Embedded computing enables interaction beyond screens by integrating the physical and digital worlds. It includes technologies like the Internet of Things, wearables, and autonomous vehicles. Embedded systems exist on an ecology ranging from isolated devices to networked sensors to cloud infrastructure. They involve programming devices to sense environmental inputs and actuate physical outputs. Common sensors detect properties like temperature, light, and movement, while actuators control motors, displays, and other physical mechanisms.
2. WHY EMBEDDED COMPUTING?
Enables different kinds of design, escaping the screen
Tangible Interaction, NUI, Physical Computing, Gestural Interaction, etc.
Integrates the physical world with the digital
Internet of Things (IoT)
Embedded, embodied interaction in people’s lives
A non-rational, analog/emotional/intuitive kind of interaction
Computing at the “edge”
6. PROGRAMMABLE - ISOLATED
ARDUINO/CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND EXPRESS
LINUX SBC
RASPBERRY PI/BEAGLEBONE
ID ONLY
RFID
PROGRAMMABLE - NETWORKED
ESP32 HUZZAH
SINGLE BOARD PC
INTEL NUC
TYPES OF EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
WIRELESS SENSING
XBEE
9. SENSORS - ANALOG TO DIGITAL
Environmental
temp
humidity
barometric pressure
light (brightness, color)
sound
moisture
chemical
camera - object/facial recognition
Lidar - 3D mapping
Biometric
heart rate
breathing
blood pressure
ID - fingerprint, iris
steps, activity
sleep
brain activity
chemical - nutrients, toxins, cancer,
etc.
10. SENSORS - ANALOG TO DIGITAL
Interaction/Movement
switch
bat, tact, floor, infrared, magnetic, etc.
proximity
touch (1D, 2D, multi)
pressure
potentiometers
rotary, linear, joystick
accelerometer
gyro
flex/bend
motion
Heat/PIR, camera
11. ACTUATORS - DIGITAL TO ANALOG
Behavior/motion
dc motor
servo
stepper
memory wire (nitinol)
solenoid
Media
video (screen)
audio (speaker)
Environmental
leds/lights
el wire
buzzer
heating/cooling
Switches
digital out
relay