IoTKid

Internet Of Things

[iotkid]

Arduino Zero Pro

With the new Arduino Zero Pro board, the more creative individual will have the potential to create one’s most imaginative and new ideas for IoT devices, wearable technologies, high tech automation, wild robotics and other not yet thinkable adventures in the world of makers. The Arduino Zero Pro represents a simple, yet powerful, 32-bit extension of the Arduino UNO platform. The board is powered by Atmel’s SAMD21 MCU, featuring a 32-bit ARM Cortex® M0 core. With the addition of the Zero board, the Arduino family becomes larger with a new member providing increased performance. The power of its Atmel’s core gives this board an upgraded flexibility and boosts the scope of projects one can think of and make; moreover, it makes the Zero Pro the ideal educational tool for learning about 32-bit application development. Atmel’s Embedded Debugger (EDBG), integrated in the board, provides a full debug interface with no need for additional hardware, making debugging much easier. EDBG additionally supports a virtual COM port for device programming and traditional Arduino bootloader functionality uses.

Communication

The Arduino Zero Pro has a number of facilities for communicating with a computer, with another Arduino or other microcontrollers, and with different devices like phones, tablets, cameras and so on. The SAMD21 provides one hardware UART and three hardware USARTs for TTL (3.3V) serial communication.

The Programming port is connected to EDBG, which provides a virtual COM port to software on a connected computer (To recognize the device, Windows machines will need a .inf file, but OSX and Linux machines will recognize the board as a COM port automatically.). The EDBG is also connected to the SAMD21 hardware UART. The Serial on pins RX0 and TX0 provides Serial-to-USB communication for programming the board through the ATSAMD21G18 microcontroller. The Arduino software includes a serial monitor allowing simple textual data to be sent to and from the board. The RX and TX LEDs on the board will flash when data is being transmitted via the ATSAMD21G18chip and USB connection to the computer (but not for serial communication on pins 0 and 1).

The Native USB port is connected to the SAMD21. It allows for serial (CDC) communication over USB. This provides a serial connection to the Serial Monitor or other applications on your computer. It also enables the Due to emulate a USB mouse or keyboard to an attached computer.

The Native USB port can also act as a USB host for connected peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and smartphones.

The SAMD21 also supports TWI and SPI communication. The Arduino software includes a Wire library to simplify use of the TWI bus. For SPI communication, use the SPI library.

Programming

The Arduino Zero Pro can be programmed with the Arduino software (download).

Uploading sketches to the SAMD21 is different from how it works with the AVR microcontrollers found in other Arduino boards: the flash memory needs to be erased before being re-programmed. Upload to the chip is managed by ROM on the SAMD21, which is run only when the chip’s flash memory is empty.

Both the USB ports can be used to program the board, though use of the Programming port is recommended, due to the way the erasing of the chip is handled:

Programming port: To use this port, select “Arduino Zero Pro (Programming Port)” as your board in the Arduino IDE. Connect the Zero Pro’s programming port (the one closest to the DC power jack) to your computer. The programming port uses the EDBG as a USB-to-serial chip connected to the first UART of the SAMD21 (RX0 and TX0). The EDBG has two pins connected to the Reset and Erase pins of the SAMD21. Opening and closing the Programming port connected at 1200bps triggers a “hard erase” procedure of the SAMD21 chip, activating the Erase and Reset pins on the SAMD21 before communicating with the UART. This is the recommended port for programming the Zero Pro. It is more reliable than the “soft erase” that occurs on the Native port, and it should work even if the main MCU has crashed.

Native port: To use this port, select “Arduino Zero Pro (Native USB Port)” as your board in the Arduino IDE. The Native USB port is connected directly to the SAMD21. Connect the Zero Pro’s Native USB port (the one closest to the reset button) to your computer. Opening and closing the Native port at 1200bps triggers a ‘soft erase’ procedure: the flash memory is erased and the board is restarted with the bootloader. If the MCU crashed for some reason it is likely that the soft erase procedure won’t work as this procedure happens entirely in software on the SAMD21. Opening and closing the native port at a different baudrate will not reset the SAMD21.

Automatic (Software) Reset

Rather than requiring a physical press of the reset button before an upload, the Arduino Uno is designed in a way that allows it to be reset by software running on a connected computer. One of the hardware flow control lines (DTR) of the ATmega8U2/16U2 is connected to the reset line of the ATmega328 via a 100 nanofarad capacitor. When this line is asserted (taken low), the reset line drops long enough to reset the chip. The Arduino software uses this capability to allow you to upload code by simply pressing the upload button in the Arduino environment. This means that the bootloader can have a shorter timeout, as the lowering of DTR can be well-coordinated with the start of the upload.This setup has other implications. When the Uno is connected to either a computer running Mac OS X or Linux, it resets each time a connection is made to it from software (via USB). For the following half-second or so, the bootloader is running on the Uno. While it is programmed to ignore malformed data (i.e. anything besides an upload of new code), it will intercept the first few bytes of data sent to the board after a connection is opened. If a sketch running on the board receives one-time configuration or other data when it first starts, make sure that the software with which it communicates waits a second after opening the connection and before sending this data.The Uno contains a trace that can be cut to disable the auto-reset. The pads on either side of the trace can be soldered together to re-enable it. It’s labeled “RESET-EN”. You may also be able to disable the auto-reset by connecting a 110 ohm resistor from 5V to the reset line.USB Overcurrent ProtectionThe Zero Pro has a resettable polyfuse that protects your computer’s USB ports from shorts and overcurrent. Although most computers provide their own internal protection, the fuse provides an extra layer of protection. If more than 500 mA is applied to the USB port, the fuse will automatically break the connection until the short or overload is removed.

[iotkid]

Microsoft Azure IoT Suite

During Microsoft Convergence 2015 in Atlanta, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the Azure IoT Suite.

More and more, we’re seeing the Internet of Things (IoT) become part of the fabric of business, helping converge an organization’s assets, data and processes with people and business systems. Today, this intersection is allowing enterprises to uncover new opportunities, create new business models and transform their operations – from elevators, to particle accelerators and washing machines – to become truly digital businesses.

Microsoft’s vision is to help companies thrive in this era of IoT, delivering open, scalable platforms and services that any company, whether startup or the most established global enterprises, can use to create new value, right now. Nadella mentioned our investments in the Windows 10 IoT operating system for devices, and equally with the Azure IoT Suite, we’re bringing together a variety of Azure services to help our customers accelerate their transformation to digital businesses.

Last April, we introduced a preview of the Azure Intelligent Systems Service, designed to securely connect, manage and capture machine-generated data from sensors and devices. The response was overwhelming. We quickly increased the number of participants accepted into the preview to broaden our engagement following strong customer interest, and we introduced trainings to help partners onboard solutions faster. If the Intelligent Systems Service was a starting point, the Azure IoT Suite is its evolution and maturation – a reflection of what we learned from the feedback provided by our customers and partners throughout the preview.

The Azure IoT Suite is an integrated offering that takes advantage of all the relevant Azure capabilities to connect devices and other assets (i.e. “things”), capture the diverse and voluminous data they generate, integrate and orchestrate the flow of that data, and manage, analyze and present it as usable information to the people who need it to make better decisions as well as intelligently automate operations. The offering, while customizable to fit the unique needs of organizations, will also provide finished applications to speed deployment of common scenarios we see across many industries, such as remote monitoring, asset management and predictive maintenance, while providing the ability to grow and scale solutions to millions of “things.”

Additionally, the Azure IoT Suite will provide a simple and predictable pricing model despite the rich set of capabilities and broad scenarios it delivers, so our customers can plan and budget appropriately. This approach is aimed at simplifying the complexities that often exist with implementing and costing IoT solutions.

The Azure IoT Suite will be released in preview later this year. I encourage you to get started today with the Azure IoT services already available – such as Azure Stream Analytics, currently in preview and generally available next month. Stream Analytics enables customers to process massive amounts of real time, incoming data from “things” and services to help predict trends and automate services or responses.

We’re also expanding the Quick Start program, free half-day consultations offered with partners and Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS) to help qualifying customers identify specific business priorities, learn about Microsoft’s IoT capabilities, discover how others have benefited from implementing IoT technologies and scope a “proof of concept” unique to their business that can quickly grow into a solution ready for broad deployment. You can read more about Quick Start and other resources Microsoft is introducing to help businesses make IoT a reality here.

This week at Convergence, we are hearing from customers all over the world who are using Azure IoT services to transform their business. Take a look at this video to see what Rockwell Automation is doing. It’s a great example of the power of unifying streams of data into a larger body of actionable, predictive intelligence.

With these products and programs, we look to continue to help our customers transform their business. Stay tuned to this blog for more news about how we’re enabling companies to become digital businesses.

Originally posted by Microsoft.

[iotkid]

Samsung and the Internet of Things.

At CeBIT 2015, Won-Pyo Hong, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Electronics, delivered a keynote at 12:20 p.m. (CET) at Center Stage in Hall 8 of the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. In his speech, Hong addressed the Internet of Things (IoT) for enterprises and how Samsung is creating an innovative, open and collaborative IoT ecosystem.

“As more and more businesses adopt the Internet of Things, we have a great opportunity to enhance customer value with increased productivity and profit,” Hong said. “Significant advancements can be made in the business process through the application of IoT in inventory management, energy efficiency and more. However, we first have to overcome the challenges of platform compatibility, data analysis and security in order to accelerate IoT adoption.”

As part of its commitment to the enterprise sector, Samsung will also introduce Samsung Business, a dedicated brand that unifies Samsung’s end-to-end business solution portfolio, including tailored offerings for industry-specific uses across retail, education, hospitality, transportation, and logistics.

Samsung Business: Business Readiness for IoT Samsung Business expands and unifies all Samsung business solutions, including Samsung KNOX for security and enterprise mobility management, Samsung SMART Signage solution, Samsung printing solution, and other business offerings – all optimized for enterprise-readiness.

The Samsung Business brand deepens Samsung’s ongoing commitment to providing business solutions for with enterprise-grade security, quality and reliability for a connected world. As a trusted partner of innovation, Samsung Business enables customers to achieve their business goals now in this transformative era.

Samsung Business Solutions in Action Samsung will showcase its enterprise solutions and services across the industries of retail, education, healthcare, transportation, hospitality and finance. The six experiential zones at Samsung’s booth will highlight with diverse scenarios for customers to easily experience firsthand the user-friendly and secure experiences across Samsung devices, solutions and services.

Retail Samsung allows retailers to create seamless, engaging and unique shopping and dining experiences by offering a broad portfolio of innovative and integrated solutions across digital signage and mobile devices.

• Mirror Solution – Features a digital mirror with Samsung Smart Signage that can be configured into VideoWalls. Customers can get a clear view on all angles of the clothes they are trying on, offering a practical solution and unique shopping experience.

Education Samsung’s education solutions enrich the learning experience, enhance teaching effectiveness and allow administrators to run institutions more efficiently.

• Samsung School Solution – Provides an interactive and collaborative learning environment by integrating Samsung mobile devices with interactive learning tools. The solution makes classroom collaboration easier and more fun. Students are encouraged to actively engage in lessons through features such as screen-sharing, on-screen quizzes and digital handwriting using the S-pen. The intuitive management tools allow teachers to conveniently prepare class materials and maintain control over students’ learning devices and materials. • Samsung Cloud Print Service – An intuitive and end-to-end document workflow solution that allows teachers and students to easily handle, manage and monitor printing devices and documents to improve productivity and flexibility. • Workbook Composer for Education Vertical – Workbook Composer is an editing solution that allows scanned documents to be converted into a text document directly from the printer. People can select the areas they wish to scan, convert the areas into a file and then print the file or send it via email for further editing. It’s convenient and also a faster way to complete paperwork for educators and students.

Hospitality Samsung delivers a more personalized and seamless hotel experience, while providing an advanced infrastructure to optimize operational efficiency.

• SMART Hotel Solution – A management solution that offers a premium in-room experience, including features like auto-adjustment of room lighting and blinds for optimal brightness levels. Samsung’s sleek full HD Hospitality Displays deliver exceptional picture quality. Samsung’s SMART hotel solution provides guests with customized content on the TV screen; guests can wirelessly view their mobile content on Samsung displays and vice versa for dynamic two-way viewing. • Information Bulletin Touch – Greet guests with relevant messaging and real-time information on the vibrant 55-inch Samsung SMART Signage with touch functionality.

Healthcare Samsung develops innovative mobility solutions that enable caregivers to provide better care and empower individuals with tools that enhance overall wellness.

• Preventive Mobile Cardiac Rehabilitation – Enables real-time, continuous rehabilitation monitoring of chronic cardiac conditions, giving healthcare providers vital information required for accurate decision making and precise care delivery. This solution is comprised of Samsung GALAXY devices and the wireless BodyGuardian cardiac sensor. • Vidyo – The reach of healthcare extends beyond the walls of a hospital or clinic with video conferencing solutions from Vidyo on Samsung devices. The Samsung GALAXY and other Samsung portfolio products, using solutions based on the VidyoWorksTM platform, enable a variety of clinical services and workflows to be conducted through real-time video communication. These solutions enable patients in remote locations, including the elderly or non-ambulatory patients, to receive expedited care, and enable healthcare providers to leverage their specialists across greater populations, resulting in better outcomes and increased revenues.

Financial Services Security and customer service are at the heart of Samsung’s business solutions for the financial services industry. Samsung’s enterprise devices and automated document management solutions transform financial processes for swifter, more personalized customer service, while ensuring security at every touch point.

• Secure & Pull Printing Solution with Samsung Business Core Printing Solutions– Financial staff can work smarter with secure document handling and printing. Authorized branch personnel can use Samsung SecuThru™ Lite 2 to easily pull confidential customer documents from the Samsung Multifunction printer and release them safely with ID card authentication. SecuThru™ Lite 2 ensures that only authorized personnel can retrieve documents, safeguarding customers’ personal information and privacy, which is critical to the financial industry

Transportation Samsung’s transportation solution provides real-time information and analysis of data using digital devices for efficient delivery and transport processes. Solutions also include up-to-the-minute travel information and convenient, self-service options for an exceptional passenger experience.

• 24/7 Professional Grade Signage Solution – At airports, passengers can get real-time flight information such as arrival and departure times, flight and gate numbers with ease and accuracy in various locations on Samsung SMART Signage. Built for reliable 24/7 commercial operation for airport environments, these highly readable displays deliver sharp, crisp text and images in virtually any lighting conditions, thanks to 700-nit brightness levels.

Originally posted by Samsung for CeBIT 2015.

[iotkid]

Bttn simplest user interface

What can a button press do, definitely not only small things but it can do internet of things. While the world is running on internet and things some innovations are making the world run on internet of things. A simple button can do a lot of things actually internet of things. Everything is connected to internet while the many other are not connected. The community of IoT is striving to give the world some innovations and the here is one of the innovation called Bttn (Button).

What is Bttn?

The simplest internet user interface in the world .Bttn can control any device that is internet enabled or service with a push of a button. Bttn works with IFTTT or HTTP or messaging. Create your own notifications system, device remote control , order processing, security or family messaging solution.

How does it work?

Bttn communicates with the powerful bt.tn servers in the cloud. They dispatch messages and actions to almost any internet services so that what you want gets done. When the magic has happened the bt.tn servers notify your bttn that the deed is done.

A press of the bttn allows you to trigger preset tasks, such as ordering your favorite meal, calling for a taxi, or texting a friend to let them know you got home safely. The options for personalization are limited only to your creativity with IFTTT and Zapier, which are both pretty exhaustive.

But if bttn has a chance to really shine, it will be in the smart home. The  company has joined Openhome Labs, a smart home incubator, and as a result will connect seamlessly with all Openhome services and devices.  Adjusting the thermostat , setting security alarms, turning lights an and off, making coffee, and more, just with a push of the bttn.

This simplification of previously complex processes should enable young children and tech-shy grandparents to interact not only with the internet, but also with much larger, forthcoming, and somewhat daunting Internet of things.

The bttn can be set to trigger an action if it hasn’t been pressed within certain time window.  A series of colored LED lights at the base of the device light up red, green or yellow depending on whether a task has completed, is in progress, or has failed.