Big Brain's BWM and the Brain Wave Machine of 1936
There's a remarkable similarity between the Big Brain's Brain Wave Monitor Machine and this 1936 Brain Wave Machine. Both use a radio amplifier. Perhaps Big Brain is more encompassing as it uses the entire radio, including the receiver, tuner, amplifier, speaker and a modern update with computerized test equipment.
Source: Popular Mechanics
Issue: Dec, 1936
Uses an ordinary radio set for brain wave amplification..
Brain Waves Are Measured with Radio Amplifier
With an ordinary radio set for an amplifier, a young scientist at London is measuring brain waves. A fairly regular electrical wave emanates from the human brain during normal thought, but the waves diminish during sleep. The intensity of the waves is measured on an electric meter, enabling research men to study the relative intensity of thought processes.
The Real Father of Neuroscience
Please step forward
Perhaps the field of neuroscience is subjectively and whimsically all in the mind of the beholder. A quick search on the web brings up twelve people all with claims to be the Father of Neuroscience. Can the "child of neuroscience" have that many fathers?
Hmmm, now I see several "Father of Robotics." Maybe this phenomena is nothing new.. After all, there are other cultures with their own versions of God and heros.
There are undoubtedly contributions to these fields by many people and perhaps it would be difficult at best to assign one name to claim the title. What do you think?
Do you mind if I tell other people you are interesting in new a special topicals?
Thank you for your request. Are all enter plywood after me welcome Matt?
Response from (Big Brain/ Right Brain Section)
Do you mean your name is interesting in new a special topicals?
Wow you are very polite. Ok I will add that fact about enter plywood after me to my database.
EEPROM Usage & Program Storage
The card fits into the 20-pin expansion interface on the Hydra and comes with 128K x 8 serial EEPROM of non-volatile storage. (note: the Hydra already has 128K EEPROM on the board making this the second 128K EEPROM) You can store Hydra programs directly on the card with no special programming, simply insert the card, program the Hydra, and the program is stored on the card's first 32K. Then use the remaining 96K for data and or other application data generated in real-time.
Features
128 Kbytes x 8 Serial EEPROM with 400KHz access rate
Power LEDs
Full 20-pin labeled expansion slot header
Power requirements: 2.7 to 5.5 VDC
Communication: SPI Serial
Dimensions: 1 x 2 x 0.14 in ( 25.47 x 50.81 x 3.58 mm)
Operating temp range: -58 to +256 °F (-55 to +125 °C)
HYDRA Asset Manager HAM
For example, with the proper software (eg. HYDRA Asset Manager HAM) you can store 4 different HYDRA programs on a single card and then "load" one of the images with a bootloader program or other application that can read the card memory.
Prototype Area
Additionally, the HYDRA 128K Memory Expansion Card has a small "prototype" area on it for thru-hole components that you can add to the card. Enough space to fit a single 8-pin thru hole device and / or extra passive components to add functionality to the card.
You say, "BIG Brain Assimilates a Parallax Propeller HYDRA: Another Propeller is added to the collective," and "128K EEPROM Added to Big Brain." But you post photos taken from other websites, rather than showing your HYDRA with its extra memory installed in the "Big Brain." It would help my incredulity -- and those of others, I'm sure -- if you provided more direct evidence for your claims, along with an example of working Spin code that demonstrates the HYDRA in action in your system.
You say, "BIG Brain Assimilates a Parallax Propeller HYDRA: Another Propeller is added to the collective," and "128K EEPROM Added to Big Brain." But you post photos taken from other websites, rather than showing your HYDRA with its extra memory installed in the "Big Brain." It would help my incredulity -- and those of others, I'm sure -- if you provided more direct evidence for your claims, along with an example of working Spin code that demonstrates the HYDRA in action in your system.
-Phil
Amen Phil.
But I do like the sound of crickets once and a while.
My interest is in a top mount airport pad. In the evening I reviewed some hobby helicopter crafts being flown at the community park.
From the brain airport, tiny copters could launch for reconnoissance missions etc. I'm looking into some of the smallest commercially available air copter products. Some have very tiny cameras run by a button cell.
I received a Blade mSR RTF helicopter for Christmas. It's been a lot of fun.
Since I already had several DSM2 transmitters, I decided to try to hack the small transmitter that came with the helicopter. With the help of some German hobby forum I was able to learn some of the protocol used to communicate with the transmitter. A little time with a logic analyzer and I was able to figure out a couple of missing pieces to the puzzle.
I modified FullDuplexSerial to allow a Propeller chip communicate with the transmitter. I've used the transmitter connected to a Propeller to control a helicopter with a Wii Nunchuck. This has been a lot of fun.
Besides the ability to use a variety of controllers with my helicopters, this ability to communicate with the transmitter digitally would allow autonomous control from a ground station. I've wondered about using a Wii Mote's camera to track IR LEDs installed on the helicopter.
If I try such a thing myself, I'll use a stable helicopter like a mCX.
Duane - I have the blade mcx2 and they do fly very stable, I can barely drive a car but I can fly that chopper with no problem. Sorry Humaniodo for the interreption.
Duane - I have the blade mcx2 and they do fly very stable, I can barely drive a car but I can fly that chopper with no problem. Sorry Humaniodo for the interreption.
ratronic:
Thanks for the stability verification!
Can this one handle a light cam as payload?
HYDRA System
This completes HYDRA system giving it a full 512K SRAM and 128K byte EEPROM. It transforms the HYDRA into a full featured 32 bit computer http://www.elexp.com/tst_7935.htm
Memory Expansion System http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HYDRA_Game_Development_Kit
A 512kB RAM expansion card, the HYDRA "XTREME 512K CARD", is available [2] and can be plugged into the expansion connector. It has two memory segments, a 64kB completely randomly accessible segment, and a 448kB linear accessible segment. During boot time the memory interface can be programmed to optionally auto-increment or -decrement the memory pointer for faster memory access. But the interface is based on a reprogrammable CPLD chip, so the access method can be re-programmed to suit the application; for most applications the chosen method is optimal for speed (for the 64kB segment) and utility. The memory expansion card also has its own 128kB EEPROM on board.
HYDRA XTREME 512K Card
The HYDRA XTREME 512K Card (HX512) completes the HYDRA system giving it a full 512K of Static RAM (SRAM) and 128K BYTE EEPROM for program storage. The interface between the HYDRA and the HX512 is made possible by a state-of-the-art Lattice ispMach 4064 Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) which acts as the memory controller and "glue" logic interfacing the HYDRA and the HX512. The CPLD is used to address the large 512K memory as well as act as a simple memory controller that is capable of auto increment and decrement functionality to help accelerate your code.
Transformation
Transforms the HYDRA into a full featured 32-bit computer that can host large programs, operating systems, interpreters, compilers, and more advanced games and graphics applications. Additionally, the Lattice CPLD can be re-programmed with an 3rd party programmer or one your build (instructions included on CD-ROM). By re-programming the CPLD, you can literally change the "personality" and behavior of the HX512 altering it to suit your needs as well as using the HX512 as low-cost CPLD development kit. CPLD development tool included on CD-ROM.
API Suite
In addition to the hardware is a complete software API suite consisting of both a SPIN based API and highly acclerated ASM API. Both APIs are well documented in the HYDRA XTREME 512K SRAM CARD Programming and User Manual that comes on the CD-ROM. Over 80 pages of illustrations, explanations, and source code will get you jump-started with the HX512!
The HX512 has the following features:
Supports 512K of SRAM thru a single BYTE wide bus and a handful of control lines.
Directly addressable lower 64K of SRAM.
Upper 64-512K accessible thru block reads/writes.
Programmable post increment/decrement after reads/writes allowing for high speed block access.
Most operations can be performed in a few ASM instructions.
SRAM can be accessed as fast as global (HUB) memory in many cases from within a COG.
Built in 128K EEPROM on board, so firmware can be loaded onto EEPROM rather than HYDRA main board.
Lots of LEDs for status and debugging uses!
Re-programmable CPLD along with complete instructions and designs for a DIY programmer for under $10 of parts!
By building complex models of other brains in the animal kingdom such as those of mice, cats, and primates and then moving on to humans, researchers have begun to translate the trillions of impulses that go on in our heads into readable data. In fact, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is funding a $4.9 million program to reverse-engineer the human brain in an effort to mine its computational abilities. Some scientists, including Ray Kurzweil of Kurzweil Technologies, see a future where microscopic robots will be injected into a person's blood stream, head straight for the brain, and monitor activity. Of course, with the vulnerabilities of other medical implants already well documented, we'd hate to know the consequences of someone taking control of our brain's bots.
In some respects, this is not much different from the human genome project progression. The precursor was classifying the animal kingdom and simpler organisms and look where it led..
The real potential exists for hacking machine brains as well, and in particular developing the same idea for machine bots to infiltrate the machine brain for similar purposes to monitor activity as mobile software device bots.
To quote the book reviewer: There are a couple of concepts explained in the book that I think have some direct relevance to robotics;
Page 31) Hebb's rule - "neurons that fire together, wire together".
Page 33) Priming - The concept that a firing neuron "rings" for a finite amount of time to foster association.
Page 111) How the brain tells time - The circadian clock clock is a unique biochemical feedback loop
Which leads to anticipation, learning, and biasing. What is remarkable is the potential that the reviewer
and author has recognized for machine brains.
Carrying this somewhat further, it would be interesting to develop a conversion of the human circadian
clock to a machine brain circadian clock. It could probably be accomplished without a time chip, saving
in Propeller Big Brain component count.
@Humanoido unless your payload doesn't weigh more than a piece of scotch tape - no.
Ouch! I was hoping for more than a bandaid payload. I'm sure there was a small helicopter with a tiny camera in the news a while back. ON the other hand, what applications could be developed for the mcx2 controlled by a Big Brain?
I think I disagree with ratronic payload estimate.
I think a very small camera is likely possible. I'm not so sure if a mCX2 could lift the needed battery and transmitter also.
The mSR is likely more powerful than the mCX2 but I wouldn't want to try to control if autonomously. The mCX2 is more powerful than the mCX. The mCX2 is also very stable (and looks cool). It would be my top choice for a small autonomous helicopter. I think a micro helicopter would likely need to be tethered to provide power to the heli and camera. The tether could also transmit any video back to the ground station. These micro heli aren't very useful outside*. You could have a ground support vehicle that remains with the tethered heli to provide power and relay the video. Of course it might be easier to stick a camera on top of a long rod above a ground vehicle (but not nearly as cool).
If you want a free flying aerial platform, you'll probably want to use a large heli or quadcopter.
Duane
* I flew my mCX outside once. The wind caught it and it ended up in the yard across the street with two large dobermans. I tried to use a long pole with tape on its end to retrieve the heli but one of the dogs picked it up and moved it out of reach.
When I approached the gate to see if the dogs would let me in, they made it clear they would rip me to shreds if I entered their yard.
The helicopter was a bit slobbery but undamaged when the neighbors finally came home and retrieved it for me.
@ Humanoido - Those mcx choppers really can't do much more than impress people.
EDIT: Duane I think when they designed those the weight is perfectly distributed, your right I've held in my hand at full throttle and they are impressive but how to attach anything to it and still have stable operation I'm not so sure about.
You might consider a CX2 its larger than a mCX but could handle a small camera. It does't crash well buy extra blades and parts, if you decide to try it out.
The CX2 could handle that with no problem. The mCX or mCX2 might I no longer have one. Maybe someone here who still has one could simulate the weight and see how it fly's.
That puts a temporary damper on small swarming helicopters with imaging capabilities until the payload camera package technology is improved in terms of light weight miniaturization. Maybe it's time to roll out the nanotechnology.
Comments
There's a remarkable similarity between the Big Brain's Brain Wave Monitor Machine and this 1936 Brain Wave Machine. Both use a radio amplifier. Perhaps Big Brain is more encompassing as it uses the entire radio, including the receiver, tuner, amplifier, speaker and a modern update with computerized test equipment.
Source: Popular Mechanics
Issue: Dec, 1936
Uses an ordinary radio set for brain wave amplification..
Brain Waves Are Measured with Radio Amplifier
With an ordinary radio set for an amplifier, a young scientist at London is measuring brain waves. A fairly regular electrical wave emanates from the human brain during normal thought, but the waves diminish during sleep. The intensity of the waves is measured on an electric meter, enabling research men to study the relative intensity of thought processes.
http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2008/11/13/brain-waves-are-measured-with-radio-amplifier/
Please step forward
Perhaps the field of neuroscience is subjectively and whimsically all in the mind of the beholder. A quick search on the web brings up twelve people all with claims to be the Father of Neuroscience. Can the "child of neuroscience" have that many fathers?
Hmmm, now I see several "Father of Robotics." Maybe this phenomena is nothing new.. After all, there are other cultures with their own versions of God and heros.
There are undoubtedly contributions to these fields by many people and perhaps it would be difficult at best to assign one name to claim the title. What do you think?
I am interesting in new a special topicals.
Please enter plywood after you're welcome, Matt.
Response from (phusis pandorabox) http://www.pandorabots.com/pandora/talk?botid=a225a2e01e36e26b
Do you mind if I tell other people you are interesting in new a special topicals?
Thank you for your request. Are all enter plywood after me welcome Matt?
Response from (Big Brain/ Right Brain Section)
Do you mean your name is interesting in new a special topicals?
Wow you are very polite. Ok I will add that fact about enter plywood after me to my database.
Response from (Eliza) http://www-ai.ijs.si/eliza/eliza.html
How long have you been interesting in new a special topicals?
How long have you been welcome matt?
Next topic:
Who is Albert Einstein?
Is it machine or human?
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Tiện
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Adds significant memory storage for programs, changing variables and data
EEPROM Usage & Program Storage
The card fits into the 20-pin expansion interface on the Hydra and comes with 128K x 8 serial EEPROM of non-volatile storage. (note: the Hydra already has 128K EEPROM on the board making this the second 128K EEPROM) You can store Hydra programs directly on the card with no special programming, simply insert the card, program the Hydra, and the program is stored on the card's first 32K. Then use the remaining 96K for data and or other application data generated in real-time.
Features
128 Kbytes x 8 Serial EEPROM with 400KHz access rate
Power LEDs
Full 20-pin labeled expansion slot header
Power requirements: 2.7 to 5.5 VDC
Communication: SPI Serial
Dimensions: 1 x 2 x 0.14 in ( 25.47 x 50.81 x 3.58 mm)
Operating temp range: -58 to +256 °F (-55 to +125 °C)
http://www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=36
http://www.xgamestation.com/products/hydra_flash_card/hydra_flash_card.jpg
HYDRA Asset Manager HAM
For example, with the proper software (eg. HYDRA Asset Manager HAM) you can store 4 different HYDRA programs on a single card and then "load" one of the images with a bootloader program or other application that can read the card memory.
Prototype Area
Additionally, the HYDRA 128K Memory Expansion Card has a small "prototype" area on it for thru-hole components that you can add to the card. Enough space to fit a single 8-pin thru hole device and / or extra passive components to add functionality to the card.
You say, "BIG Brain Assimilates a Parallax Propeller HYDRA: Another Propeller is added to the collective," and "128K EEPROM Added to Big Brain." But you post photos taken from other websites, rather than showing your HYDRA with its extra memory installed in the "Big Brain." It would help my incredulity -- and those of others, I'm sure -- if you provided more direct evidence for your claims, along with an example of working Spin code that demonstrates the HYDRA in action in your system.
-Phil
Amen Phil.
But I do like the sound of crickets once and a while.
Pretty cool to have the two sides of your brain carrying on a conversation.
As I was catching up on your progress, I read this.
I received a Blade mSR RTF helicopter for Christmas. It's been a lot of fun.
Since I already had several DSM2 transmitters, I decided to try to hack the small transmitter that came with the helicopter. With the help of some German hobby forum I was able to learn some of the protocol used to communicate with the transmitter. A little time with a logic analyzer and I was able to figure out a couple of missing pieces to the puzzle.
I modified FullDuplexSerial to allow a Propeller chip communicate with the transmitter. I've used the transmitter connected to a Propeller to control a helicopter with a Wii Nunchuck. This has been a lot of fun.
Besides the ability to use a variety of controllers with my helicopters, this ability to communicate with the transmitter digitally would allow autonomous control from a ground station. I've wondered about using a Wii Mote's camera to track IR LEDs installed on the helicopter.
If I try such a thing myself, I'll use a stable helicopter like a mCX.
Anyway, another possible use for the Big Brain.
Duane
ratronic:
Thanks for the stability verification!
Can this one handle a light cam as payload?
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLH2280
Horizon Hobby
Blade mCX BNF by BLADE
Thanks for the heli tips. Your work is interesting and remarkable. Is this one capable of carrying a cam payload?
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Gallery.aspx?ProdID=EFLH3000&Index=5
Blade mSR RTF by BLADE
Horizon Hobby
http://www.xgamestation.com/products/xtreme_sram/hx512_ss_01_thumb.jpg
http://www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=43
Specifications
- 128K EEPROM on board.
- 512K SRAM.
- 0-64K directly addressable by latching 2 byte address.
- 64-512K addressable by block addressing and pointer incrementing/decrementing in the memory controller.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?92884-Hydra-quot-xtreme-512k-card-quot-sram-status
HYDRA System
This completes HYDRA system giving it a full 512K SRAM and 128K byte EEPROM. It transforms the HYDRA into a full featured 32 bit computer
http://www.elexp.com/tst_7935.htm
Memory Expansion System
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HYDRA_Game_Development_Kit
A 512kB RAM expansion card, the HYDRA "XTREME 512K CARD", is available [2] and can be plugged into the expansion connector. It has two memory segments, a 64kB completely randomly accessible segment, and a 448kB linear accessible segment. During boot time the memory interface can be programmed to optionally auto-increment or -decrement the memory pointer for faster memory access. But the interface is based on a reprogrammable CPLD chip, so the access method can be re-programmed to suit the application; for most applications the chosen method is optimal for speed (for the 64kB segment) and utility. The memory expansion card also has its own 128kB EEPROM on board.
HYDRA XTREME 512K Card
The HYDRA XTREME 512K Card (HX512) completes the HYDRA system giving it a full 512K of Static RAM (SRAM) and 128K BYTE EEPROM for program storage. The interface between the HYDRA and the HX512 is made possible by a state-of-the-art Lattice ispMach 4064 Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) which acts as the memory controller and "glue" logic interfacing the HYDRA and the HX512. The CPLD is used to address the large 512K memory as well as act as a simple memory controller that is capable of auto increment and decrement functionality to help accelerate your code.
Transformation
Transforms the HYDRA into a full featured 32-bit computer that can host large programs, operating systems, interpreters, compilers, and more advanced games and graphics applications. Additionally, the Lattice CPLD can be re-programmed with an 3rd party programmer or one your build (instructions included on CD-ROM). By re-programming the CPLD, you can literally change the "personality" and behavior of the HX512 altering it to suit your needs as well as using the HX512 as low-cost CPLD development kit. CPLD development tool included on CD-ROM.
API Suite
In addition to the hardware is a complete software API suite consisting of both a SPIN based API and highly acclerated ASM API. Both APIs are well documented in the HYDRA XTREME 512K SRAM CARD Programming and User Manual that comes on the CD-ROM. Over 80 pages of illustrations, explanations, and source code will get you jump-started with the HX512!
The HX512 has the following features:
Supports 512K of SRAM thru a single BYTE wide bus and a handful of control lines.
Directly addressable lower 64K of SRAM.
Upper 64-512K accessible thru block reads/writes.
Programmable post increment/decrement after reads/writes allowing for high speed block access.
Most operations can be performed in a few ASM instructions.
SRAM can be accessed as fast as global (HUB) memory in many cases from within a COG.
Built in 128K EEPROM on board, so firmware can be loaded onto EEPROM rather than HYDRA main board.
Lots of LEDs for status and debugging uses!
Re-programmable CPLD along with complete instructions and designs for a DIY programmer for under $10 of parts!
http://www.xgamestation.com/products/xtreme_sram/hx512_ss_01.jpg
http://www.xgamestation.com/products/xtreme_sram/hx512_ss_04.png
http://www.xgamestation.com/view_product.php?id=43
By building complex models of other brains in the animal kingdom such as those of mice, cats, and primates and then moving on to humans, researchers have begun to translate the trillions of impulses that go on in our heads into readable data. In fact, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is funding a $4.9 million program to reverse-engineer the human brain in an effort to mine its computational abilities. Some scientists, including Ray Kurzweil of Kurzweil Technologies, see a future where microscopic robots will be injected into a person's blood stream, head straight for the brain, and monitor activity. Of course, with the vulnerabilities of other medical implants already well documented, we'd hate to know the consequences of someone taking control of our brain's bots.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/5-things-probably-didn-t-know-could-hacked-174330493.html
In some respects, this is not much different from the human genome project progression. The precursor was classifying the animal kingdom and simpler organisms and look where it led..
The real potential exists for hacking machine brains as well, and in particular developing the same idea for machine bots to infiltrate the machine brain for similar purposes to monitor activity as mobile software device bots.
http://buildsmartrobots.ning.com/profiles/blogs/brain-bugs-by-dean-buonomano
prof_braino:
This is a very good find -
re: "Brain Bugs" by Dean Buonomano
http://www.amazon.com/Brain-Bugs-Brains-Flaws-Shape/dp/0393076024
Reviewed by Eric Gregori
Build Smart Robots
http://buildsmartrobots.ning.com/
To quote the book reviewer:
There are a couple of concepts explained in the book that I think have some direct relevance to robotics;
Page 31) Hebb's rule - "neurons that fire together, wire together".
Page 33) Priming - The concept that a firing neuron "rings" for a finite amount of time to foster association.
Page 111) How the brain tells time - The circadian clock clock is a unique biochemical feedback loop
Which leads to anticipation, learning, and biasing. What is remarkable is the potential that the reviewer
and author has recognized for machine brains.
Carrying this somewhat further, it would be interesting to develop a conversion of the human circadian
clock to a machine brain circadian clock. It could probably be accomplished without a time chip, saving
in Propeller Big Brain component count.
Ouch! I was hoping for more than a bandaid payload. I'm sure there was a small helicopter with a tiny camera in the news a while back. ON the other hand, what applications could be developed for the mcx2 controlled by a Big Brain?
I think a very small camera is likely possible. I'm not so sure if a mCX2 could lift the needed battery and transmitter also.
The mSR is likely more powerful than the mCX2 but I wouldn't want to try to control if autonomously. The mCX2 is more powerful than the mCX. The mCX2 is also very stable (and looks cool). It would be my top choice for a small autonomous helicopter. I think a micro helicopter would likely need to be tethered to provide power to the heli and camera. The tether could also transmit any video back to the ground station. These micro heli aren't very useful outside*. You could have a ground support vehicle that remains with the tethered heli to provide power and relay the video. Of course it might be easier to stick a camera on top of a long rod above a ground vehicle (but not nearly as cool).
If you want a free flying aerial platform, you'll probably want to use a large heli or quadcopter.
Duane
* I flew my mCX outside once. The wind caught it and it ended up in the yard across the street with two large dobermans. I tried to use a long pole with tape on its end to retrieve the heli but one of the dogs picked it up and moved it out of reach.
When I approached the gate to see if the dogs would let me in, they made it clear they would rip me to shreds if I entered their yard.
The helicopter was a bit slobbery but undamaged when the neighbors finally came home and retrieved it for me.
Reviews are not great as a toy, but people with hobby experience like it.
EDIT: Duane I think when they designed those the weight is perfectly distributed, your right I've held in my hand at full throttle and they are impressive but how to attach anything to it and still have stable operation I'm not so sure about.
-Ron
Do you think it could hoist 1/3rd ounce? That's the total weight of this camera with transmitter.
http://www.rctoys.com/rc-toys-and-parts/DF-EYECAM-NTSC/RC-PARTS-WIRELESS-VIDEO-EQUIPMENT.html
Eyecam 2.4GHz Color Micro Wireless Video Camera NTSC
The CX2 could handle that with no problem. The mCX or mCX2 might I no longer have one. Maybe someone here who still has one could simulate the weight and see how it fly's.
-Ron
CX2
I just tried lifting a 9.8 gram weight with my mCX. It was much too heavy.
I doubt a mCX2 would be able to lift it either.
Duane
EDIT: also the tail is different.