The Danglepoise lamp, invented by George Carwardine in 1932, is a design icon known for its unique spring-balanced arm system. This innovative mechanism allows for highly adjustable and effortless positioning of the light source, making it ideal for a variety of tasks. From its initial industrial applications, the Danglepoise has become a popular and enduring fixture in homes and offices worldwide, evolving over time with various models and designs while retaining its core functionality and distinctive aesthetic.
Driven by a desire for better indoor lighting, a blogger attempted to recreate sunlight using high-CRI LEDs and a custom-built power supply. He meticulously measured the spectral power distribution of natural sunlight and then combined various LED wavelengths to approximate it. While the resulting light achieved a high CRI and looked visually similar to sunlight, the project was ultimately deemed too complex and expensive for practical home use, especially given the readily available full-spectrum bulbs offering a simpler, albeit less precise, solution. He concluded that accurately replicating sunlight's complexity is a challenging endeavor, even with advanced tools and knowledge.
HN commenters generally praised the author's ingenuity and thorough documentation. Several pointed out potential safety concerns regarding UV exposure and the high-powered LEDs, recommending specific filters and safety precautions. Some discussed alternative approaches using commercially available grow lights or different LED combinations for better spectral accuracy. Others debated the perceived psychological benefits of artificial sunlight and shared their personal experiences with similar projects or seasonal affective disorder. A few commenters delved deeper into the technical aspects, discussing color rendering index (CRI), spectral power distribution, and the challenges of replicating true sunlight. The overall sentiment was one of appreciation for the project's DIY spirit and the author's willingness to share their findings.
Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, have developed a new method for producing perovskite LEDs that are significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current alternatives. By replacing expensive and toxic elements like lead and gold with more abundant and benign materials like copper and silver, and by utilizing a simpler solution-based fabrication process at room temperature, they've dramatically lowered the cost and environmental impact of production. This breakthrough paves the way for wider adoption of perovskite LEDs in various applications, offering a sustainable and affordable lighting solution for the future.
HN commenters discuss the potential of perovskite LEDs, acknowledging their promise while remaining cautious about real-world applications. Several express skepticism about the claimed "cheapness" and "sustainability," pointing out the current limitations of perovskite stability and lifespan, particularly in comparison to established LED technologies. The lack of detailed information about production costs and environmental impact in the linked article fuels this skepticism. Some raise concerns about the toxicity of lead used in perovskites, questioning the "environmentally friendly" label. Others highlight the need for further research and development before perovskite LEDs can become a viable alternative, while also acknowledging the exciting possibilities if these challenges can be overcome. A few commenters offer additional resources and insights into the current state of perovskite research.
Reverse engineering of Shenmue's source code revealed that the sun's position in the game is calculated using a simplified formula that doesn't account for axial tilt or the equation of time. This results in the sun rising and setting slightly earlier than it should in the game's real-world counterpart of Yokosuka, Japan, across all in-game dates. While noticeable, this discrepancy doesn't significantly impact gameplay and may have been a deliberate simplification for performance reasons on the Dreamcast. The author speculates whether it qualifies as a "bug" given its likely intentional nature and minimal effect on the overall experience.
Hacker News users discuss whether the perceived sun position error in Shenmue is actually a bug or a deliberate design choice. Some commenters suggest it's a performance optimization, avoiding complex calculations for marginally improved visuals. Others argue it's simply a bug, pointing to inconsistencies with the in-game clock and world design. Several discuss the challenges of reverse engineering older games, particularly with limited documentation, and the difficulty of definitively labeling something a bug without access to the original source code and developer intentions. The discussion also touches on the nostalgic appeal of Shenmue and the dedication of its fan community in dissecting the game's intricacies.
The Graphics Codex is a comprehensive, free online resource for learning about computer graphics. It covers a broad range of topics, from fundamental concepts like color and light to advanced rendering techniques like ray tracing and path tracing. Emphasizing a practical, math-heavy approach, the Codex provides detailed explanations, interactive diagrams, and code examples to facilitate a deep understanding of the underlying principles. It's designed to be accessible to students and professionals alike, offering a structured learning path from beginner to expert levels. The resource continues to evolve and expand, aiming to become a definitive and up-to-date guide to the field of computer graphics.
Hacker News users largely praised the Graphics Codex, calling it a "fantastic resource" and a "great intro to graphics". Many appreciated its practical, hands-on approach and clear explanations of fundamental concepts, contrasting it favorably with overly theoretical or outdated textbooks. Several commenters highlighted the value of its accompanying code examples and the author's focus on modern graphics techniques. Some discussion revolved around the choice of GLSL over other shading languages, with some preferring a more platform-agnostic approach, but acknowledging the educational benefits of GLSL's explicit nature. The overall sentiment was highly positive, with many expressing excitement about using the resource themselves or recommending it to others.
To minimize eye strain while working from home, prioritize natural light by positioning your desk near a window and supplementing with soft, indirect artificial light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and glare on your screen. Match your screen's brightness to your surroundings and consider using a bias light to reduce the contrast between your screen and the background. Warm-toned lighting is generally preferred for relaxation, while cooler tones can promote focus during work hours. Regular breaks, the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), and proper screen placement are also crucial for eye health.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's points about the importance of proper lighting for reducing eye strain while working from home. Several commenters shared their own setups and experiences, with some advocating for bias lighting behind monitors and others emphasizing the benefits of natural light. A few users mentioned specific products they found helpful, such as inexpensive LED strips and smart bulbs. Some debated the merits of different color temperatures, with warmer tones generally preferred for relaxation and cooler tones for focus. There was also discussion around the potential downsides of excessive blue light exposure and the importance of positioning lights to avoid glare on screens. A compelling point raised by one commenter was the need to consider the direction of natural light and adjust artificial lighting accordingly to avoid conflicting light sources.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43773537
Hacker News users discuss the iconic Danglepoise lamp, focusing on its enduring design and practicality. Several commenters praise its functionality and adjustability, noting its usefulness for tasks requiring focused light. Some share personal anecdotes about owning and using Danglepoise lamps for extended periods, highlighting their durability and timeless aesthetic. The discussion also touches on the lamp's history, variations in models and materials, and comparisons to similar articulated arm lamps. A few users mention potential drawbacks, like the higher price point compared to alternatives, but the overall sentiment is positive, reflecting appreciation for the Danglepoise's classic design and lasting quality.
The Hacker News post titled "The Danglepoise," linking to an article about the history of the iconic lamp, has a modest number of comments, generating a brief but focused discussion. No one disputes the information in the linked article, and several commenters express their appreciation for the lamp's design.
One commenter shares a personal anecdote about their grandmother owning a Danglepoise lamp, highlighting its durability and longevity by mentioning it lasted for decades. This reinforces the lamp's reputation for quality construction.
Another commenter focuses on the lamp's functionality, specifically its articulated arm and spring mechanism. They appreciate the design's ability to position the light exactly where needed, a testament to its enduring practicality. This comment also briefly touches on the history of the lamp, mentioning George Carwardine's original intent to create a fully balanced task lamp.
Another thread discusses the prevalence of knock-offs, with one commenter noting the abundance of cheaper imitations. They then contrast these imitations with the "genuine article," implying a noticeable difference in quality and feel. Another commenter responds, suggesting that the original Anglepoise design may have been more innovative than the later Danglepoise variant, and expresses a preference for older versions of the lamp.
Finally, one commenter simply states their fondness for the lamp, expressing a sentimental attachment to its design. This adds a personal touch to the discussion, showcasing the Danglepoise as more than just a functional object, but also one that evokes nostalgia and positive associations.
In summary, the comments section primarily reflects an appreciation for the Danglepoise lamp's design, functionality, and history. There's a touch of nostalgia, discussion of imitations versus the original, and an acknowledgement of the lamp's enduring popularity.