Embedded Computing Overview

Philip van Allen

Cloud PC Tablet

PhoneDedicatedWearablesEmbedded

Server

An Ecology of Digital Systems

Clockwise, in order of closeness to the person

Programmable - IsolatedArduino

Linux ComputerRaspberry Pi/BeagleBone

Wireless SensingXbee

ID OnlyRFID

Programmable - NetworkedTessel

Linux + ArduinoArduino Tre

Range of Embedded Systems

Clockwise, in order of computing power

Sensors Actuators

Proximity Light

Switch Linear Touch

Stepper Solenoid Servo

Switch LEDs

Sensors - Analog to Digital

Environmentaltemphumiditybarometric pressurelight (brightness, color)soundmoisturechemicalcamera - object, facial recognition

Biometricheart ratebreathingblood pressureID - fingerprint, irissteps, activitysleepbrain activitychemical - nutrients, toxins, cancer, etc.

Sensors - Analog to Digital

Interaction/Movementswitch

bat, tact, floor, infrared, magnetic, etc.

proximitytouch (1D, 2D, multi)pressurepotentiometers

rotary, linear, joystick

accelerometer gyroflex/bendmotion

Heat/PIR, camera

Actuators - Digital to Analog

Behavior/motiondc motorservosteppermemory wire (nitinol)solenoid

Mediavideoaudio

Environmentalleds/lightsel wirebuzzerheating/cooling

Switchesdigital outrelay

Why Embedded Computing?

Enables new kinds of designTangible Interaction, NUI, Physical Computing, Gestural Interaction, etc.

Integrates the physical world with the digital

Escapes the screen

Embeds interaction in people’s lives