Chemical Sensors

LPG Gas Sensor - MQ-6 Description:

This is a simple-to-use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensor, suitable for sensing LPG (composed of mostly propane and butane) concentrations in the air. The MQ-6 can detect gas concentrations anywhere from 200 to 10000ppm.

This sensor has a high sensitivity and fast response time. The sensor's output is an analog resistance. The drive circuit is very simple; all you need to do is power the heater coil with 5V, add a load resistance, and connect the output to an ADC.

Carbon Monoxide Sensor - MQ-7

Description: This is a simple-to-use Carbon Monoxide (CO)sensor, suitable for sensing CO concentrations in the air. The MQ-7 can detect CO concentrations anywhere from 20 to 2000ppm.

This sensor has a high sensitivity and fast response time. The sensor's output is an analog resistance. The drive circuit is very simple; all you need to do is power the heater coil with 5V, add a load resistance, and connect the output to an ADC.

This sensor comes in a package similar to our MQ-3 alcohol sensor, and can be used with the breakout board below.

Pressure (touch) Sensor

Force Sensitive Resistor - Square
sku: SEN-09376

Description: This is a force sensitive resistor with a square, 1.75x1.5", sensing area. This FSR will vary its resistance depending on how much pressure is being applied to the sensing area. The harder the force, the lower the resistance. When no pressure is being applied to the FSR its resistance will be larger than 1MΩ. This FSR can sense applied force anywhere in the range of 100g-10kg.

Two pins extend from the bottom of the sensor with 0.1" pitch making it bread board friendly. There is a peel-and-stick rubber backing on the other side of the sensing area to mount the FSR.

These sensors are simple to set up and great for sensing pressure, but they aren't incredibly accurate. Use them to sense if it's being squeezed, but you may not want to use it as a scale.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 3.5"
Overall width: 1.75"
Sensing area: 1.75x1.5"

Link: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9376

Biometrics

Fingerprint Scanner

Description: The Nitgen RS232 serial fingerprint scanner is a powerful ADSP-BF531 Blackfin based system. This scanner is capable of gathering and storing unique finger prints. Simply hold your finger on the optical scanner, query the device over serial, and you will be issued a unique ID. Use that ID within your embedded system to determine access levels, time clocks, door locks, etc.

Unit includes master controller board, optical reader, and ribbon cable to connect read to controller. We are trying to get pigtail interface cables made but in the interim, you will need to create your own connection to the serial connector.

Features:
Serial at 9600bps
3.3V@200mA
Capture in 0.2s
Verification in 1.0s

Webcam Sensors

Any webcam can be programmed to receive data ranging from simple images, and motion detection, to receiving infrared signals. The data can be reinterpreted by a computer to produce an effect aside from the typical viewing of an image on a digital screen. The following examples look at using a webcam to control external responses that are an extension of the obvious capabilities of the camera.

Using Processing software with JMyron WebCamExtra open source programming, new functions and unique outputs can be produced via a webcam including motion detection, color tracking, glob distinction, and pixel addressing.

http://webcamxtra.sourceforge.net/ - JMyron home page including open source downloads and tutorials.

Myron is the cross-platform, cross-language, open source, video capture and computer vision plugin. One core C++ object gets cross-compiled as a handful of high level language "wrapper" libraries. The wrapper for Java and Processing is called JMyron. The wrapper for Macromedia Director is called WebCamXtra. The aim of the project is to keep computer vision free and easy for the new media education and arts community.

Arduino Intro including Digital and Analog Sensors

For an intro to Arduino & Processing, see the course server. I have removed these files to keep them internal to our course.

Sensors & Actuators incl Processing Code

Sensors and Actuators

Distance and Motion Sensors

The following sensors respond to the movement and proximity of an object/user. The sensor responds by sending data through a processor and into software that can analyze and determine a set response.

Infrared Proximity Sensor

Description: Analog infrared distance sensor has an analog output that varies from 3.1V at 10cm to 0.4V at 80cm. The sensor has a Japanese Solderless Terminal (JST) Connector. Combined with settings determined in the Arduino or Processing software receiving the input signal, a response can be determined.

Infrared Transmitter & Receiver

Piezo Vibration Sensor - Large with Mass

Description: This basic piezo sensor is often used for flex, touch, vibration and shock measurements. A small AC and large voltage (up to +/-90V) is created when the film moves back and forth. A simple resistor should get the voltage down to ADC levels. Can also be used for impact sensing or a flexible switch.

Comes with solderable crimp pins and a mass attached to the tip. This mass increases the sensitivity to motion.

Features:

• Flexible PVDF Piezo Polymer Film
• Wide dynamic range
• Laminated for higher voltage output
• 0.1" breadboard friendly leads

Temperature Sensors

The following is an overview of several types of different temperature sensors including digital and analog. With the connection to an arduino board, the temperature reading can be relayed through software where a range of values can produce varying output.

Digital Temperature Sensor Breakout - TMP102

Description: This is a breakout board for the incredibly small TMP102 digital temperature sensor. The TMP102 is a digital sensor (I2C a.k.a. TWI), has a resolution of 0.0625°C, and is accurate up to 0.5°C. The sensor requires very low-current, and is loaded with features.

Communication with the TMP102 is achieved through a two-wire serial interface. There is no on-board voltage regulator, so supplied voltage should be between 1.4 to 3.6VDC. Filtering capacitors and pull-up resistors are included as shown.

Features:

• 12-bit, 0.0625°C resolution
• Accuracy: 0.5°C (-25°C to +85°C)
• Low quiescent current
• 10µA Active (max)
• 1µA Shutdown (max)
• 1.4V to 3.6VDC supply range
• Two-wire serial interface

A592 Temperature Probe

This convenient analog temperature sensor used in the Applied Sensors Kit has attached wire leads, a submersible tip, and a performance range of -13 to +221° F (-25 to + 105° C).

Infrared Thermometer - MLX90614

Description: Melexis' MLX90614ESF-BAA is an infrared thermometer designed for non-contact temperature sensing. An internal 17-bit ADC and a powerful DSP contribute to the MLX90614's high accuracy and resolution. It has a huge number of applications including body temperature measurment and movement detection.

The MLX90614 provides two methods of output: PWM and SMBus (i.e. TWI, I²C). The 10-bit PWM output provides a resolution of 0.14°C, while the TWI interface has a resolution of 0.02°C. The MLX90614 is factory calibrated in wide temperature ranges: -40 to 85°C for the ambient temperature and -70 to 382.2°C for the object temperature. The measured value is the average temperature of all objects in the Field Of View of the sensor. The MLX90614 offers a standard accuracy of 0.5°C around room temperatures.

This devices comes in an industry standard TO-39 package. We're carrying the 3V version of this sensor.

Features:

• Small size, low cost
  
• Easy to integrate
  
• Factory calibrated in wide temperature range:
  
• -40 to +85°C for sensor temperature
  
• -70 to +380°C for object temperature
  
• SMBus compatible digital interface
  
• Customizable PWM output for continuous reading
• High accuracy of 0.5°C over wide temperature range (0 to +50°C for both Ta and To)
• Measurement resolution of 0.02°C
  
• Single and dual zone versions
• Simple adaptation for 8 to 16V applications
  
• Power saving mode
  
• Different package options for applications and measurements versatility
  
• Automotive grade

ePIR Motion Detecting single board computer

Description: Zilog's ePIR is a fully functional motion-detecting single-board computer (SBC). Combined on this board are a Z8 Encore! XP MCU, and a Murata passive infrared (PIR) sensor, which is shielded by a Fresnel lens. Taking advantage of the processing capabilities of the Z8 MCU, the ePIR uses a powerful new statistical processing method to provide exceptional motion detection performance.

The ePIR provides two interface modes: a simple hardware interface and more advanced serial method. If you're using the hardware interface, the motion detect (MD) pin will go low when motion is detected. In serial mode, the ePIR is read and configured using the defined set of commands - all sent asynchronously at 9600 baud (8-N-1).

The physcial interface of the ePIR is an 8-pin, 0.1" pitch male header.

Features:

• Complete, fully functional motion detection SBC including low profile Fresnel lens
• Advanced software based motion detection algorithms provide superior sensitivity and stability
• 2.7-3.6VDC operating voltage
• Typical current draw: 8.9mA
  
• Wide 5 x 5m, 60 degree detection pattern
  
• Simple hardware or advanced serial (UART) based configuration and interface
  
• Adjustable sensitivity, delay and ambient light threshold
  
• SLEEP mode for low power applications
  
• No temperature compensation required
  
• Dynamic PIR sensor stabilization minimizes power-on time
  
• Photocell input for ambient light detection in lighting applications
  
• Minimal components ensure highest possible Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)
  
• Production ready solution or develop your own custom software application
  
• Complete development system available (ZEPIR000101ZCOG)

Dimensions: 25.5 x 16.7 mm

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9587

Humidity Sensor

HIH-4030 Humidity Sensor Breakout

This is a breakout board for Honeywell's HIH-4030 humidity sensor. The HIH-4030 measures relative humidity (%RH) and delivers it as an analog output voltage. You can connect the output of the sensor directly to an ADC on a microcontroller. Plus, thanks to the sensor's near linear voltage output, the data is very easy to process.

http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9569

Touch Designer

Lemur OSC Touch Designer 077 from CPU on Vimeo.

Possibly the future of interaction between music and video. The applications of this software take performance to a new level. Future architecture might have embedded systems that could incorporate visual imagery into the skin which would respond to interior conditions such as music or performance.

Links:

http://www.derivative.ca/Blog/

On September 07th, 2009, Markus Heckmann performed with alva noto at Ars Electronica – festival for art, technology and society – in Linz, Austria, wielding TouchDesigner to execute the visual element of nicolai's 'unitxt (Derivative version)'.The prestigious festival, which is also renowned for its coveted 'prix ars electronica', awarded to alva noto in 2000 and 2001, is part of the Ars Electronica organization founded in 1979 to "spotlight the emerging digital revolution".

The Ars performance was the fourth in a series of raster-noton/derivative collaborations launched in January 2009 at Club Transmediale in Berlin and followed by subsequent shows at Mutek Montréal in May and Sónar festival in Barcelona, Spain in June with another slated for the Icograda World Design Congress in Beijing, China in October 09.

Dedicated to advancing the way we make art and visualize information and ideas, Derivative has produced live visuals and interactive art projects for a roster of international superstars that includeRichie Hawtin, Prada, Herzog & de Meuron and Rush. they have also developed major theme park attractions globally.

http://www.derivative.ca/Events/RasterNoton/

http://www.derivativeinc.com/Events/12-PradaHerzog/AboutPradaAoyama.asp

Open Sound Control (OSC) Touch Control

You can develop programs using OSC compatible programming language (i.e. Max, SuperCollider, Processing, etc.). For example, you can play the piano when you push a button and change lighting color when you move a slider. Using WiFi, the user can remotely control the software and thus manipulate an output response from anywhere around the world.

iPhone OSC Tutorial from Wuestenarchitekten on Vimeo.

Links:

http://opensoundcontrol.org/ - connect to a variety of open source code and applications

http://akamatsu.org/aka/?page_id=3408)

Touch Input Control for iPhone

TouchOSC with Processing from Mike Cook on Vimeo.

OSC to DMX testing from Ed Colmar on Vimeo.

An external touchpad device such as the iPod or iPhone can be used as an input device to control other applications via Processing software. Programming codes to run these types of applications are generally open-source, meaning they are freely available to all and are intended to be hacked (reconfigured) for the specific purposes/intentions of the designer.

LED light sensor

LED light sensing with an Arduino from Mike Cook on Vimeo.

LEDs can be used to not only to produce light but also sense the presence of light. This function enables LEDs to be programmed for responsive input functions rather than simply an output for other data collecting inputs as is generally known.

For more info: http://www.thebox.myzen.co.uk/Workshop/LED_Sensing.html

Arduino LilyPad

The LilyPad is a microprocessor that it typically used in clothing. It performs that same function as the other products in the Arduino line but with a different design. This video will give an introduction to a simple setup and basic code which can act as the basis for further exploration into the use of electronics in building systems. Arduino is a good prototyping system that should be considered as the starting point for any 'sensor'-related design interests.

Links:

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/03/craft_video_lilypad_arduino_10.html -Lilypad intro.

http://www.arduino.cc/ - Arduino homepage with links to the community and other tutorials.

http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Main/InterfacingWithHardware#Input - Overview of inputs