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NODE (wireless sensor)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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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]
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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.
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Hardware
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]
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Mobile applications
- 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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