Abstract:
The system integrates a CCTV system including one or more video source units into the structured cabling system (“SCS”) of a building or the like by combining video signals, control signals and power for each video source unit over a single multipair cable made up of plural unshielded twisted pairs (“UTP”) of insulated copper conductors, so that one twisted pair of the cable carries the video signals, one pair carries the control signals and one or two pairs carry the power. The system includes combiners and distributors which can interface with the SCS cable through standard modular, multi-pin plug and jack connectors.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/438,712 filed May 15, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,193,149. This application also claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/381,906, filed May 17, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND 
   This application relates to communications systems, particularly video systems. The application relates in particular to interconnection apparatus and methods for handling all of the electrical requirements for video systems, such as Closed Circuit TV (“CCTV”) systems, including those of the types used in video security systems. 
   In the past, buildings would have several cabling systems, respectively for different types of communications systems. For example, telephone wiring was used for voice, coaxial cable for data networks, multipair cabling for RS232/RS422 control data, etc. With all of the separate costs involved, this became a very inefficient and costly way to install these systems. A solution was to install a standard cable and connector system throughout a building which could, with some additional equipment, be used to support all or most of the different types of communication systems in use in the building. This standard cable and connector system is called a “Structured Cabling System” (“SCS”). 
   The SCS is a set of cabling and connectivity products that integrates voice, data, video and various building management systems (“BMS”), such as safety alarms, security access, energy systems, etc. Characteristics of an SCS include an open architecture, standardized media and layout, standard connection interfaces, adherence to national and international standards, and total system design and installation. Typically, SCS cable is a multipair cable made up of unshielded twisted pairs (“UTP”) of insulated copper conductors. A typical SCS cable includes four such twisted pairs. A typical building has a plurality of SCS cables, perhaps dozens or even hundreds, extending throughout the building. Apart from the SCS, the voice, data, video and BMS have nothing in common, except for similar transmission characteristics (analog or digital data signals) and delivery methods (conduit, cable, tray, raceway, etc.) that support and protect the cabling. 
   Although it has existed in the SCS in various configurations, CCTV has not been integrated as a complete system into the SCS, since systems equipment has not existed that would provide the means to conveniently interface all of the various types of CCTV cameras, Pan/Tilt/Zoom (“PTZ”) systems, monitoring equipment and switching equipment into the SCS. A CCTV system typically has three different types of electrical requirements, viz., control signals which must be sent to each camera and/or PTZ device to control its operation, video data which is sent from each camera to a receiver, and AC power for powering the camera and associated equipment, such as a PTZ unit. The control signals, which are typically in accordance with the RS422 standard, but could also be RS232 or RS485 (bidirectional), have historically been handled over a cabling system distinct from the SCS, and have not been transmitted over UTP cables. 
   Sending video over UTP cable has been done using the unbalanced-to-balanced line technique (video baluns) for 20 years or more. Baluns are typically passive devices that match impedance and provide common mode rejection. Northern International Technology (“NITEK”) has improved on this basic technology by introducing unique, adjustable, active receivers that provide improved common mode rejection and longer distances for transmission of video while maintaining signal integrity and video quality. Previously, transmitting video signals over one twisted pair of SCS cable required the user to provide his own connector and interface equipment. NITEK provides an integrated system for transmitting video signals over one pair of an SCS cable, but the AC power and control signals must still be separately provided. In the security industry, UTP for transmission of video has become increasingly popular over the past five years, as more dealers have been willing to use it in CCTV installations. Problems with earlier systems using technology that was prone to drifting and, in some cases, susceptible to voltage surges, made dealers wary of the technology. Greater acceptance of this technique has come about recently due to lower cost balun devices and the convenience and size advantages of using UTP cable, as opposed to coax cable, for multiple cameras. This has resulted in larger camera projects (hundreds of cameras) using UTP. In response to these larger system requirements, NITEK introduced rack mounted systems that could accept as many as 40 inputs per rack. Such systems are currently primarily targeted for sale through the security system installer/dealer. The systems are typically stand-alone CCTV systems, either connected to existing communication cables or using new UTP cables (mostly CAT 5) installed specifically for the CCTV System. 
   Some CCTV cameras are provided with local power, i.e., a power supply adapted to be plugged into the 120-volt AC system at the camera location. But many multi-camera video systems power the cameras from a central fused power supply, power from which has, heretofore, been provided independently of the SCS. 
   SUMMARY 
   This application discloses a system for handling all the electrical requirements of a video system, which avoids the disadvantages of prior arrangements while affording additional structural and operating advantages. 
   Applicants have developed a complete CCTV interface system which combines video, control signals (data) and power (hereinafter “Combined Video system”), that is designed to easily integrate into an SCS. The Combined Video system provides the delivery of twisted pair video and RS422 signals for control functions. In addition, the Combined Video system delivers 24 VAC power for all video cameras and PTZ and focus systems, as well as other remote controlled CCTV equipment throughout the SCS. The Combined Video system is designed to operate within SCS standards and coexists within the SCS using cables, connectors and patch panels that are dedicated to the CCTV system. The Combined Video system is not a part of, nor does it connect to, the data network. 
   The Combined Video system is a unique system that provides a complete solution for integrating CCTV into an SCS. The CCTV system becomes a “self-contained” system within the SCS in that every piece of equipment is powered by the Combined Video system, either from a telecommunication closet (TC) or from the equipment room. In addition, all of the RS422 control signals are distributed to equipment in the CCTV system throughout the SCS, either from a TC or from the equipment room. In this way, the Combined Video system provides the means to connect closed circuit video data, control (RS422) signals, and power to the SCS. Using the SCS, the Combined Video system acts as a distribution interface, providing all of the equipment needed to connect video security cameras and/or PTZ equipment to the security head-end equipment (located in the equipment room). Modular multi-pin plug and jack connectors, such as RJ-45 connectors, are used throughout. The four twisted pairs of each Category 5 SCS cable are dedicated to a given camera: 1 pair for video, 1 pair for RS422 control and 2 pairs for 24 VAC supply voltage (connected in parallel). In this way a single CAT 5 cable provides power to the cameras (and domes) and distributes RS422 control signals to any PTZ domes or other remote control equipment in the system. 
   An aspect is the provision of a system to interconnect all of the equipment of a video system over copper cabling. 
   Another aspect is the provision of a system of the type set forth, which is a self-contained system, but can easily be integrated in an SCS. 
   A still further aspect is the use of a single UTP cable for delivering fused power to a video camera and associated equipment and delivering video signals from the video camera. 
   A still further aspect is the use of a single UTP cable for delivering control signals to a video camera and associated equipment and delivering video signals from the video camera. 
   Another aspect is the use of a single UTP cable for delivering fused power and control signals to a video camera and associated equipment using modular multi-pin plug and jack connectors. 
   Another aspect is the use of a single multi-pair cable for delivering power and control signals to a camera and associated equipment and delivering video signals from the camera. 
   A still further aspect is the provision of unique equipment for interfacing a multi-camera video systems with an SCS. 
   Yet another aspect is the provision of a video system which can be incorporated in an SCS utilizing standard connectors. 
   Certain ones of these and other aspects may be attained by providing a system for operating a video source unit having a video data signal output adapted for coupling to a video receiving unit and a control signal input adapted for coupling to a control unit, the system comprising: a cable, including plural unshielded twisted pairs of conductors, first coupling means at a first end of the cable for coupling a first twisted pair to the video data signal output and a second twisted pair to the control signal input, and second coupling means at a second end of the cable for coupling the first twisted pair to an associated video receiving unit and the second twisted pair to an associated control unit. 
   Other aspects may be attained by providing a system for operating a video source unit having a video data signal output of the type set forth and a power input adapted for coupling to a fused power source, the first coupling means coupling a selected twisted pair to the power input, and the second coupling means at a second end of the cable for coupling the selected twisted pair to an associated fused power source, each of the first and second coupling means including, for each coupled twisted pair, a modular multi-pin plug and jack connector. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description and claims, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified functional, block diagrammatic illustration of a single-camera application of a Combined Video system; 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagrammatic illustration of incorporation of a Combined Video system including multiple cameras into an SCS of a building; 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagrammatic illustration of a combiner device of the systems of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagrammatic illustration of one type of distributor unit used in the system of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagrammatic illustration of another type of distributor unit in the system of  FIG. 2 ; and 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic illustration of the pin arrangement in a standard RJ-45 connector. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a simplified Combined Video system, generally designated by the numeral  10 , illustrating the concepts of the system as applied to a single video source unit, such as a video camera. The system utilizes a copper, multipair communication cable  11 , which is Category 3 or better, and will typically be an existing 4-pair SCS cable at the site where the system is to be installed. While the cable  11  typically includes four unshielded twisted pairs, all of the pairs may or may not be used, depending upon the particular application. At one end of the cable  11 , which may be at a central location, such as a telecommunications closet, the cable  11  is connected, by a single multi-circuit connector, to one end of a combiner device  12 , the other end of which may be connected to a suitable fused power supply  13 , a differential video receiver  14  and a control unit  15 . The power supply  13  will, in turn, be connected to a suitable primary power source, the output of the differential video receiver  14  will be a composite video signal connected to the input of apparatus, such as monitoring or recording equipment, and the input of the control unit  15  will be connected to a source of data signals, which may be in accordance with RS232, RS422 or other suitable standards. 
   The other end of the cable  11 , which may be at a remote location, is connected by a suitable multi-circuit connector to one end of a distributor device  16 , the other end of which is connected to a video source unit which includes a fused power input  17 , a composite (NTSC or baseband) video output  18  of a video source, such as a CCTV camera, and a data input  19  of a controlled device, such as a PTZ unit, associated with the video source. 
   Significantly, the system  10  delivers power, control signals and video signals simultaneously over a single SCS multipair cable, and connects to that cable with standard connectors. In this arrangement, the video signal will be transmitted over one twisted pair of the cable  11 , the control signals will be transmitted over another twisted pair, and one or two twisted pairs will be used for power, depending upon the power requirements. 
   While, in the illustrated embodiment, the combiner device  12  is connected to only a single multi-pair cable  11  for connecting a single video source with a single video receiver, it is an aspect of the system, as will be explained more fully below, that the combiner device  12  could be connected to multiple cables  11  for connecting multiple video sources at a plurality of remote sites to plural video receivers at a central location. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a typical building installation  20  incorporating specific embodiments of the combined video system  10  in an overall arrangement incorporating multiple video sources and multiple receivers. The video system  10 , in all of its various application modes, may incorporate a number of different types of components, some of which are specially designed for the system and some of which have been pre-existing, descriptions of such components being set forth in Appendix 1. While not all of these component variations are incorporated in the installation of  FIG. 2 , that figure will illustrate the underlying principles. 
   The building installation  20  will typically include a central equipment room  21 , which may be connected, as via cabling  22 , to the copper campus backbone, if the building is one of a number of buildings in a campus arrangement, and is also connected, as by a copper riser backbone cabling  23 , to one or more telecommunications closets  30 ,  30 A,  30 B etc. These telecommunications closets may be located on different floors of a multi-story building, or a single floor of a building may have multiple telecommunications closets, depending upon the size of the floor. Disposed in the equipment room  21  may be one or more video receivers  24 , which may be in the nature of receiver module cards, two types of which, respectively designated VM 562  and VM 564 , are described in Appendix 1, and a plurality of which may be mounted in a single multi-module powered rack of the type designated RK 500  and described in Appendix 1. The equipment room  21  could house receivers simply for the building in which it is located, or could house receivers associated with video sources in other buildings of a campus arrangement. Also disposed in the equipment room  21  is a control module  25 , which may also be in the form of a rack-mounted module card, of the type designated DM 424  and described in Appendix 1. In the event the facility is provided with a fiber network, the equipment room  21  may also include a fiber receiver  26 , which may be coupled by cabling  27 , to a fiber campus backbone, and also to a fiber riser backbone  28  of the local building, which backbone may, in turn, may be connected to one or more telecommunication closets. 
   Disposed in each of the telecommunications closets is a combiner device (see  12  in  FIG. 1 ), two general types of which,  40  and  40 A, are shown in  FIG. 2  and described in Appendix 1. Thus, the telecommunications closet  30  is shown as housing a combiner  40  (designated CX 522  in Appendix 1). The combiner  40  is connected by a control cable  31  to the control module  25 , and is also connected by video cables  32  to one or more of the video receivers  24 , only one such connection being illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The cables  31  and  32  may terminate at a patch panel or the like in the telecommunications closet  30 . Also connected to the combiner  40  is a power supply  33 , which may be of the type designated PS 510  in Appendix 1, which is a 10-amp supply providing 24 VAC power for up to eight video sources and associated PTZ units. The combiner  40  is also connected, via horizontal cabling  35 , to one or more of the video sources described in connection with  FIG. 1 , two such sources being illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each being in the nature of a moveable camera  36  and associated PTZ unit  37 . The illustrated horizontal cabling  35  includes two cables, each of which is a multi-pair cable, which may be a 4-pair SCS cable  11 , each of which is connected to its associated video source through a suitable interface corresponding to the distributor device  16  of  FIG. 1 . Two different types of such distributor devices, respectively designated WM 101  and CM 103 , are described in Appendix 1 and are, respectively, designated  50  and  60  in  FIG. 2 . 
   Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , the combiner  40  includes a multi-pin connector  41 , such as a 50-pin Telco connector, which is adapted to be connected to the copper riser backbone  23 . The pins of the connector are arranged in pairs, respectively connected to output jacks  42  by video lines  43 . Each of the jacks  42  may be a standard RJ-45 jack adapted for connecting to a standard 4-pair cable. One pair of pins of the connector  41  is reserved for control signals and is connected by a line  44  to a control signal (RS422) distribution unit  45 , which is in turn connected to each of the jacks  42 . AC input power from the power supply  33  is applied to a fuse block  46 , which includes multiple fuses respectively connected in parallel to the output jacks  42 . Thus, it can be seen, that each of the jacks  42  has one pair of its terminals connected by a video line  43  to the connector  41 , one pair connected to the control signal distribution unit  45 , and at least one pair connected to AC power through a fuse of the fuse block  46 . Each jack  42  may have two of its terminal pairs connected to the fuse block  46 , depending upon the power needs. It will be appreciated that  FIG. 3  is functional diagram and the combiner  40  may be embodied in a PC board. 
   It will be appreciated that the control module  25  is connected through the connector  41  to the data line  44 , one or more video receivers  24  are connected through the connector  41 , respectively to video lines  43 , and AC power is connected to all of the fuses of the block  46 . Each of the jacks  42  is connectable to a multi-pair cable  11  (see  FIG. 1 ), which may be a 4-pair SCS cable, the other end of which is connected to a distributor device. The connector  41  may be connected by suitable jumper cable to the patch panel at which the cables  31  and  32  are terminated. Also, it will be appreciated that the horizontal cabling  35  on the building floor will, in accordance with applicable telecommunications cabling standards, typically be terminated at suitable jacks. Thus, a short jumper cable, terminated with compatible plugs, may be utilized to connect each of the jacks  42  of the combiner  40  with the associated multi-pair cable  11 . 
   Referring also to  FIG. 4 , a distributor device, in the nature of a camera interface  50  (of the type designated WM  101  in Appendix 1), is illustrated. The distributor unit or camera interface  50  has a jack connector  51  at one end thereof, which may be a standard RJ-45 connector, and is connected to the remote end of a multi-pair cable  11  ( FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that there will be one distributor unit or camera interface for each of the jacks  42  of the combiner  40  which is being used in the system. One pair of terminals of the jack  51  is connected to a video balun device  52 , which is in turn connected to a composite video jack  53 , which may be a standard coaxial BNC connector, adapted to receive a plug from the associated camera  36  ( FIG. 1 ). A second pair of terminals of the jack  51  are connected to a control (RS422) jack  54 , which may be in turn connected to the PTZ device  37  for the video camera. The final two pairs of terminals of the jack  51  are connected to a power jack  55 , which is connected to the PTZ device  37 , which is in turn connected to the camera  36 . The camera interface  50  is a wall-mountable unit adapted to be mounted at the location of the camera  36 . It will be appreciated that the camera interface  50  may be embodied in a printed circuit board. Also, it will be understood that a suitable plug-terminated jumper cable may be utilized to connect the jack  51  to a wall jack in which the associated multi-pair cable  11  is terminated. 
   Referring to FIG.  5 ., there is illustrated an alternative form of camera interface  60  (of the type designated CM  103  in Appendix 1), which may be embodied in a cable. The interface  60  includes a plug connector  61 , which may be an RJ-45 connector and is adapted to plug into a counterpart jack, which could be a wall-mounted jack terminating one of the multi-pair SCS cables  11  of the building horizontal cabling  35 . The jack  61  is, in turn, connected to a single multi-pair cable  62 , which may be an SCS 4-pair cable, which has built therein a PCB  63  in which one twisted pair of the cable  62  is connected to a video balun device  64 , which is in turn connected to a composite video jack  65 . The remaining twisted pairs of the cable  62  are “passed through” the PCB  63  for connecting directly to control input terminals of a PTZ unit  37 , and power input terminals of the associated camera  36  and/or PTZ unit  37 , as at screw terminals. 
   The telecommunications closet  30 A is similar to the closet  30 , except that it includes a combiner device  40 A, which is of the type designated CX  516  in Appendix 1, and is essentially the same as the combiner  40  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , except that it does not include the control signal distribution unit  45 . Thus, this type of combiner combines only video and power and is adapted for handling video sources, such as fixed cameras  66 , which do not have an associated PTZ unit and, therefore, do not require the associated control signals. In this case, the power to the combiner  40 A is provided by a power supply  33 A, which may be of the type designated PS  505  in Appendix 1, providing a 5-amp, 24 VAC supply for up to 16 fixed cameras. 
   The telecommunications closet  30 B is similar to the closet  30 , described above, except that in this case the combiner  40  is connected, via video and control signal lines, to a video balun hub  67 , such as that designated VH 160  in Appendix 1 which is, in turn, connected through a fiber multiplexer  68  to the fiber riser backbone  28 . 
   Because the video system  10  is completely separate from any data network in the associated building, it is unconstrained by the typical “100 meter rule” applied to horizontal runs of computer cabling in SCS installations. 
   In connecting the circuitry to the standard RJ-45 connectors, the system  10  and the building installation  20  utilize a unique pin assignment arrangement.  FIG. 6  illustrates the pin designations for a standard RJ-45 connector. As can be seen, the connector includes eight pins, respectively designated  1  through  8 . Certain connectors of the system  10  and the building installation  20 , such as the wall plate-type distributor devices WM 101 , may be difficult to distinguish from a standard wall plate for a common computer jack. Also, the systems disclosed herein may commonly be used in association with network arrangements, such as Ethernet, in a building SCS and, therefore, it is possible that Ethernet devices might accidentally be plugged into a jack of the Combined Video system. Certain pin assignment arrangements of the RJ-45 connectors could result in damage to certain Ethernet devices which were accidentally plugged into the Combined Video system. Accordingly, applicants have devised a unique pin assignment for their connectors. Ethernet networks typically use a common pin assignment arrangement, designated “T-568B.” This arrangement is set forth in Table I. In this arrangement, two of the pairs of terminals in the connector are typically unused, but could be used for a second Ethernet line or for other purposes. Also set forth in Table I is applicants&#39; pin assignments for the same type of connector. It has been found that these pin assignments will not harm Ethernet devices which are connected thereto. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
               TABLE I 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 
               T568B 
               Applicants&#39; 
             
             
               Pin 
               Assignment 
               Assignment 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               1 
               TxData+ 
               Video+ 
             
             
               2 
               TxData− 
               Video− 
             
             
               3 
               RecvData+ 
               24 VAC Common 
             
             
               4 
                 
               RS422− 
             
             
               5 
                 
               RS422+ 
             
             
               6 
               RecvData− 
               24VAC Live 
             
             
               7 
                 
               24VAC Common 
             
             
               8 
                 
               24VAC Live 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   In the illustrated embodiments, the combiners and distributor devices utilize standard RJ-45 connectors for convenience in connecting and disconnecting the Combined Video system to a building SCS. However, it will be appreciated that other types of connectors could be utilized. For example, insulation displacement connectors, such as the type commonly referred to as “punch down blocks,” could be utilized. While this would not offer the same convenience and ease of installation as the use of plug-and-socket connectors, it may be desirable in connection with certain cabling codes or standards. 
   While the disclosed embodiments are in the context of a CCTV system, it will be appreciated that the principles of the system would also be applicable to “IP” or digital, computer-based cameras, in which digital data is communicated to and from the camera. In such an application, one pair of a multi-pair cable would be used for data in one direction and another pair for data in the opposite direction. Also, while the distributor device  16  has been disclosed as a separate interface device  50  or  60 , it will be appreciated that it would also be possible to build it into the associated video source. 
   While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the Combined Video system in its broader aspects. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. 
   APPENDIX I 
   Combined Video System Components 
   Eleven basic components (building blocks) can be used to complete a Combined Video system. All eleven components will not be used in smaller systems, but it is possible to use all of the basic components in a larger system. The components are listed by their location in the SCS system: 
   Equipment Room—Head End Equipment. The Combined Video head-end equipment consists of a multi-channel rack mounted receiver system for receiving video over a copper riser backbone, from within a facility or a copper campus backbone, from other facilities.
         RK 500  Powered Rack—accepts up to 10 in any combination of VM 564 , VM 562 , DM 424 .   VM 564  Quad Active Receiver Module Card—Inserts into the RK 500  card cage—Receives video from WM 101  or CM 103 . Operates up to 3,000 feet over Category 3 or better cable. With 8 cards, provides up to 32 video inputs.   VM 562  Dual Active Receiver Module Card—Inserts into the RK 500  card cage—Receives video from WM 101  or CM 103 . Operates up to 3,000 feet over Category 3 or better cable. With 8 cards, provides up to 16 video inputs.   DM 424  Data Module Card—Distributes RS422 to up to 16 Pan/Tilt/Zoom units. RK 500  will accept 2 DM 424  cards for a total of 32 Pan/Tilt/Zoom units.
 
Telecommunication Closet (TC) Equipment
   CX 522  Crossover Interface-with RS422 Capability
           Provides means to connect horizontal runs to the copper backbone directly or to a VH 160  video hub which provides an interface to a fiber transmitter for connection to a fiber backbone.   RJ-45 connectors (one for each camera) connect to the WM 101  or CM 103  to deliver video to the copper backbone or VH 160 , RS422 to the PTZ receiver/driver and power to the camera, receiver/driver and PTZ unit.   
           CX 516  Crossover Interface—Same as CX 522 , except does not provide RS422 distribution.   VH 160  Video Balun Hub
           Passive 16 port unit, receives video from WM 101  or CM 103 ; base band video output interfaces with fiber transmission equipment for connection to a fiber riser backbone.   
           PS 505  Power Supply—5 Amp; provides 24VAC power for 16 cameras; connects to the CX 516  for distribution of power by means of RJ-45 connectors.   PS 510  Power Supply—10 Amp; provides 24VAC power for 4 cameras and P/T/Z units; connects to the CX 522  for distribution of power by means of RJ-45 connectors.
 
Camera Interface Equipment
   WM 101  Camera Interface—Wall Module; connects to the CX 516  or CX 522 ; contains a video balun transceiver that transmits to the VH 160 , VM 164  or VM 162 ; connects power to the camera, receiver/driver and P/T/Z unit and RS422 to the receiver/driver via RJ-45 connector.   CM 103  Camera Interface—In-Line Cable Module; features same as VM 101 , except does not connect via RJ-45 connector.