Open Source Hardware Interface for Sensors Enables Android OS based Apps

Concord Sensors Open Source Hardware Interface (CS-OSHI-1) solution uses Open Source Hardware products for sensor data communication to Android OS based smart phones or tablet computers. Using the popular method of Open Source Hardware and custom packaging delivers a flexible Sensor Interface device via USB Serial cable. The first uses include connecting Magnetic, Temperature and Pressure Sensors to data displays and logging on Motorola Droid Smartphones or Android Tablet computers.

 Applications can include simple monitoring for environmental or ambient conditions as well as closed loop control of systems. The Open Source Hardware provides Digital Input/Output, PWM, Analog Input, I2C, SPI, and UART control to allow reading and control of Analog or Digital sensor outputs. The Open Source Hardware Interface can allow control of sensor configuration or external devices, like pneumatic or electromechanical controls. Java based software controls enable display of data in numeric or graphical format on an Android tablet or smartphone. The interface device includes a Lithium Polymer rechargeable battery and charge controller circuit allowing portable operation without drawing power from the host tablet or Smartphone. A separate micro-USB charging brick is included.

One example application might be to add non-contact Infrared temperature measurement to an Android Smartphone.  In this way a technician evaluate stack temperatures, boiler operating conditions, piping or HVAC cooling performance. With additional software development the data might then be stored to the Cloud for later retrieval and reporting.

Further developments to this system will include Bluetooth wireless connectivity.