professional knowledge across multiple fields of construction, software, and hardware. Going from traditional 2D drawings to 3D BIM is a huge progress. However, adopting AR technology requires further changes in work processes and thinking patterns. Those companies that still rely heavily on 2D drawings have not only missed the dividends of 3D technology, but may also face greater transformation resistance when evolving towards holographic navigation.

What are the future development prospects and trends of holographic BIM navigation?

The development prospects of holographic BIM navigation are closely related to the rise of spatial computing. Gartner predicts that by 2033, the global market size of spatial computing will grow to 1.7 trillion US dollars. Holographic BIM navigation is a key application of spatial computing in the built environment and will inevitably benefit from this wave. In the future, it may become an important function of the next generation of basic intelligent terminals like computers and mobile phones in the professional field.

The technology itself will develop towards becoming more integrated and intelligent. On the one hand, navigation will be deeply integrated with digital twins, achieving a leap from "reflecting reality with virtuality" to "controlling reality with virtuality." On the other hand, positioning technology will be more diversified and integrated, such as combining visual SLAM, inertial sensors and other multi-source information to provide a more robust and accurate navigation experience. As hardware costs decrease and open source solutions increase, this technology will move from large-scale projects to a wider range of small and medium-sized application scenarios, profoundly changing the way buildings and cities operate.

According to your opinion, the most critical obstacle that makes it difficult to implement holographic BIM navigation in your industry or project is the cost of hardware, the difficulty of technology integration, or the change in traditional working habits? We sincerely hope you can share your opinions in the comment area.
OR System Integration: Say Goodbye To Data Fighting And Seamlessly Connect The Entire Procurement, Production And Financial Process

2025年12月20日

Enterprise resources, that is, OR system implementation integration, the core goal is not to simply place software, but to eliminate information islands and achieve data-driven collaborative decision-making. This means that business modules that operate independently such as procurement, production, inventory, and finance must be seamlessly connected into a unified and efficient whole. Successful aggregation can significantly improve operational transparency, optimize processes, and provide a solid digital basis for companies to respond to market changes. As follows, I will start from many key dimensions to deeply explore the core focus of OR system integration and the stumbling blocks encountered in daily life.

What business pain points does OR system integration mainly solve?

The primary pain point faced by many companies is data inconsistency. Sales department data does not match warehouse inventory, and there is a discrepancy between financial accounting costs and actual production consumption. This information fragmentation directly leads to decision-making errors and low efficiency. OR integration ensures that all departments work based on the same set of real data by establishing a unified data source and real-time synchronization mechanism.

Another common pain point is process breakpoints. For example, from the customer order, to production scheduling, and then to shipment settlement, if the systems of each link are independent of each other, then there will be a lot of manual intervention and repetitive entry. The combined system can achieve process automation. Once the order is confirmed, many subsequent links will be automatically triggered, greatly reducing the status quo and waiting period caused by human errors, and rapidly advancing the speed of business circulation.

How to plan the implementation steps of OR system integration

The first step in planning is to sort out the clear business needs. The company must put aside those technical terms, focus on the essence of the business, and figure out what specific problems it wants to solve through integration, such as shortening the order delivery cycle or accurately controlling inventory costs. This step requires in-depth participation of key business departments to form a clear demand blueprint, and this demand blueprint is the basis for all subsequent technology selection and implementation.

The next step is to carry out the current situation assessment and solution design. In this process, a comprehensive inventory of existing software, databases and interface capabilities must be carried out, and the integration architecture must be designed based on the requirements blueprint, and then decide whether to use a point-to-point interface, an enterprise service bus, or a cloud integration platform. At the same time, a detailed data migration strategy must be developed, plus a parallel and switching plan between the old and new systems, as well as a comprehensive risk assessment and response plan.

What are the common technology selections in OR system integration?

Affected by technology selection are integration flexibility, cost, and long-term maintainability. In traditional methods, such as point-to-point interfaces, the development speed is relatively fast. However, once the number of connections increases, an unmanageable "spider web" will be formed. Enterprise service bus, also known as ESB, provides a centralized integration architecture. This architecture is suitable for complex enterprise environments, but the implementation and operation and maintenance costs are relatively high.

At present, cloud-based integration platform as a service (iPaaS) is gradually becoming a mainstream choice. It has pre-built connectors, visual development tools, and elastic expansion capabilities, which can more quickly connect SaaS applications with local systems. The choice needs to be weighed against the enterprise's comprehensive requirements in terms of data sovereignty, network latency, long-term subscription costs, and the ability to adapt to specific legacy systems.

How OR system integration ensures data security and consistency

It is not easy to encrypt sensitive data during transmission and at rest, and strict role-based access control measures must be implemented to ensure that the data can only be accessed by authorized personnel and systems. In this process, data security is guaranteed throughout the integration. When exchanging data between systems, the use of security authentication mechanisms such as API keys and OAuth is an indispensable and solid line of defense.

Relying on effective governance strategies to ensure data consistency requires clarifying the ownership of all master data between systems, such as using the CRM system to accurately determine the ownership of "customer master data", and establishing conflict resolution rules. Generally, real-time or quasi-real-time data synchronization technology is used, coupled with regular data quality audits and cleaning processes to maintain data accuracy and unity.

How to evaluate the ROI of OR system integration

It is impossible to evaluate return on investment simply by looking at software acquisition and development costs. The efficiency improvements brought about by integration should be quantified in an all-round way. For example, such as saved manual hours, reduced order processing errors, reduced inventory backlog fund occupation, and accelerated monthly financial settlement. These operational improvements translate directly into cost savings and improved cash flow.

Enhanced business capabilities reflect longer-term returns. For example, after integration, whether more accurate supply chain coordination can be achieved in response to market demand fluctuations, and whether new optimization opportunities can be discovered through data analysis. Although these strategic benefits are difficult to accurately measure in monetary terms, they are the key to building the company's core competitiveness. When evaluating, short-term hard indicators should be combined with long-term strategic value to make a comprehensive judgment.

What are the typical reasons for OR system integration failure?

Integration often fails when the goals are unclear or scope creep occurs. If an enterprise only regards "upgrading the system" as its goal instead of focusing on solving clearly defined business problems, it is easy to fall into technical difficulties. Continuously adding new requirements during the project without adjusting the budget and cycle is a common reason for the project to lose control.

A big cause of failure is the neglect of organizational change and personnel training. System integration will lead to changes in employees' working habits and changes in the power and responsibility relationships between departments. If there is a lack of effective change management, adequate user training, and resistance to resistance will not be channeled, then no matter how advanced the technical system is, it will be difficult to be adopted and used, and ultimately the actual project benefits will be far lower than the expected project benefits.

In terms of the daily operations of your company, have you ever encountered a bottleneck due to the inability of a certain key process to interconnect between systems? You are sincerely welcome to share your exact experiences and challenges faced in the comment area. If this article has inspired you, please actively like and share it.
Say Goodbye To Passive Firefighting! How Can Active Monitoring Detect Network Risks Early And Ensure That Business Does Not Drop?

2025年12月20日

Network monitoring is no longer the kind of "fire brigade" that passively responds to alarms. Proactive network monitoring means that hidden dangers can be discovered and resolved before problems affect the business. It builds a comprehensive awareness of the health status of the network by continuously collecting and analyzing traffic and performance data. Not only can this significantly reduce unexpected interruptions, it is also the cornerstone of optimizing network performance and ensuring security and compliance.

Why you need proactive network monitoring

Passive monitoring only issues alerts after a failure occurs, in which case the business has already been affected. Active monitoring is different. It continuously compares real-time data with the help of set performance baselines, and can issue early warnings when indicators show abnormal trends but have not yet exceeded the threshold. For example, it might discover that latency on a critical link is slowly rising, or detect unusual port scanning behavior at night.

This forward-looking perspective enables the operation and maintenance team to transform from a busy "firefighter" to a calm "preventer". Enterprises can plan bandwidth upgrades in advance and repair potential problems before users complain. For modern businesses that rely on network continuity, active monitoring is an indispensable link to ensure service level agreements, or SLAs, and user experience. We provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!

The core difference between active monitoring and passive monitoring

The core difference lies in its starting point and timeliness. Passive monitoring relies on predefined static thresholds, such as when the CPU utilization exceeds 90%. When triggered, the problem has usually already occurred. Active monitoring is dynamic and predictive. It relies on baseline learning and anomaly detection algorithms to identify "unknown unknown" problems that deviate from the normal pattern.

Active monitoring that is dedicated to producing correlational analysis does not look at a device or an indicator in isolation, but considers the network as an entire ecosystem. For example, it correlates the growth of switch port errors with slow application response to determine whether there is a problem with the physical link that is causing application performance degradation. Such a root cause analysis capability is rarely available in passive monitoring.

How to choose an active network monitoring tool

When you want to choose a tool, you must first clarify the monitoring scope. Do you want to monitor traditional network equipment, virtualized networks, cloud resources, or container environments? A good tool should have extensive discovery and integration capabilities. Secondly, we need to examine its data analysis capabilities to see whether it supports automatic baseline establishment, whether it can perform intelligent alarm compression, and whether it can perform root cause analysis to reduce alarm fatigue.

The ease of use and scalability of this tool are also critical. The clear dashboard allows members in different roles to quickly obtain the information they need. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that this tool can achieve smooth expansion as the scale of the enterprise network expands. Consider using a platform that supports open APIs to facilitate integration with existing ITSM (IT service management) tools to automatically create work orders for alarms.

What are the key steps to implement proactive monitoring?

First of all, we must determine the monitoring goals and key performance indicators, that is, KPIs. Is this the application response time related to the business, or the port utilization of the infrastructure? After clarification, start deploying monitoring agents, or configure SNMP, and other collection methods to ensure that all key nodes and links are covered. In the early stages, avoid adopting overly complex strategies and instead start with core business paths.

The next step is to build a performance baseline. The tools used for this need to go through a long learning process (usually several weeks) to understand the behavior patterns of the network during normal working days, nights, and weekends. After the baseline construction is completed, the configuration of intelligent alarm strategies can be carried out to gradually transfer alarms based on static thresholds to anomaly detection based on dynamic baselines. This process requires continuous optimization to reduce the occurrence of false alarms.

How proactive monitoring improves network security

Active monitoring, which is regarded as a key supplement to security defense, can identify abnormal traffic that deviates from the baseline by continuously analyzing network flow patterns, such as internal hosts sending large amounts of data to unknown external IPs. This situation is very likely to be a sign of data leakage. It can also detect activities such as scanning, brute force cracking and other activities in the preparation stage of attacks to achieve earlier threat detection.

Combining network performance monitoring with security information event management (SIEM) systems can build more powerful situational awareness capabilities. For example, when the monitoring system detects that a server group is responding abnormally slowly, and at the same time the security log shows a large number of failed login records, the correlation between the two can quickly point to potential security attacks, thereby reducing the average detection time (MTTR).

What are the main challenges with active monitoring?

The first challenge to be faced is data overload. Active monitoring will generate a huge amount of data. How to extract meaningful insights from these data instead of worthless noise is a test for the analytical capabilities of the tools and the experience of the engineers. Second, modern hybrid and multi-cloud environments have blurred network boundaries and challenged monitoring tools in terms of coverage and depth.

One obstacle is cultural change, from reactive response to proactive prevention, which requires the operation and maintenance team to change the working model, and also requires management to invest in tools, training, and time. In addition, the "black box" characteristics of intelligent algorithms sometimes cause operation and maintenance personnel to distrust alarms, so the transparency and explainability of tools are also important.

In your practice of network operation and maintenance, what specific event, or what kind of pain point, finally made you decide to change from passive monitoring to building an active monitoring system? I hope you can share your own experiences in the comment area. If this article has inspired you, please give it a like and share it with your colleagues.
IP Surveillance Systems Have Become Mainstream In Security. It Is Crucial To Understand Its Principles, Advantages And Deployment Points.

2025年12月19日

In the current security field, IP surveillance systems are gradually becoming the mainstream choice. Compared with traditional analog systems, it is based on the network, achieves digital collection of video data, completes digital transmission of video data, and performs video data storage and management. This not only means higher image clarity and a more flexible deployment form, it also represents a comprehensive solution that integrates intelligent analysis capabilities, remote access capabilities, and system integration capabilities. Knowing its core components, advantages, and key points in the actual deployment phase is very important for any individual or enterprise thinking about upgrading or building a new security system.

What is the working principle of IP surveillance system

The key to the IP surveillance system is to convert video signals directly into digital data. After the image sensor in the camera captures the image, the chip performs compression encoding, and then uses a network protocol (such as TCP/IP) to transmit the data packet through the LAN or the Internet. Users can use computers, mobile phones or video management software to view or play back recordings in real time from anywhere in the world with authorization.

The entire system infrastructure is built using standard network equipment, such as switches, routers and network cables, which shows that it can be seamlessly integrated with existing IT facilities, thus simplifying the wiring project. Video data is often stored in network hard disk recorders or dedicated storage servers. It supports efficient and fast retrieval and backup based on time, events, etc., which brings great convenience to subsequent verification.

What is better about IP monitoring than analog monitoring?

The most prominent among the significant advantages is image quality. IP cameras widely support 720P, 1080P and even 4K resolutions, which can provide clear and delicate details, which is particularly important for identifying more critical information such as faces and license plates. Analog cameras are limited by old standards, so their clarity is often difficult to meet the refined management needs of modern security.

The second focus is on functionality and scalability. The IP system can support wide dynamic range and strong light suppression, as well as intelligent analysis, advanced functions such as area intrusion and people counting. The system is very convenient to expand. It only requires connecting new cameras to the network and configuring IP addresses. There is no need to replace core equipment. This flexibility lays the foundation for the continuous evolution of the security system.

How to choose the right IP surveillance camera

When selecting a camera, you must first clearly monitor the scene. For indoor fixed locations, you can choose a dome camera, which has a more concealed appearance. Outdoors or in areas that require zoom tracking, you must choose a barrel camera or ball camera with infrared fill light and proper rectification. As for key locations such as entrances and exits, you should consider a dedicated model with a face capture function.

The surveillance field of view and distance are determined by the focal length of the lens. A 2.8mm lens is suitable for large-scale surveillance situations such as a hall, while a telephoto focal length of 6mm and above is suitable for viewing details such as a cashier. In addition, the camera's encoding format such as H.265 can greatly save storage space, the waterproof and dustproof level requires IP67 or above for outdoor use, and whether it supports PoE power supply to simplify wiring. These aspects need to be paid attention to.

What should you pay attention to when installing an IP surveillance system?

The stability of the video stream needs to be guaranteed, especially when multiple high-definition videos are transmitted simultaneously. The surveillance network must have enough bandwidth to carry it. For this reason, network planning has become a top priority. It is recommended to use a Gigabit switch and divide it into independent VLANs to avoid interference with the office network.

Power supply is critical, as is installation stability. Using PoE, a network cable power supply method, can reduce power wiring, but it is necessary to calculate whether the total power supply of the switch can meet the needs of all cameras. The installation position should prevent the lens from facing strong light, and ensure that the bracket is firm to prevent the screen from shaking due to wind and losing its monitoring significance. Professional installation is the guarantee for reliable operation of the system. Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!

How to choose the storage solution for IP surveillance system

To accurately calculate storage capacity, it must be determined based on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, and expected storage days. Generally speaking, if a 1080P camera records all day long, its daily capacity will be in the range of 20GB to 40GB. Using H.265 encoding can save approximately 50% of storage space compared to the old standard.

There are two mainstream storage architecture options, one is distributed storage, that is, each NVR implements storage locally, and the other is centralized storage, which is connected to a central storage server for storage. For small and medium-sized systems, NVR solutions are simple and economical; for large-scale networking projects, centralized storage is more convenient in terms of management and maintenance. In addition, consider using a RAID disk array or cloud backup strategy to avoid data loss due to hard drive damage.

What is the development trend of IP surveillance technology in the future?

The clear direction is the deep integration of artificial intelligence. The future system will not only record, but also actively understand the content of the screen, and implement advanced functions such as behavioral analysis, abnormal event warning, and image search. It will transform security from post-retrospective to pre-emptive prevention, greatly improving active defense capabilities.

The system will become more open and integrated. With the help of standard protocols such as ONVIF, the IP surveillance system can be more conveniently linked with subsystems such as access control, alarm, and fire protection, thereby building a unified intelligent security management platform. At the same time, network security will be raised to unprecedented heights, and related capabilities such as equipment authentication, data encryption, and anti-intrusion will become basic requirements for products.

When you start planning your own IP surveillance system, will the most priority factor you consider focus on cost control, clarity of image presentation, ease of use of the system, or focus on future intelligent expansion potential? You are sincerely welcome to share your inner views in the comment area. If you feel that this article can bring certain help, please like this article to support it, and share it with more friends who have needs in this regard.
Texas Oilfield Explosion-Proof Cabling: Selection, Installation, And Maintenance Details

2025年12月19日

In the working environment of Texas oil fields, explosion-proof cables are not just a simple cable choice, but a key lifeline to ensure the safety of the entire operating area. There are often flammable gases here, so cable selection, installation and maintenance must be carried out in accordance with extremely strict standards to eliminate any risk of sparks or high temperatures. This article will specifically discuss the technical specifications, certification requirements and corresponding practical details for on-site installation of explosion-proof cables.

How to choose explosion-proof cables for Texas oil fields

The environmental conditions in the Texas oil fields are complex. When selecting explosion-proof cables, the hazardous area level must first be taken into consideration. According to the U.S. National Electrical Code, also known as NEC, different gas environments, such as methane and hydrogen, correspond to different classifications, namely Class I, A – D. In areas with the highest hazard levels, such as Class I, 1, be sure to choose specially designed cables, for example cables with metal armor or products that comply with standards such as UL 2225.

The mechanical and chemical protection capabilities of cables are extremely critical. At the work site, there may be physical impact, chemical corrosion, or high temperature. Some advanced polymer armored cable solutions can provide several times more impact and crush resistance than traditional metal armor, such as a pressure rating of 2500 psi, and have excellent resistance to hydrocarbon solvent corrosion, making them suitable for direct burial or laying in heavy equipment areas.

What international certifications are required for explosion-proof cables?

Operations are carried out all over the world, and the compliance certification of explosion-proof cables is mandatory. For equipment entering the European market, ATEX directive certification must be obtained. This certification is part of the CE mark. It is necessary to ensure that the product complies with the safety requirements of the European Union for potentially explosive environments. In the North American market covering Texas, generally speaking, (hazardous location) certification is required, mainly in accordance with the standards of the US National Electrical Code (NEC).

The International Electrotechnical Commission's certification system for explosion-proof electrical products, also known as IECEx, provides an internationally recognized certification scheme, which is helpful for the circulation of products in many markets around the world. In the Chinese market, there is also a corresponding explosion-proof certification process. For manufacturers, choosing to cooperate with a professional organization that can provide certification services covering ATEX, IECEx and other countries is the key to entering the global market efficiently.

How to correctly install and lay oilfield field cables

The path for laying cables must be carefully planned to avoid areas with high explosion risks and release sources as much as possible, as well as places prone to mechanical damage, vibration and corrosion. In Class 1 hazardous locations, for fixedly laid open wire cables, copper core armored cables should be preferred. Cables cannot be laid in trenches where explosive material pipes are stored. In principle, all wiring projects are required to be laid in the open to facilitate inspection and maintenance.

In terms of sealing and protection during the installation process, this is the key to explosion-proof safety. When the cable passes through the floor, when the cable passes through the partition wall, when the cable passes through a vulnerable location, it must be equipped with thick-walled steel pipes to protect it. There is a gap between the steel pipe and the cable. The entrance of the junction box must be tightly blocked with a sealing material that meets the regulations. The blocking thickness of the isolation sealing box generally cannot be less than 50 mm to prevent the spread of explosive gas through the wire pipe and to prevent the spread of flames through the wire pipe.

What are the special requirements for intrinsically safe explosion-proof cables?

Intrinsically safe (intrinsically safe) explosion-proof cables that fundamentally prevent the generation of ignition sparks are achieved by constraining circuit energy to an extremely low level. Its installation requirements are extremely strict and must be laid separately from cables for non-intrinsically safe circuits. Sharing the same cable or conduit is absolutely prohibited in order to avoid energy superposition. For cable cores, it is usually required to use copper stranded wires with a cross-section of not less than 0.5 square millimeters, and aluminum wires are never allowed.

When wiring in intrinsically safe circuits, special attention must be paid to prevent it from causing mixed contact and electromagnetic interference with other circuits. Under normal circumstances, priority should be given to cables with shielding layers, and the shielding layer is only allowed to be grounded at one end in non-hazardous locations, and it is absolutely prohibited to ground both ends at the same time. In principle, the intrinsically safe circuit itself is not allowed to be grounded, unless there are special requirements in the product manual.

How to perform daily maintenance on explosion-proof cable systems

Regular inspections form the basis of daily maintenance. It is necessary to check whether the cable sheath has obvious dents, cracks, blisters, mechanical damage or aging degumming. Pay special attention to whether the rubber sealing ring at the cable entry is in good condition. Its inner diameter should closely match the outer diameter of the cable, with no signs of unilateral extrusion, to ensure that the seal is effective. For explosion-proof flexible connecting pipes, check whether there are cracks and whether the explosion-proof gasket is deformed. The installation bending radius should not be less than 5 times the outer diameter of the pipe.

It is extremely important to establish a preventive maintenance plan. This plan covers regular inspections of electrical protection devices, such as overload, short circuit, and ground fault protection devices, to see whether they are effective and whether the set values are in a reasonable state. On the one hand, it is to prevent false tripping, and on the other hand, it is necessary to ensure that actions can be taken in time when a fault occurs. At the same time, you should also check the cable fixing clips and brackets to see if they are firm and stable, whether the ground connection of the metal armor or shielding layer is reliable, and whether there is any corrosion. It can provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products, and use this service to provide convenient assistance in the procurement of such professional maintenance tools.

How to deal with sudden failures related to explosion-proof cables

If a malfunction occurs, the first step is to safely cut off the power supply. Electrical circuits need to be equipped with protection devices that can automatically alarm or cut off power in the event of overload, short circuit, leakage, etc. After a power outage, testing equipment certified for use in hazardous locations must be used to detect and troubleshoot faulty lines. Live operation is strictly prohibited.

For troubleshooting and repair processes, any cabling and repair operations must comply with explosion protection requirements. In hazardous locations, in principle, cable joint connections are not allowed. If wiring or branching must be carried out in a Class 1 or Class 2 location, a junction box with corresponding explosion-proof level must be used. After the repair is completed, the integrity of all explosion-proof components must be restored, especially the isolation seal, and must be inspected and tested to confirm that the system fully meets the explosion-proof requirements before power can be re-energized.

In the oil field projects in Texas, in addition to the cables themselves, what are the most noteworthy challenges you usually encounter in terms of selection and procurement of supporting products such as explosion-proof junction boxes and sealing accessories?
The New Favorite Of Smart Home! Emotionally Responsive Lighting, The Magical Light That Goes From Science Fiction To Reality

2025年12月18日

If the concepts of smart homes and healthy living are increasingly popularized, "emotionally responsive lighting" that can actively sense and respond to user emotions is transforming from a science fiction concept to a real reality. This type of system is different from traditional lighting. It uses sensors or algorithms to identify the user's status and automatically adjusts the color temperature, color and brightness of the light to create a suitable atmosphere and situation, and can even perform positive interventions on emotions. It is not only a display of technology, but also represents a development trend of a living environment that is more humane and pays more attention to psychological conditions.

How Emotionally Responsive Lighting Recognizes People’s Emotions

The key point surrounding the emotion-responsive lighting system is accurate emotion recognition. Currently, the main technical paths include direct and indirect methods. The indirect method relies on analyzing the user's behavioral data to determine emotions. For example, one study explored the use of text data in instant messaging tools to carry out emotional analysis. The system can automatically extract text information and infer the user's emotional state through cloud-based emotional analysis services. There is also a more direct identification method, which relies on biosensors. For example, wearable devices are used to monitor physiological indicators such as heart rate variability and galvanic skin response. The data generated by these physiological indicators can more objectively reflect a person's stress, excitement or relaxation state, and can provide corresponding basis for light adjustment.

Different from technical paths, the accuracy of emotion recognition is highly dependent on algorithm models. Early systems may only rely on simple time or scene presets. However, advanced systems have begun to integrate artificial intelligence. With the help of built-in AI algorithms, the system can understand the user's preferences in different situations, and even conduct real-time analysis based on environmental sounds (such as music type) or picture content, thus making emotional judgment more multi-dimensional and intelligent. This has transformed lighting from a tool that passively executes commands to a partner that can actively understand scenes and needs.

What specific effects do lights of different colors have on mood?

There is a strong, scientifically proven link between light color and emotion. The detailed basis for this connection is provided by the joint research between Wuhan University and Opple Lighting. They conducted experiments on 25 light colors and 170 participants, and through this experiment the world's first "SDL Light Color Emotion Map" was drawn. Research shows that low-saturation light generally helps relax and soothe emotions; medium-saturation, warm-toned light is more likely to produce pleasant and uplifting feelings. On the contrary, highly saturated light, especially some cold-toned light, may cause tension.

The conclusions drawn from these studies are now being rapidly commercialized. Based on the research results obtained from the emotional map, it has been possible to achieve an adjustable "light color mode" to create specific emotional atmospheres such as "romantic French cuisine" and "happy gatherings and singing karaoke". In business Categories, such as health management centers, can use precise control of light color and color temperature to create a relaxing and pleasant light environment for the space and play an auxiliary healing effect. This marks that emotional lighting has moved from subjective feelings to a quantifiable and reproducible scientific application stage.

How to choose mood-responsive lighting products for your home

When choosing mood-responsive lighting products for your home, you must first pay attention to the core functions and ease of use of the system. The product must be able to provide rich enough colors and fine dimming capabilities, such as having tens of millions of color accuracy and a dimming curve that meets the perception of the human eye. More importantly, you must know whether its emotional response relies on preset scene switching or has more intelligent perception capabilities. Some high-end products can already use AI algorithms to automatically generate the required lighting scenes based on the user's voice instructions or environmental conditions.

System integration and installation complexity need to be considered. Traditional whole-home smart lighting may require complex and professional wiring. However, some emerging wireless solutions have achieved a "plug and play, pairing only when close" situation, which greatly reduces the threshold for deployment. Consumers should judge whether the product can be seamlessly linked with the existing smart home platform (such as Apple, Home, etc.) at home, and whether the control method is full of diversified convenience (such as mobile App, voice, panel, etc.). For those looking for personalization, look out for products that support deeply customizable scenes and lighting sequences.

What are the application cases of mood-responsive lighting in commercial places?

In commercial places, mood-responsive lighting has become a vital tool to enhance experience and value. In the field of health and medical care, its application is particularly prominent. For example, Ciming Aoya Health Management Center in Wuhan has used SDL pastel light in many spaces such as the reception hall and CT room. It uses specific light colors to help visitors and patients relieve anxiety and create a peaceful atmosphere. This is a typical example of the successful extension of mood lighting from home scenes to the professional wellness field, and it is a representative example.

In retail, catering and brand experience halls, mood lighting directly serves marketing and atmosphere creation. The system can switch lighting modes with one click to adapt to different activity themes or time periods; such as switching high-energy spectrum for gyms, creating "blues jazz" or "blues jazz" for restaurants and bars. The unique mood of "red wine mode", in cinemas or stages, the emotional lighting system can achieve scene linkage with content playback, greatly enhancing the emotional impact of performances and movie watching. These applications all point to one core: deepening consumers' emotional connection and brand memory through the shaping of the light environment.

What are the main technical challenges currently facing mood-responsive lighting?

Looking to the future, although the future is bright and promising, mood-responsive lighting still has to face a series of very prominent technical challenges. The most important challenge lies in the accuracy of emotion recognition and the lack of awareness. At present, whether it is analyzed through text or operated with the help of physiological sensors, there are certain limitations: through text analysis, it may not be able to fully and completely reflect the true emotional state, and if the sensor is worn, it will have an impact on the convenience of the user experience. How to achieve reliable emotional judgment through non-contact and non-perception methods is one of the many problems that the industry urgently needs to overcome. For example, it can be combined with camera micro-expression recognition and voice analysis.

Faced with the challenges of system power consumption and integration, in order to achieve complex and dynamic lighting effects, traditional driver chips require the continuous participation of the main control CPU, which will lead to increased system power consumption and increased computing load. The latest solution is to integrate a programmable intelligent lighting effect engine and storage unit inside the driver chip, so that The lighting effect can be operated locally and autonomously, thus freeing up processor CPU resources. In addition, with the widespread popularity of new batteries such as silicon anode batteries, their discharge cut-off voltages are lower, which requires the driver chip to work stably within a wider voltage range to prevent LED color casts or brightness problems.

What is the future development trend of mood-responsive lighting?

According to future development trends, emotion-responsive lighting will evolve towards becoming more intelligent, more popular, and more cross-border integration. In terms of intelligence, AI will play a more central role. Future systems will not only respond to emotions but also predict needs. With the help of deep learning of the user's daily routine and behavioral habits, the lighting system can pre-create a suitable light environment before the user goes home, or automatically adjust the light to relieve visual fatigue after detecting that the user has been concentrating on work for a long time. Provide global procurement services for weak current intelligent products!

Market applications will become more diversified and standardized. With the establishment of industry standards such as the "Technical Standard for Application of Light Colored Light" and the launch of the project, the design of mood lighting will have rules to follow, prompting the industry to develop in a standardized direction. At the same time, its application will rapidly penetrate from residential and retail to education, office, In many fields such as industry, in the end, emotion-responsive lighting does not exist in isolation. It will serve as a key sensing and regulating node in smart homes and the Internet of Things. It will be deeply linked with air conditioning, audio, fragrance and other systems to build a space ecosystem that truly cares for people's physical and mental health.

In which aspect do you hope that emotion-responsive lighting will be the first to achieve breakthroughs? More accurate emotionless emotion recognition, or richer and more diverse linkage scenes across different devices? Welcome to share your opinions in the comment area. If you find this article helpful, please like it and share it with more friends.
Facial Recognition Problems During The Epidemic: How Can Mask Detection Make Recognition More Reliable?

2025年12月18日

Facial recognition technology has made significant progress in the past few years. However, during the epidemic, wearing masks has become the norm, which has brought great challenges to traditional recognition systems. As a result, face recognition technology combined with mask detection emerged. It is no longer just a simple identity verification tool, but has evolved into a comprehensive solution that adapts to public health needs and improves scene safety and traffic efficiency. The key to this technology is that it must accurately complete two tasks at the same time: determine whether a mask is worn, and reliably identify the identity even when the mask is blocked.

How masks affect traditional face recognition

The traditional face recognition algorithm is highly dependent on the complete features of the face, especially the contours and textures of the nose, mouth and chin area. Once a user puts on a mask, those key information will be blocked over a large area, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of feature points that the system can extract. This directly causes the recognition success rate to decrease, and the false recognition rate (FRR) and false acceptance rate (FAR) to increase significantly.

In practical applications, such as office building turnstiles or community access control, unupgraded systems may always require users to take off their masks, or may directly fail to recognize them, leading to traffic congestion and a degraded experience. Therefore, technological upgrades are not optional, but an inevitable requirement to cope with changes in real-world scenarios. The core solution is to shift from relying on local features to paying more attention to biometric features in unobstructed areas such as eyes, brow bones, and forehead.

Can facial recognition still be accurate when wearing a mask?

From a technical perspective, with the help of special algorithms to optimize, the accuracy of face recognition when wearing masks can already reach a very high level. This mainly relies on advanced deep learning models, which use massive amounts of mask-wearing face data for training to learn how to extract more distinguishing features from limited facial areas.

For example, the algorithm will focus on analyzing the shape of the eye sockets, the distance between the eyes, the curvature of the eyebrows, and the shape of stable features such as the forehead contour. At the same time, a comprehensive judgment will be made based on the overall posture of the face and the context information. In a controlled environment with good conditions (such as an environment with uniform light and an environment facing the camera head-on), the recognition accuracy of some systems can already be close to the level without wearing a mask, which is fully sufficient to meet the needs of most security scenarios and attendance scenarios.

How does the mask detection function work?

When performing mask detection, it is generally treated as a front-end module in the face recognition process. It works based on computer vision technology and can analyze faces in video streams or images in real time to determine whether the mouth and nose areas of that face are effectively covered. When doing this process, you must first accurately locate the face, and then perform a classification operation on the lower half of the face to determine whether there is mask occlusion.

Provides global procurement services for weak current intelligent products! Lightweight convolutional neural networks are often used to implement this function to ensure detection speed. In actual deployment, once the system detects that no mask is worn, it can trigger real-time voice prompts, send an alarm signal, or link access control to deny passage, thereby automatically implementing epidemic prevention or safety regulations and reducing the pressure of manual verification.

Which scenarios most require a recognition system for mask detection?

The identification system for testing while wearing a mask has become a must-have in scenarios with high requirements for public health and safety. First of all, public transportation hubs, such as airports and train stations, need to quickly screen the mask wearing status of those passing through and verify their identities. Secondly, there are medical institutions, which can effectively control the risk of infection within the hospital and manage the entry and exit of medical staff and patients.

This technology is widely used in the management of personnel access in large factories, office buildings and schools. It plays a role in ensuring the safety of the working and learning environment, and also achieves the effect of non-contact quick clock-in and attendance. In service industries such as retail and banking, this technology can monitor compliance with epidemic prevention measures when providing identity verification services.

What technical difficulties need to be considered when implementing mask face recognition?

During the implementation process, we faced many technical difficulties. First of all, there was the problem of sample diversity. Masks come in many styles and colors, and the wearing methods are also very different, such as whether the nose is covered or not. This requires the detection model to have extremely high generalization capabilities. Secondly, in the recognition process, if the same person wears different masks at different times, the algorithm will regard it as a "new face" with different obstructions, thus increasing the complexity of recognition.

Environmental factors such as side light, backlight or low-light conditions will have a serious impact on the capture of eye features. In addition, accuracy and speed must be balanced. While ensuring real-time performance, accuracy cannot be sacrificed too much. Ultimately, privacy and data security are legal and ethical red lines that must be strictly observed during deployment, and must be considered at the beginning of the technical architecture.

What are the development trends of mask facial recognition technology in the future?

Future development trends will focus more on multi-modal fusion and higher adaptability. Single visual information may not be enough to deal with extreme occlusion, so integrating infrared thermal imaging (to determine whether there is a living face under the mask) or 3D structured light technology will become the direction to improve anti-counterfeiting capabilities and stability under complex light.

The algorithm will develop in the direction of being more lightweight and becoming edge computing, so that it can be deployed on a wider range of Internet of Things devices, such as handheld terminals or smart door locks. At the same time, as public awareness of privacy increases, federated learning or anonymized identification solutions that do not require uploading original face images and only extract feature codes locally will become an important prerequisite for the promotion of technology.

When you are working or in your life, have you ever experienced a face recognition system that uses a mask for detection? How do you think it can achieve a better balance between convenience and protection? Welcome to share your thoughts and experiences in the comment area. If you find this article helpful, please like it and share it with more friends.
Preservation Of Consciousness: Core Issues In Many Fields, The Brain’s Active Restart Mechanism After Anesthesia Is Revealed

2025年12月17日

In the field of science, the preservation of consciousness is a core issue. It is also a core issue in the field of medicine. It is also a core issue in the field of philosophy, and it is a cutting-edge issue full of challenges. It is not just limited to maintaining vital signs, but also involves how to define various complex states of consciousness, from deep coma to normal awakening. It’s also about how to measure these states of consciousness and how to intervene in them. Modern science is conducting unprecedented in-depth exploration of the preservation of consciousness from the level of neurobiological mechanisms. Modern science is also conducting unprecedented in-depth exploration from the clinical diagnostic technology level. In addition, modern science is also conducting unprecedented in-depth exploration of the preservation of consciousness from multiple levels such as ethics and law.

How the brain actively restarts consciousness from anesthesia

The traditional view is that awakening after anesthesia is a passive drug metabolism state. However, the "active restart theory of consciousness" proposed by the team of Professor Song Xuejun of Southern University of Science and Technology has overturned this understanding. This theory shows that the brain's recovery from unconsciousness is a "reawakening" process actively promoted by specific neural circuits and molecular signals. The study found that glutamatergic neurons in the ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus play a key role. There is a dual-channel cooperation mechanism similar to "accelerator" and "brake". The EphB1-NR2B signaling pathway activates neurons, and the EphB1-KCC2 pathway relieves the inhibition of neurons by anesthesia. This active restart mechanism has been elucidated, which not only explains the reasons for delayed recovery in some patients after surgery, but also provides new molecular targets for the treatment of disorders of consciousness.

The theory of active restart of consciousness has been proposed, which means that our understanding of consciousness restoration has changed from passive to active. This suggests that clinical intervention measures cannot simply wait for the drug to be metabolized, but must consider how to accurately regulate those intrinsic neural restart mechanisms. For example, in the future, it is very likely that drugs targeting EphB1 and other similar proteins, or neuromodulation technology, will be used to provide proactive assistance to patients who face difficulty in recovering consciousness. This has opened up new intervention ideas and treatment directions for clinical problems such as coma-induced awakening.

Which brain regions are critical for maintaining consciousness

For a long time, the scientific community has always adhered to the "cortex-centrism", believing that the cerebral cortex is the only basic basis for conscious experience. However, there is increasing evidence that subcortical structures, especially the brainstem, are absolutely indispensable for maintaining a basic form of consciousness. Observations of children with congenital acortex (hydroceleencephaly) and corticalized animals have confirmed that even without a cerebral cortex, organisms can still exhibit sleep-wake cycles, emotional responses to noxious stimuli, etc., which is defined as "emotional consciousness." It is the evolutionary predecessor of human beings’ much more complex “reflective consciousness.”

First, the brainstem functions through functional integration with other subcortical structures such as the amygdala and motor system, thereby forming the basis of a neural network that supports emotional awareness. Second, this system is like a "selection triangle" that integrates body movements, external world information, and personal motivations to produce instinctive emotional goal-directed behaviors. Finally, this realization has profound clinical and ethical implications, suggesting that some patients diagnosed with a "vegetative state" may still retain basic emotional awareness. Therefore, during clinical assessment and treatment decision-making, it is necessary to distinguish between emotional awareness and reflective awareness, which is directly related to respect for the patient's inner experience and corresponding ethical responsibilities.

How to quantitatively assess a person’s level of consciousness

In clinical practice, accurately measuring the level of consciousness of patients with disorders of consciousness is a great challenge. Currently, the scientific community is focusing its efforts on finding objective and quantitative neurobiological markers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging technology provides a powerful tool for this goal by analyzing the dynamic changes in the brain's functional connection network. Research shows that the activity characteristics of the conscious waking brain are abundant, dynamic, and have high entropy values, and can flexibly switch between different functional connection modes.

When consciousness is lost, whether due to anesthesia or sleep, brain activity is dominated by a dominant pattern driven primarily by structural connections that reoccurs, and its ability to switch to other patterns is significantly reduced. This gives a potentially universal signature for distinguishing conscious from unconscious states. For example, in the "response disconnection" state caused by deep sedation with dexmedetomidine, that is, when the patient is unresponsive but may retain inner awareness, the functional integration of the brain's low-level sensory networks and the communication between networks will be disrupted, but the functions of the higher-level networks are relatively preserved. This specific change in network topology may be a "signature" on brain activity at different levels of consciousness.

Can consciousness be artificially enhanced or modulated?

As the understanding of the neural mechanism of consciousness continues to deepen, using technological means to intervene or even enhance consciousness is no longer a science fiction category. At present, biotechnological intervention methods such as drugs, electrical stimulation, and cell replacement therapy have shown the potential to modulate consciousness at the therapeutic level. For example, ketamine, at sub-anesthetic doses, can produce a unique dissociative state, changes in perception, and a series of other conditions. Its brain activity characteristics are more similar to the conscious state caused by hallucinogens, rather than the traditional unconscious state.

The technology derived from clinical diagnosis and treatment may eventually benefit a wider range of people and be used to enhance the cognitive functions of healthy individuals. This is moving in the direction of cutting-edge exploration of "beyond human consciousness", that is, using the integration of biotechnology and silicon-based technology to fundamentally expand the boundaries of human consciousness. For example, developing brain-computer interfaces to enhance perception, memory or attention. Such research is bound to spark profound philosophical and ethical discussions about free will, the nature of the self, and how to define the moral status and rights of sentient entities.

What is the “hard problem of consciousness” faced by philosophy?

Despite the rapid progress of neuroscience, the study of consciousness still faces fundamental philosophical challenges, known as the "hard problem of consciousness": why and how does the physical brain produce subjective, first-person experiences? Some philosophers feel that the cognitive limitations of human beings and the existing conceptual framework may mean that we will never be able to comprehensively solve this problem. When we think about consciousness, we rely extremely heavily on the concepts of "composition" and "instantiation" (like parts and wholes, properties and objects), but both of them have their own shortcomings when dealing with the relationship between mind and body.

The compositional relationship can explain how disparate parts form a whole, but it is difficult to cross the ontological gap between "objects" and "properties", such as how neurons constitute "pain" as an experience. The instantiation relationship can connect objects with attributes, but it only stipulates that the object must exhibit the characteristics of the attribute. There is no way to explain why brain tissue that appears gray and has moist characteristics instantiates colorful subjective feelings. This fundamental conceptual dilemma has led to ongoing debates around issues such as multiple realizability, philosophical zombies, psychological causality, and panpsychism, highlighting the critical importance of interdisciplinary dialogue for understanding the nature of consciousness.

What are the ethical and legal challenges of preserving consciousness?

Research on the preservation of consciousness directly impacts the existing ethical and legal frameworks. The most fundamental challenge lies in how we define the survival and autonomy of "people" when a person's consciousness changes (such as falling into a vegetative state or a minimally conscious state). As for sex and interests, if the "emotional consciousness" supported by the brainstem still exists without the cortex, then is it enough to provide basic life support to this type of patients? Do we have a certain obligation to detect and try to maintain their possible remaining inner experiences?

Another challenge arises from the prospect of enhanced consciousness and artificial consciousness. If future technology can significantly enhance the consciousness of normal people, or create artificial intelligence or brain organoids with certain forms of consciousness, then how will society deal with the resulting inequality, identity crisis, and new rights subjects? Does the concept of “person” in law need to be expanded? The answers to these questions must not only be based on science, but also rely on the whole society to carry out extensive and prudent public discussions at the philosophical, ethical and value levels.

Among your views is that if future technology can objectively read a person's basic emotional consciousness, how will this change our medical decisions and ethical responsibilities for patients with vegetative states? We look forward to sharing your insights in the comment area. If you find this article inspiring, please feel free to like and share it.

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