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+ has been attributed in the media as a “Swiss Army knife of sensors,”^[3] similar 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 an 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.

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