Raspberry Pi is an innovative product from British developers. Their main goal was to promote computer education among the general population, make programming a broader and more accessible discipline and encourage more people to create something new with new technologies.
Product name Raspberry Pi means "raspberry pie", the manufacturer thus emphasized this, that this computer is intended primarily for children.
What is this invention, and what is the application of the Raspberry Pi in today's world, we will tell about it below.
Features of the Raspberry Pi computer
The Raspberry Pi is a small, single-board computer without a case. The developers encourage children and adults to pay attention not only to the use of computers, but also to study it from within, and offer to use your imagination and do something for others based on this computer.
According to the developers, the Raspberry Pi should serve the following educational purposes:
- to interest students in developing programming skills;
- to assist in the endeavors of young programmers;
- help experienced computer scientists discover new horizons, and make new advances in programming.
In the home country of the device Raspberry Pi - Great Britain, its complete set can be purchased for only 75 pounds. The set itself consists of the following components:
- the Raspberry Pi mini-computer itself;
- micro CD (8 gigabytes);
- keyboard;
- optical mouse;
- micro-adapter CD Card ;
- power supplies;
- HDMI and micro USB cables .
The first batch of Raspberry Pi was held in China, but from the end 2012 year production was completely moved to the UK, to the Pencoid plant (Wales). On the average, the factory produces about 40 thousands of Raspberry Pi minicomputers per week.
Technical characteristics of Raspberry Pi
so, What are the specifications of this unique computer without a case, let's find out:
- weight - 45 grams, freely fits in the palm of your hand;
- availability of one board;
- created on the basis of mobile microprocessor ARM11;
- minimal energy consumption and the ability to work even with solar panels;
- RAM - 512 MB;
- USB connectors (one or two depending on the model);
- the model is additionally equipped with an Ethernet port;
- clock frequency 700 MHz;
- the presence of a graphics core in the Broadcom BCM2835 processor.
Use a Raspberry Pi computer for home
The most commonly used model of the Raspberry Pi mini computer is the 215 MB of RAM with Ethernet support. There is also another modification of the device, in which the components are placed more compactly, it also has four USB ports , the number of GPIO I / O ports is much larger, in addition, no composite video output.
The scope of the Raspberry Pi computer is quite wide. Though, that this device is not very powerful, but it is a full-fledged computer. If you need a machine to solve the simplest problems, which do not require the use of powerful resources in terms of calculation, then you can safely connect the standard elements of the machine to the Raspberry Pi:
- monitor;
- mouse;
- keyboard;
- connect to any Linux distribution .
You can use the Raspberry Pi at home for the following purposes:
- creating a home media server;
- as a storage server;
- as a "brain center" for automated machines or robots;
- as a home automation server (or smart home systems).
As we see, Raspberry Pi applications for private use may vary. These are mainly narrow-profile tasks, related to the work of programmers or other developers. And if we talk about widespread use, then you should get acquainted with the features of the Raspberry Pi for home automation systems or the so-called smart home. Let's consider the practical side of this issue.
.Any home automation system or so-called smart home is quite complex and multistructured. in addition, that it is designed to execute certain scenarios, which are set by the user, it has the ability to make its own decisions in a certain abnormal situation. It is safe to say, that such a system has the makings of artificial intelligence.
Many people today apply the concept of "smart home" to everything, example:
- GSM alarm system ;
- water flow sensor;
- light control of motion sensors, etc.. d.
All these phenomena can be included in the structure of home automation, but they cannot be it alone.
Smart home home automation system) includes the following components:
- central server;
- it is connected via RS485 interface to controllers, standing in each room of the house;
- certain control devices for protection are connected to controllers, control and regulation of the system.
This network architecture of this system is good for that, that the homeowner does not need to run awkward wires from each device to the server, and you just need to connect the controllers, to which they are connected via a single UTP cable. One pair of its wires is used for the RS485 interface, and others power sensors and controllers. It is worth noting, that the structure of the work is provided as follows, what if one or more controllers fail, or even the central server will be disrupted, the operation of the system as a whole will not be affected.
And the Raspberry Pi mini-computer is the central server in this system. You need to install a Web server on it, by which any user using their mobile device (smartphone, tablet or laptop) will be able to use the usual browser to have data on all processes, occurring in the house and manage these processes. The user has access to the server by means of a login and the password through a home local area network or through a wide area network, if you enter it via Wi-Fi device.
To the serial port of the UART device by means of the coordinating device through the RS485 interface connect the controller, which are equipped with a different set of outputs or inputs. You can also connect a GPS model to the same interface and use it to access the system via mobile or landline telephone, if the user is in the zone, where there is no Internet access. Access is also allowed via password, as in the previous case. Another device on the network is a radio module, with which all radio sensors and remote controls can be connected to the general system.
so, The current version of the home automation system based on the computer Raspberry Pi consists of a central server and controllers with RS485 interface, required to communicate with the server. Their description looks like this:
- eight-channel controller, which is responsible for temperature and humidity. With its help temperature indicators and parameters of humidity from the corresponding sensors gather;
- four-channel thermostat - this controller is capable of controlling four loads, and as manually, and according to the set temperature parameters. Temperature values can be driven directly on the controller, and remotely via the web interface. Due to the presence of direct and reverse channel control modes, it can be used to control heating and cooling;
- radio model for emulation of keychains and collection of information from special sensors. It can be used to emulate five key fobs, and receive data from 10 sensors;
- universal type controller. It is equipped with four independent entrances and exits, and also has two inputs for connection of temperature sensors and humidity sensors.
Non-standard applications of Raspberry Pi
And now let's find out, how the Raspberry Pi device was used by the inventors to create innovative products. Consider some of them.
Kano constructor
The Kano constructor for children is not just an ordinary constructor, it is a modular computer, even a child can solve such a puzzle. The designer kit includes the following:
- instructions for self-assembly of PC;
- applications for self-study of the basics of programming;
- motherboard;
- details for assembly of the case;
- keyboard;
- Power Supply;
- memory cards;
- dynamic;
- cable.
So, even a child can assemble a computer himself, which connects to the monitor or TV via the HDMI port.
This designer was originally created for children, but also became popular among adults. Funds for the development and implementation of this project were raised through a platform to raise funds for creative inventions. You can do the following by assembling a computer:
- record music;
- watch videos in HD format ;
- write programs;
- create your own games.
SkyJack flying device
Other inventors have developed the SkyJack drone based on the Raspberry Pi computer, which is controlled by Wi-Fi connection. Such a device is capable of taking helicopter height, track and control the paths of military helicopters, it can also be used to intercept radio signals and interference. However, despite such opportunities, the device is allowed for mass use with its short range.
Poppy: alien robot
The Poppy robot was created using three-dimensional printing by the French company INRIA Flowers. The robot is controlled by a Raspberry Pi mini-computer. The design of the robot repeats the biological structure of man, he has joints, spine and tendons, his gait is similar to human, he walks, stepping from heel to nose and evenly control the center of gravity.
What is No More Woof?
No More Woof is a device, which is still under development, and is based on the Raspberry Pi. With its help the owner will understand, what his dog wants. So, the device will be attached to the animal's head and work on the principle of electroencephalography, that is, read the information from the dog's head and pass it to the owner using a Raspberry Pi. When such a device is ready and how it will be used, not yet known, but similar headsets, let not so perfect, already used by professional dog trainers.
Everyone sees, that with the advent of the new millennium interest in new generation computers and not only is exclusively consumer. Children do not want to learn to program and create something new, and want to be exclusively "users". The developers of the Raspberry Pi are confident, that their device will return the former interest of people in the study of computer science and force them not only to use new technologies, but also to create them.