Wikipedia

NODE (wireless sensor)

NODE+ is a first-generation handheld wireless sensor platform developed by Variable Inc. The device measures approximately 1 inch in diameter and 3.75 inches in length and communicates with mobile devices using Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy technology.[1][2]

NODE+
DeveloperVariable Inc.
ManufacturerVariable Inc.
TypeHandheld sensor platform
ConnectivityUSB, Bluetooth 2.1 Bluetooth 4.0 low energy
Dimensions1 inch in diameter by 3.75 inches wide
Websitevariableinc.com

As of September 2014, NODE+ supported 16 interchangeable sensor modules capable of detecting variables such as color, gases, ambient temperature, barometric pressure, motion, and surface temperature.[3] The platform includes an open application programming interface (API) for software developers.[4] A commercial license from Variable Inc. is required for the development of commercial applications that utilize NODE+ sensors.

NODE+ has been adopted in educational settings through a partnership with Vernier Software & Technology and is used in classrooms and research institutions.[5][6] It has also been employed in industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications.[7] The device is manufactured in the United States.[8]

History

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NODE+ was developed in 2011 by George Yu in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[9] Before founding Variable Technologies LLC (later Variable Inc.), Yu was involved in research and development projects for NASA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.[10]

On 23 March 2012, NODE+ raised $76,340 through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, exceeding its $50,000 goal.[11] A subsequent campaign for CHROMA, a color-sensing module, raised $39,473 on 7 December 2012, also surpassing its target.[12]

Variable Inc. opened a second Knoxville, Tennessee office in December 2012. This office handles business development and government relations.[13][14]

In June 2013, NODE+ was demonstrated at the Cisco Live U.S. event in Orlando, Florida, during a presentation on Internet of Things (IoT) strategies.[15]

In September 2013, Variable Inc. released an Android-compatible version of the NODE+ platform.[16] The device had been only iOS compatible.

A third Kickstarter campaign, launched in late 2013 for the NODE+CO2 module—part of the OXA gas sensor family—raised $26,046, slightly above its goal.[17]

In June 2014, Variable Inc. launched a software development competition titled "HACKANODE."

As of September 2018, NODE+ no longer appears to be commercially available.

Hardware

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The NODE+ base unit includes a 9-axis motion engine (3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, and 3-axis magnetometer), 16MB of onboard storage, and two module ports. It supports Bluetooth 2.1 and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity and includes a micro-USB charging port. The device contains a crypto chip within the firmware and features dimmable blue LEDs. Its lithium-polymer battery supports approximately 12–14 hours of continuous Bluetooth use and up to 54 days in standby mode.[18]

Mobile applications

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  • GTI Spindle VibePro: Used for surface temperature analysis of machinery.
  • Velos: A color matching and data collection application.
  • Cargosense: A logistics tool for monitoring shipped goods.
  • Vernier Graphical Analysis: Used in educational environments to collect and analyze sensor data.
  • Little Lives: A school management app incorporating temperature checks.
  • LRV Guru: A tool for calculating color contrast ratios.
  • Paint Pro / Paint Pro Classic: Applications for comparing and matching paint colors.
  • Scientific Sci-Fi Scanner: An educational app that integrates environmental sensor data.
  • Aeronaut: A flight instrument app using altitude and barometric data.
  • WKC Fix-O-Meter: A fitness application for teaching lifting techniques.

References

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  1. ^ "Variable Technologies wins Early Innovator Award". Chattanooga Business Journal. 2012-11-13. Archived from the original on 2013-01-27.
  2. ^ "Node modular sensor gets Android compatible version". 11 September 2013.
  3. ^ http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120524006132/en/CEA-Line-Shows-Feature-120-Innovative-Tech David Pogue's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide
  4. ^ "Node gives your iPhone sensory input". The Unofficial Apple Weblog. 2012-12-11. Archived from the original on 2012-12-14. Retrieved 2013-01-10.
  5. ^ "Vernier, Variable Bring Sensor Platform to STEM Classrooms -".
  6. ^ "Real-time Air Quality Monitoring Through Mobile Sensing in Metropolitan Areas" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-09-08.
  7. ^ "The Internet of NODE+ Things" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-09-08.
  8. ^ "Walmart: Get on the Shelf". Archived from the original on 2014-09-08. Retrieved 2014-09-08.
  9. ^ "Variable Technologies opens Knoxville office". 2012-12-13. Archived from the original on 2014-09-08. Retrieved 2013-01-10.
  10. ^ "High Tech Inventor Brings High Growth Potential to the INCubator". Trend Magazine (Fall). 2012. Archived from the original on 2014-09-08. Retrieved 2013-01-10.
  11. ^ http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/108684420/node-a-modular-handheld-powerhouse-of-sensors Kickstarter.com
  12. ^ http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/108684420/node-chroma-an-accurate-bluetooth-40-color-sensor Kickstarter.com
  13. ^ "Variable Technologies opens Knoxville office". Knoxville News-Sentinel. 2012-12-13.
  14. ^ "Tech company expands to Knoxville". WBIR TV-10. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013.
  15. ^ Evans, David (June 2013). "Cisco Live". Cisco (Video). Archived from the original on September 10, 2014.
  16. ^ "Node modular sensor gets Android compatible version". 11 September 2013.
  17. ^ "NODE CO2 Sensor: Measure Air Quality Anywhere - Anytime".
  18. ^ "NODE: A modular, handheld powerhouse of sensors".
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