Quick Tips Before You Start Working on IOT Project

Recently me and my team has completed an IOT project where we done GPRS Thermal printer integration with POS and Mobile App. We faced certain issues in project but later on we completed it successfully. Here I am sharing some quick tips before you start working on IOT project.

Readers who are new to the concept of IOT, please read my blog here on IOT.

IOT and IOT Examples, Read here.

1) Understand your IOT device and configure it

As we know IOT is all about connecting machine to Internet. For that you must understand the device and it's configurations. Most of the devices comes with user manual so it would be easy but still sometimes manuals are difficult to understand. For example in our case printer was manufactured in China so we got manuals with some Chinese languages so we had to figure out how it works and do some manual testings to connect printer to internet and get it working. Also you must understand the protocol on which device will work. For example most of the devices use Http protocol but some also work on socket. As per you web server and web services you have to decide protocol to be used.

2) Strictly follow protocol of Device.

This is again and important thing for IOT project. All the devices have some protocol to receive data and to get data back from device. You must follow that. If you don't, then your device will not work properly.

For example in our case if we have to send some data to printer we have to follow following syntax.

"&!*1Order*Item1*Item2#";

So here 1 stands for printer action

if it's 0 that means printer will just print the order and it will be accepted by default.

1 means printer will print it and user have to take action to accept or reject.

So in this case we thought 1 is the serial number so ignored it and printer stopped working.

So it's very important to strictly follow this syntax of devices because IOT devices are very strict in terms of syntax.

3) Have Patience, It will work for sure...

When you are working with hardwares and software together it's always difficult and time consuming. You have to deal with protocols and manual of devices to make it working and for that you should have patience. Also it's testing and development is not easy. First you write some code and trigger some events and then you check if that's working with device or not. So it really needs patience. Do not get frustrated and bang the device. Have patience and keep on working on it. It will work for sure. 

5 Best Examples of Internet of Things in Real Life

What is the Internet of Things?

Now a days we hear lot about this phrase, Internet of Things or IOT. The IoT refers to the connection of devices other than typical fare such as computers and smartphones to the Internet. So any device other which is able to communicate with Internet can be referred as IOT. So your smart car, wearable devices like heart monitors, your kitchen appliances or your smart TV can be considered as IOT as it's able to communicate with internet for different purposes. So a network of internet-connected objects able to collect and exchange data using embedded sensors and any stand-alone internet-connected device that can be monitored and/or controlled from a remote location is considered as Internet of Things. IOT is really growing in market. HP did a small survey in which they estimated the rise of connected devices over the years and the results are surprising. By 2025 1 trillion devices will be connected to internet. These devices will bridge the gap between physical and digital world to improve the quality and productivity of life, society and industries. 

Here are 5 Best Examples of Internet of Things in Real Life

1) Intelligent Fridge by Samsung

The ‘Family Hub’ refrigerator is equipped with a 21.5 inch HD LCD resolution screen, which allows consumers to use a calendar, post content, pin photos or write your notes. Additionally, you can look inside their fridge at any time with the help of cameras that are embedded in the fridge itself. Lastly, healthcarethe consumer can use the fridge to purchase things online, manage recipes and compile and compare shopping lists. You can read more about it from following link.

Samsung reveals 'Family Hub' fridge 

Family Hub Refrigerator

2) Apple / Samsung Smart Watch

And the most talked company of gadgets and devices. Apple has changed the world with its inventive and ultra-modern devices. Be it phones, laptops or any other electronic device, Apple has itself strongly established. The Apple watch is the example of how advanced the technology is at Apple. Apart from time and date, the Apple watch enables you to keep a track record of your health and daily activities.  Samsung also have launched the smart watch samsung gear S3 to take on Apple watch. You can read more about this at following links.

Samsung Gear S3

Apple Watch

3) Philips-Hue Bulbs

Philips hue bulbs have now stepped into a new stage of innovation with these smart bulbs. Linked with your mobile phones, you can now actually control the intensity of lights on your fingertips. The combination of bulb with mobile technology is next thing for your home. Instead of going for different watt of bulbs to suit the mood and the environment, simply change the intensity from dim to medium to full using your phone. You can read more about it from following link.

Philips-Hue

4) Connected Mascara by L’Oreal

L’oreal is working on interactive cosmetics, able to give its customers a useful how-to content. Imagine your mascara suggests you what type of make-up should you choose to match your outfit. Insane? Actually, it may become part of our everyday reality pretty soon. You can read more about it from following link.

Connected Mascara

5) Mimo Monitors

They have been around for some time now. Mimo Monitors are not only affordable but also presents a new technology. Used for several business purposes, this loT has been making things easier, simpler and is said to be very productive. But now Mimo Monitors offers something unique and unexpected. The technology now enables you get updated to your baby’s body position, their breathing level, body temperature, response to activities and health.  More you can read it following link.

Smart Baby Nursery