NODE (wireless sensor)

NODE+ (wireless sensor platform) is a first-generation handheld sensor measuring 1 inch in diameter and 3.75 inches wide that communicates wirelessly through low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 with Apple iOS devices.[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

NODE+ has been attributed in the media as a “Swiss Army knife of sensors,”[3] similar in appearance to the “tricorder from Star Trek,”[4] and as a “powerhouse of quality sensors”[5] that can “measure anything.”[6]

In September 2014, 16 interchangeable sensor modules were available for purchase that can detect color, gases, ambient temperature, barometric pressure, motion, surface temperature and other qualities.[7]

Mobile applications that display the data transmitted by the NODE can be developed through an open application programming interface (API),[8] although mobile app developers must obtain a commercial license from Variable Inc. prior to selling a mobile app that uses Node+ sensors for commercial purposes.

Node+ is available in educational settings through a partnership with Vernier Software & Technology. NODE+ is being sold for use in classrooms and educational institutions.[9] NODE+ is also being used to support a variety of academic research studies.[10] Additionally, NODE+ is being used as a platform to help industries worldwide develop Internet of Things (IoT) strategies.[11]

NODE+ is manufactured in the United States of America.[12]

History

The NODE+ was invented and produced in 2011 by George Yu, Ph.D. in his home in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[13] Prior to founding Variable Technologies LLC as CEO, Yu worked on research and development projects with NASA and the Department of Homeland Security.[14]

NODE+ raised $76,340 on Kickstarter, $26,340 above its goal of $50,000 on March 23, 2012.[15]

CHROMA, a color-matching module, raised $39,473 on Kickstarter, $24,473 over its goal on December 7, 2012.[16]

Variable Inc. opened a second Knoxville, Tennessee office in December 2012. This office handles business development and government relations.[17][18]

At the June 2013 Cisco Live U.S. event in Orlando, Florida, Cisco Chief Futurist David Evans demonstrated NODE+ as part of a talk about using technology in an “Internet of Things” strategy, in front of an audience of approximately 20,000 people and more than 200,000 through a webcast.[19]

In September 2013, Variable Inc. announced the release of an Android-compatible NODE+ wireless sensor platform.[20] The device had been only iOS compatible.

NODE+CO2, a carbon dioxide sensing module, one of six different gas sensors in the OXA sensor family, raised $26,046 on Kickstarter, $1,046 over its goal on December 31, 2013.[21]

In June 2014, Variable Inc. launched an online hackathon competition entitled HACKANODE.

It appears at this time (9/13/2018) that Node is no longer available.

Hardware

The base unit, NODE+, includes a 9-axis motion engine: a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis magnetometer, as well as 16MB of onboard storage space. The NODE+ has dimmable blue LEDs and two module ports contains a crypto chip on the firmware. It communicates with Bluetooth 2.1 or Bluetooth Low Energy. The lithium polymer battery in the device has a battery life of 12–14 hours with continuous Bluetooth use (54 days in standby mode) and can be charged through the micro-USB port.[22]

Mobile applications

GTI Spindle VibePro: A vibration analysis diagnostic app that uses NODE+THERMA to check the surface temperature of rotational machinery.

Velos: A color matching and collecting application for the NODE+CHROMA Bluetooth interchangeable sensor platform.

Cargosense: A data and analytics service that delivers total visibility for shipped goods intended for the healthcare industry.

Vernier Graphical Analysis: Vernier Graphical Analysis and NODE+ are used by students to collect, analyze, and share sensor data in math and science classrooms.

Little Lives: Little Lives allows school personnel to check students into the classroom and detect oncoming fevers by using NODE+THERMA to record their forehead temperatures.

LRV Guru: The LRV Guru app helps calculate color contrast ratios. Color samples can be scanned with a NODE+CHROMA or manually entered using manufacturer LRV data.

Paint Pro and Paint Pro Classic: Paint Pro uses NODE+CHROMA version 1.0 and 1.1 to compare and match paint colors between different manufacturers.

Scientific Sci-Fi Scanner: NODE+ sensor is an interactive scanner that uses information and data from NASA to give you information about your surroundings using the sensors on your phone.

Aeronaut: An analog flight instrument that uses NODE+CLIMA as a variometer and altimeter.

WKC Fix-O-Meter: This app teaches overhead stability and safety to kettlebell lifters and was originally developed for world champion kettlebell lifter Valery Fedorenko.[23]

References
  1. "Variable Technologies wins Early Innovator Award". Chattanooga Business Journal. 2012-11-13. Archived from the original on 2013-01-27.
  2. https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/11/node-android/
  3. "Wonder gadget can do whatever you want with the right module". Dvice.com. 2012-06-28. Archived from the original on 2012-08-06.
  4. "Node Handheld Sensor Looks Like Star Trek Medical Tricorder". 2012-10-21.
  5. "CEA Line Shows to Feature More than 120 Innovative Tech Companies". 2012-01-24.
  6. John Tozzi (2012-12-13). "George Yu's Node Gadget Can Measure Anything". Bloomberg Businessweek.
  7. http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120524006132/en/CEA-Line-Shows-Feature-120-Innovative-Tech David Pogue's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide
  8. "Node gives your iPhone sensory input". The Unofficial Apple Weblog. 2012-12-11.
  9. http://campustechnology.com/articles/2013/08/22/vernier-variable-bring-sensor-platform-to-stem-classrooms.aspx?=CT21
  10. http://www.cs.uic.edu/~urbcomp2013/papers/Paper%2019_Devarakonda.pdf
  11. http://challenges.s3.amazonaws.com/node/Variable%202014%20Internet%20of%20NODE%20Things.pdf
  12. https://getontheshelf.walmart.com/product/1fc6/NODE-wireless-sensor-pla
  13. "Variable Technologies opens Knoxville office". 2012-12-13.
  14. "High Tech Inventor Brings High Growth Potential to the INCubator". Trend Magazine (Fall). 2012.
  15. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/108684420/node-a-modular-handheld-powerhouse-of-sensors Kickstarter.com
  16. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/108684420/node-chroma-an-accurate-bluetooth-40-color-sensor Kickstarter.com
  17. "Variable Technologies opens Knoxville office". Knoxville News-Sentinel. 2012-12-13.
  18. "Tech company expands to Knoxville". WBIR TV-10.
  19. https://www.ciscolive.com/online/connect/flowPlayer.do?url=http://d2zmdbbm9feqrf.cloudfront.net/2013/usa/GENKEY-1295.mp4
  20. https://www.engadget.com/2013/09/11/node-android/
  21. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/soldermaster/node-co2-sensor-measure-air-quality-anywhere-anyti?ref=nav_search
  22. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/108684420/node-a-modular-handheld-powerhouse-of-sensors
  23. Valery Fedorenko
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